Entertainment

After nearly five decades of singing about a war that continues to haunt a generation of Americans, legendary performer Bob Dylan finally got his chance to see Vietnam at peace.

The American folk singer and songwriter known for his anti-war anthems gave a special concert Sunday in the former Saigon, nearly 36 years after the Vietnam War ended.

Dylan, 69, jammed on stage in a black jacket, purple shirt and white hat in the warm evening air, singing favorites such as “A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall” and “Highway 61 Revisited.”

Only about half of the 8,000 seats at RMIT University were sold to a mix of Vietnamese and foreigners who danced on the grass as Dylan played guitar, harmonica and the keyboard. With more than 60 percent of the country’s 86 million people born after the war, many young people here are more familiar with contemporary pop stars like Justin Bieber.

Still, Dylan’s music during the tumultuous 1960s touched thousands of people in both nations.

“Bob Dylan’s music opened up a path where music was used as a weapon to oppose the war in Vietnam” and fight injustice and racism, said Tran Long An, 67, vice president of the Vietnam Composers’ Association. “That was the big thing that he has done for music.”

An was a student in Saigon, now called Ho Chi Minh City, during the war and took to the streets with other Communist sympathizers calling for the killing to stop. He remains a big Dylan fan and has a large collection of the singer’s records.

For some who were fighting in Vietnam’s jungles, Dylan’s music was a source of hope.

“We listened to anything that spoke of peace. We called him the peace poet,” said Stan Karber, 60, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, who served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971 and has lived in Ho Chi Minh City for the past 15 years. “I’ll be dancing here in a minute.”

The fighting ended on April 30, 1975, when northern Communist forces seized the U.S.-backed capital of South Vietnam, reunifying the country. About 58,000 Americans were killed along with some 3 million Vietnamese.

Sunday’s concert followed the 10th anniversary of the death of anti-war Vietnamese folk singer Trinh Cong Son, known as the “Bob Dylan of Vietnam.” The opening Vietnamese acts played a tribute to Son, who remains highly popular.

Dylan is one of the top foreign artists to perform in Vietnam, where big-name concerts are still rare and the Communist government maintains strict controls over expression. Dylan’s song list had to be preapproved by the government, but promoter Rod Quinton, general manager of Ho Chi Minh City-based Saigon Sound System, said no restrictions were placed on the extensive set list submitted.

Dylan received criticism earlier this week following his first-ever shows in China for allowing the Communist government there to vet his song list. Two popular anti-war songs, “The Times They Are a’Changin’” and “Blowin’ in the Wind,” were not performed at the Beijing and Shanghai shows, but it was unclear if they were submitted for consideration.

U.S.-based Human Rights Watch issued a statement saying, “Dylan should be ashamed of himself.”

“The young Dylan wouldn’t have let a government tell him what to sing,” Brad Adams, executive director of the organization’s Asia division, said in the statement. “He has a historic chance to communicate a message of freedom and hope, but instead he is allowing censors to choose his playlist.”

Dylan’s U.S. publicist referred questions to the promoters in Vietnam, who declined to comment.

Vietnam, while prospering as one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia, does not tolerate any challenge to its one-party rule. Rare protests are quickly quashed by security forces, and a spate of prominent pro-democracy activists have recently been arrested or given lengthy jail terms after calling for democracy. The government also routinely blocks access to websites considered a threat, including Facebook.

But the country, once defined by grainy images of U.S. planes dropping bombs over pockmarked jungles, has moved far beyond what Vietnamese here call the American War. Since the mid-1980s, Vietnam has embraced capitalism, and today’s Ho Chi Minh City is electric with a sea of motorbikes buzzing past shops selling everything from knockoff North Face backpacks to real Chanel bags.

A single glass skyscraper defines the city skyline, but the flurry of construction in all directions assures visitors that more change is coming.

“The chances of watching Bob Dylan live are not many, and he’s no longer young,” said Hoang Dao Cam, 42, who flew from the capital, Hanoi, for the show with five other hard-core fans. He said his father taught him English at age 6 by singing “Blowin’ in the Wind” to him. “I just cannot miss this opportunity.”

This event news story was originally published at http://www.billboard.com/news/bob-dylan-plays-vietnam-venue-only-half-1005124962.story. Got your own event story – get in touch to http://eventsecrets.com/contact/ – bringing you the latest event management news stories from around the world



Dubai, United Arab Emirates:  Leading regional and international MICE, Events and Entertainment players are confirming their participation at the premier international trade show for the Events industry in the Middle East – the Middle East EVENT Show 2011, the organisers have announced.

The show will be held from 1 – 2 June 2011 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre – the award winning, purpose built venue with modern facilities designed to host complex and large scale international events.

“The show will be a tremendous success, as we can see from the overwhelming response and interest that we have received from the industry, not only within the Middle East but also from Europe”, said Richard Brook, Exhibition Director for the Middle East EVENT Show.

Prominent exhibitors that have already confirmed their presence at the show include, “the free standings” from Germany featuring live mannequins as well as “James & Alex” with their Salsa dance Acts in the Entertainers Pavilion; “Electra” and “Matrix Party Services” will present their turnkey solutions for any corporate event or private function; “Gemini Worldwide” from Kuwait, “Byrne” and “Even2” from UAE bringing their portable structures, rigging, trussing and staging solutions to the show. In addition, prominent MICE venues as well as internationally acclaimed large scale trade event venues have also confirmed their presence. This includes Fairmont and Dusit Thani Hotels as well as Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Visitors to the show, primarily consisting of corporate event & marketing managers, as well as events and entertainment professionals, will also be able to find specialised services and products providers, such as Twig & Fig that specialises in customised invitations and stationary participating in the show all the way from USA; as well as PromoSign – one of the region’s leading full-service agencies from Egypt.

The EVENT Show will also feature the region’s biggest Awards ceremony for the Events industry, rewarding excellence in more than 20 categories. The 4^th Middle East Event Awards are expected to attract more than 200 nominations that will be recognised for their outstanding achievements in presence of more than 600 top ranking representatives and decision makers from the region’s corporate, government and events industry sectors.

In addition, the EVENT Show will be featuring a “Knowledge Zone” on the show floor where lively debates on the evolution of the events and entertainment industry will be conducted. Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and EMDI Institute of Media & Communications will be rendering their special support to the Knowledge Zone bringing together experts and who’s who of the industry to shed light and engage in discussions with industry professionals.

BACKGROUND: It is no secret that the Middle East events industry has been growing at a rapid pace.  This growth has been fuelled not only by the increased international interest in this oil rich region, but also due to its ideal location at the crossroads to Asia, Africa, Europe as well as easy access to Australasia.

A multitude of events, including trade and consumer exhibitions, international conferences and seminars, festivals and fairs, corporate and private functions and world class sporting events take place across the Middle East throughout the year. Due to massive industry demand for event related products, equipment and services; the Middle East EVENT Show was launched at the second Middle East Event Awards that were held in May this year.

The UAE government has invested heavily in promoting both the capital city – Abu Dhabi, and its well known neighbour Dubai, to a global audience. Further catapulting the region to a global audience is the 2011 grand opening of the Qatar National Convention Centre, a world-first green-technology venue and Qatar’s bid to host the 2022 World Cup™

The Middle East EVENT Show will provide a much needed platform for suppliers and service providers to meet with events industry professionals from across the region.  For the first time, the entire industry will have the opportunity to meet and network in the same arena.

The EVENT Show will be taking place from the 1-2 June 2011 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.  The established and highly successful Middle East Event Awards will now be part of the show and will take place on the 1^st June 2011.

This event news story was originally published at http://www.eventindustrynews.co.uk/2011/03/mice-events-and-entertainment-professionals-plan-meeting-at-the-premier-middle-east-event-show-in-dubai.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+event-industry-news+%28Event+Industry+News+-+An+online+magazine+and+news+blog+for+people+within+the+events+industry%29 Got your own event story – get in touch to http://eventsecrets.com/contact/ – bringing you the latest event management news stories from around the world

Women On Top

infinite possibilities
Booster Session for the New Financial Year
an interactive session with Gita Aravamu

Unbound is Gita 4th book – an attempt to understand the ‘success formula’ of businesswomen. Icons like Kiran Mazumdar Shaw and Meena Ganesh rub shoulders with entreprenuers like Rachel, a top Hair Designer; Subhashree head of an Event Management and Production Company and many others…

Her other books are Voices in MY Blood, Disappearing Daughters and The Healing.

The event will feature book readings of stories of women who have made it to the top, Q and A session on what it takes to be a successful businesswoman followed by high tea.

This event news story was originally published at http://bangalore.citizenmatters.in/events/show/3836-bok-lauch. Got your own event story – get in touch to http://eventsecrets.com/contact/ – bringing you the latest event management news stories from around the world.

By Mary Lee Ferrin

When you decide to host a murder mystery party there are some things you should look for:

• First and foremost is to stay away from scripted games. These allow no imagination or spontaneity and play more like a board game. For true enjoyment your guests need to feel immersed in the world your chosen game has created.
• Look for a theme that you think your guests would enjoy. My bestseller is Murder at the Four Deuces, which takes place in 1920′s Chicago. The reason this game is so successful is very simple and something many people don’t think about. Men are usually the first to balk at participating in this type of event. When told that they will be playing a gangster they become excited about the idea. They get to play powerful characters. It also allows them and the other guests to be bad, without actually being bad. It is exciting to be able to unleash our normally suppressed tendencies without suffering any guilt. Something we don’t want to do in real life, but relish doing in a make believe way. So whatever game you do decide on it is a good idea to choose one with good strong characters for the men.
• Look for a game that is easy to host. Most of the good games are purchased and downloaded from the Internet. There is too much to them to include in a box. This does not mean that they have to be hard to host. I operated a murder mystery theater before I developed the Dinner and a Murder game system. I knew how important it is to be able to have easy to follow instructions. The night of the party the last thing a host/ess needs is to have to scramble around trying to run the game, while making sure all the guests are happy, food is served, cleaning up.
• You get my point. A good game will have very few hosting duties associated with the game allowing the host to participate as a character also. If the host guide reads like a technical manual move on.
• Do not purchase a game that does not have an introductory file that you can read before purchasing. All games are not created equal. There are good ones and bad ones out there. You do not want to take a chance on harming your reputation by hosting a bad murder mystery party. If a site cannot give you a partial glimpse of the actual game then they are very likely hiding something.
• This introduction should contain the host guide and other details about the game that will give you a good feel for how it will work.
• While you are at the web site also look for customer comments. Of course we all know that they are not going to post negative comments on the site and could in fact make up comments. If you only see one or two line comments be leery. Customer comments can also give you great ideas for throwing your own party. I am constantly amazed by my customers creativity.
• Murder Mystery Game Kit Contents: A good kit will have everything you need to play the game. You should not have to go out and purchase elaborate props. It should have invitations, host guide, characters & evidence at the least. Game money is a plus that adds a whole new dimension to the game experience.
• Either the kit or the web site should also give you party theme ideas. Everything from menu, decorations, hairstyles, music & costumes can give a host very good ideas for their party.
• If your kit does not contain certificates you can design some yourself. It is always nice to be rewarded in the game for solving the murder, best costume, best actor etc… Certificate paper can be purchased at an office supply store and is very inexpensive.

Written by Mary Lee Ferrin owner and writer of Dinner and a Murder Mystery Games. Visit our web site at Dinner & A Murder to learn more.

by Mary Lee Ferrin
Try to plan your event at least 2 weeks in advance. You can throw a last minute party, but things will be much less stressful with careful planning.

Before sending out the Invitations it is a very good idea to call or email your guests. Tell them about your party including theme, date & time. Inform them that due to the nature of murder mystery games you need a definite R.S.V.P. before assigning characters. Let your guests know that when they confirm you are counting on them to attend.

When it comes to food easier is better. I have thrown murder mystery parties where I did all of the cooking and it made for a very stressful day and party. Unless you can have your party catered, the easiest menu is done potluck. The first time I decided to do this I worried about what my guests would think, but to my surprise they loved the idea. It gives them a chance to contribute to the party and show off their culinary skills. Just about everyone has a special dish that they excel at. If not there are always needed items that don’t require cooking skills. Drinks, ice, cups etc…
After the solution has been read it is always fun to go around the room and let each character reveal their secrets. Your guests will be amazed at what they didn’t know was going on under their noses.

This tip isn’t necessary but I have found it adds a fun element to a murder mystery party. If your party utilizes game money I ask guests to also bring a small inexpensive item. I also cruise the dollar store and spend about $30 on small, unique items. For my last party I bought butterfly houses, wind chimes, scented candles unique picture frames and other items. After the party ended we held an auction with all the items. Guests used their play money winnings to bid and purchase items.

Everyone left with a small remembrance in addition to a smile on his or her face.

Using this advice your next party is sure to be one people will talk about for weeks. So be brave. Plan a party your guests will be DYING to attend!

Written by Mary Lee Ferrin owner and writer of Dinner and a Murder Mystery Games. Visit our web site at Dinner & A Murder to learn more.

By Mary Lee Ferrin

Suddenly the lights go out and you are startled by the sound of a gunshot. The lights come back on and you see a dead man lying next to you! As you look around the room you notice some very shady characters. One of them must be the murderer, but which one is it?

This may sound like a movie, but it isn’t. You are in fact participating in an exciting murder mystery party game.

Murder Mystery Parties are becoming a very popular entertainment choice for Party Hostesses looking for something unique. Party planners want their event to be talked about in excited conversations for weeks afterwards. Your run of the mill food, music and social gathering just doesn’t garner real excitement. Hostesses are now looking for other ways to get their guest excited about attending. Many are tying Theme Parties, which can be fun. Even more fun is a murder mystery theme party.

Murder mystery games have been around a very long time and have been very popular in the UK for about 15 years. The last 2 years has seen a huge growth of interest in the USA as more people are becoming exposed to them. The first murder mystery games featured actors who portrayed characters using scripted roles. They would mingle with the guests dropping clues. These are still performed today at large fund raising events and murder mystery dinner theaters.

The next generation of games let the guests themselves play the characters but the parts were still scripted. Later boxed sets were introduced which were scripted and played out in rounds, much like a board game. While these could be enjoyable they lacked spontaneity or the ability to be creative. Everything went exactly as scripted.

Today a new genre of Murder Mystery Games is emerging. In the older versions solving the murder was the sole point of the game. Some of the new murder mystery games have many subplots. Guests will have their own nefarious agendas. Parts are no longer scripted. Instead characters receive detailed backgrounds which details their fictional relationships with other characters at the party. They also have secrets of their own which may have nothing to do with the murder that occurs. Participants take on their characters persona.

After the murder they learn certain details of the crime through evidence, eavesdropping and questioning other characters. Some games include play money, which can be used for buying information, blackmailing and other nefarious schemes. All of this leads to extensive social interaction, which is the real point of a party, isn’t it?

How many boring parties have you been to where there were small groups of people gathered together into clusters? Or even more horrifying to the host/ess are people standing around not conversing at all. This just doesn’t happen at a well-written murder mystery party. With a good game the guests get so caught up in their own schemes that they sometimes forget to even investigate the murder!

Each murder mystery game usually takes place in exotic locations and timelines. These can include gangsters in Chicago during the roaring twenties or sock hops in the fifties. You might even be taken to fictional settings. These settings allow participants to don great costumes, which allow them to more fully experience the ambience of the game.

Using this advice your next party is sure to be one people will talk about for weeks. So be brave. Plan a party your guests will be DYING to attend!

Written by Mary Lee Ferrin owner and writer of Dinner and a Murder Mystery Games. Visit our web site at Dinner & A Murder to learn more.