Crisp Point Lighthouse
1107, 2011

Crisp Point Lighthouse

Crisp Point Light Station, in Paradise, Michigan, was first lit in 1904 and served Lake Superior ships until it was decommissioned in 1993. The light tower perfectly complements a pristine beach and dark blue water, but the strong waves of the lake, though beautiful, can be destructive. In 1996, the lighthouse lost its entrance building to coastal erosion from the lake, and the site has been the focus of many efforts to preserve or restore the coastline. Geoff Bowman is a solo pianist. “Manhattan” is a track off his debut album, Reflections. Links Crisp Point Light Historical Society Paradise, Michigan Area Tourism Council Paradise Chamber of Commerce

Samsø, Denmark
1007, 2011

Samsø, Denmark

Samsø (pronounced sam-SOO) is a peaceful island in the middle of the country of Denmark. Largely agricultural, Samsø is known for its summer strawberry picking and early potato harvest. Much of the island is covered with wheat fields. Samsø is also noteworthy for its use of clean energy. After a government competition encouraged communities to switch to renewable energy, Samsø, which had traditionally relied on imported coal and gas, began producing more than 100% of its energy from renewable sources. The many wind turbines on the scenic landscape are monuments to the island’s change and progress. Acoustic Alchemy is a smooth jazz group from London. Originally a duo of acoustic guitarists, the band has expanded and

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<i>Quebecois</i> on St. Marys River
0907, 2011

Quebecois on St. Marys River

The Quebecois is one of the great steamship freighters of the Great Lakes. Built in 1963, this ship has carried countless loads to and from the United States and Canada. Shown in this video under the Upper Lakes Shipping fleet, the ship is now owned by the Algoma Central Corporation and was renamed Algoma Quebecois in early 2012. The St. Marys River channel connects Lake Superior with Lake Huron and is the site of the Soo Locks in the twin cities of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Ontario. The locks carry ships past the natural rapids of the St. Marys and were constructed in 1837. Ando Kal is an instrumental musician. “Ambrosia” is the first commercially

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Detroit, Michigan (Sunset from Belle Isle)
0807, 2011

Detroit, Michigan (Sunset from Belle Isle)

The skyline of Detroit, Michigan is dominated by the distinctive Renaissance Center. Best known as the world headquarters of General Motors, the seven-skyscraper complex includes the Detroit Marriott, the tallest all-hotel tower outside of Asia and the tallest building in the state of Michigan. Across the Detroit River lies Windsor, Ontario. The Ambassador Bridge to Canada, another distinctive part of the Detroit skyline, has connected the two cities since 1929. More than 25 percent of all trade between the United States and Canada crosses this bridge. Herbie Russ is a Michigan native and an accomplished saxophonist, keyboardist, vocalist, producer, and songwriter. His melodic style combines smooth jazz, urban contemporary, and pop music, and his performances can

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Mendocino Cliffs, California
0707, 2011

Mendocino Cliffs, California

Despite its population of less than one thousand people, Mendocino, California has made a name for itself as a destination for relaxation and culture. The community’s Pacific Ocean coast features the Mendocino headlands– steep cliffs and rocky landforms protruding from the sea. Beautiful views like these have supported local bed-and-breakfasts for decades and have inspired the many artists that make their home in Mendocino. Mendocino County is also known for its fine wine and impressive forests, leading it to trademark the title, “America’s Greenest Wine Region.” Alexander Zonjic has performed on stages around the world as a solo performer, with his own group, and as part of jazz great Bob James’ band. An accomplished jazz flutist,

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Heceta Head Lighthouse
0507, 2011

Heceta Head Lighthouse

Visible for up to 21 miles, the Heceta Head Light is the brightest light on the Oregon coast– not bad for a lighthouse that has been using the same fresnel lens for 117 years. The Heceta Head Lighthouse and its keepers quarters were built in 1892 and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Overlooking the rocky coast of the Pacific Ocean, the lighthouse is said to be the most photographed in the United States and is an Oregon State Scenic Viewpoint. If ocean relaxation and the historic atmosphere don’t suit you, there’s always the opportunity for ghost hunting– the lighthouse is rumored to be haunted! Brian Culbertson is a contemporary jazz instrumentalist, songwriter,

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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
0407, 2011

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

For Independence Day, eScapes brings you a look at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, site of the Second Continental Congress that approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Philadelphia is a city that has historically guided the United States towards progress. Outside of politics, the city has been a leader in industry, commerce, and, notably, tolerance. Named from the Greek for “brotherly love,” Philadelphia was early in its history a safe haven from religious persecution and later held a large African-American population during the times of slavery. Bob Baldwin is a New York-born contemporary jazz musician and producer. He is a music composer, pianist, record producer, and musical arranger with over three decades of entertainment experience. His

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Yosemite National Park
0307, 2011

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park needs no introduction to naturalists and anyone who appreciates breathtaking scenery. Established as a national park in 1890, Yosemite Valley is a spectacular showcase of geology and ecology. The unique terrain of Yosemite National Park is the result of millions of years of uplifting granite combined with the immense stress of massive glaciers, which carved the rock into the sheer cliffs that are the Yosemite signature. Waterfalls are common and the park’s biodiversity is challenged by few places in North America. A destination for rock climbing, hiking, skiing, biking, rafting, and just about any outdoor activity imaginable, Yosemite National Park is as perfect for those seeking excitement as those seeking relaxation. Ronny Jordan

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Shanghai, China (Huangpu River)
0207, 2011

Shanghai, China (Huangpu River)

This brilliant look at the Huangpu Riverfront in Shanghai, China demonstrates why the city has become the premier economic and cultural center in mainland China. Here, two sides of Shanghai come together. The Bund– a mile-long riverfront filled with mostly historical buildings and traditional architecture– sits opposite the Pudong District, Shanghai’s modern commercial district. The Pudong skyline includes the two tallest buildings in all of China: the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center. As the huge amount of sightseers may suggest, this area is now one of the most popular travel destinations in Shanghai. Bob James is recognized for his role in establishing smooth jazz music. His influence on the genre is

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Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
0107, 2011

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

There are few landscapes as dramatic as the American West, and few drives as stunning as Utah’s Scenic Byway 12. Passing through many of Utah’s natural wonders, the United States Government has designated Route 12 an “All-American Road” for its beautiful scenery and for being a “destination unto itself.” The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument covers 1.9 million acres. Millions of years of geologic stress have folded the Grand Staircase region into stunning cliffs and unique landforms. The geologic history evident in the these rock formations is the basis for Route 12’s nickname, “A Journey Through Time.” Halcyon Shore is a husband-and-wife musical duo that specializes in uplifting instrumental rock. “The premier cinematic concert experience,” Halcyon Shore’s

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