0211, 2011

San Francisco (Fisherman’s Wharf at Night)

Between the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge, the famous neighborhood of Fisherman’s Wharf attracts locals and tourists with its nightlife. This eScapes scene presents the relaxing skyline of San Francisco at night, with the Bay Bridge in the foreground, and a view of the restaurants and storefronts on the Wharf. Joe McBride is a smooth jazz pianist and singer. A Missouri native, McBride released his debut album in 1992 and has also toured and opened for popular R&B/jazz acts including Whitney Houston and Larry Carlton. Links San Francisco Official Travel Site San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Bay Bridge Public Information Office Joe McBride Official MySpace

0510, 2011

Indianapolis at Night

American Cities
410

After the sun sets, downtown Indianapolis has an exciting nightlife before a backdrop of beautifully-lit buildings and monuments. This eScapes video begins at the city’s Artsgarden, a free venue for art exhibits and performances. Other sights in this video include the Indiana Statehouse, just a few blocks away, and the Indiana War Memorial Plaza, including the Indiana World War Memorial, a prominent building that contains tributes to fallen soldiers and a collection of military artifacts. Larry Carlton is an award-winning guitarist and singer. A longtime studio musician, Carlton recorded on more than 100 gold albums from some of the biggest artists in pop and rock. His distinctive ascent on Steely Dan’s “Kid Charlemange” has been recognized

2209, 2011

Put-In-Bay, Ohio at Night

American Cities
522

Put-In-Bay, Ohio, on Lake Erie’s South Bass Island, is a tourist hotspot during the boating season. Put-In-Bay attracts millions of visitors each year, although its permanent population is only about 130. Once a pivotal port during the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812, this “Key West of the North” is also known for its nightlife and the many bars and pubs that light up the night with neon signs. Chris Botti is a contemporary jazz trumpeter who has become one of the top-selling instrumental artists of the 21st century. His performances blend pop, jazz, and classical music– resulting in a style that reaches beyond only jazz audiences. Links Put-In-Bay Visitors & Convention Bureau

1509, 2011

Las Vegas Strip

Known today as one of the world’s major resort and gambling cities, Las Vegas has long specialized in offering adult entertainment. For much of Vegas’s early history as a railroad boomtown, gambling (and alcohol, under Prohibition) was illegal in the State of Nevada. That was only a minor setback, however: gaming was still active on a small scale in the city’s many speakeasies. Recognizing opportunity in the influx of workers arriving to construct the Hoover Dam, Nevada legalized gambling and Las Vegas’ most famous industry took off. In only a few decades, Vegas had eclipsed the West’s other resort towns (like Galveston, Texas) and become known for its casinos, restaurants, and live entertainment. Today, Las Vegas

1508, 2011

Warsaw, Poland

World Cities & Harbors
385

Situated between Germany and Russia, Poland saw more than its share of turmoil and warfare during the 20th century. Warsaw– Poland’s capital and largest city– was especially stricken. During World War II, the German army methodically demolished about 85% of the city in retaliation for a strong-willed resistance to Nazi occupation. After the war, the people of Poland rebuilt Warsaw, even recreating its historic buildings. Warsaw is now experiencing unprecedented economic prosperity. This eScapes scene highlights the city’s nightlife. A prominent landmark featured in this video is the curved Złote Tarasy– a shopping center, entertainment venue, and office building. The high view of the city is taken from the Warsaw Palace of Culture and Science, a

0108, 2011

Moscow (Red Square at Night)

World Cities & Harbors
343

For centuries, the city of Moscow has been a seat of political influence and a focus of global attention. In the heart of Moscow lies the historic Red Square, lined with dazzling government buildings that have survived the test of time– as well as occasional war and unrest. Some of the sights here include the State Historical Museum, the St. Basil’s Cathedral, and the fortified Kremlin compound, which was originally protected by little more than a wooden fence. Ironically, the term “Red Square” does not refer to the color of the buildings or from the square’s history as a communist capital. The name comes from the Old Russian word krasnaya, which used to mean “beautiful.” However,

1907, 2011

Kansas City Rainstorm

American Cities
371

Kansas City is the largest city in Missouri and a state economic and cultural capital. This is reflected in the buildings of the downtown area. Prominent in the cityscape and featured in this eScapes video are the oblong headquarters of H&R Block and the historic Mainstreet Theater. Kansas City sits at the edge of the “Tornado Alley” of the United States. Though tornadoes in the city have been uncommon, it often experiences severe weather such as ice storms and flooding. However, less extreme storms like the one in this scene provide beautiful views of glistening city streets and dazzling lightning displays. Peter White is an English smooth jazz guitarist who played with several artists, including a

0207, 2011

Shanghai, China (Huangpu River)

World Cities & Harbors
387

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