Bill Geist's Zeitgeist

Inspiring Future Visits

Destination Marketing in the era of COVID-19 is considered by many to be tone-deaf...and we've all seen a few headscratchers over the past couple weeks. Sheesh....

That doesn't mean that Destination Marketing stops...it's just different. It's focused more locally.

But then, there's Discover Puerto Rico which, this week, invited visitors to the island...but virtually.

This weekend, you can learn to Salsa Friday evening on Zoom, take a Cocktail Mixology Class on Saturday and a Cooking Class on Sunday, both on Instagram Live (click the image for times).

I know where I'll be Friday night (Terri's wanted me to learn to Salsa with her for years).

Once again, Discover Puerto Rico...inspired.

Singing Through Crisis

With the economy in a death spiral and the world population terrified to be within 6 feet of each other, one finds the opportunity to smile and stay connected wherever possible.

Late last week, Italians in large cities and small took to song from their balconies, forming musical Flash Mobs by the dozens. The videos that accompany this story from BuzzFeed are truly a testament to the human spirit.

San Francisco? You're up next.

Too Cool

The creative team assembled by Discover Puerto Rico is a wonder to behold. And, the hits just keep coming.

The street art in San Juan, especially in the neighborhood known as Santurce, is exceptional...but doesn't match the critical mass of other street-art rich destinations around the world. At least, not yet.

The DMO has gathered internationally recognized Puerto Rican artist Alexis Bousquet and local artists Celso González, Vero Rivera and Bob Snow to identify wall spaces throughout Puerto Rico and paint "Reserved for" signs, which will serve as larger-than-life blank canvas invitations for global street artists around the world, to feature their art alongside Puerto Rico's very own. The invitation mat is out.

Wow. Just, seriously, wow.

We can't wait to return.

 

One of the Best Theatrical Reviews Ever

Loki (Tom Hiddleston) is on Broadway in a revival of  "Betrayal." He shed a tear on stage the other night...but, was it scripted?

Enjoy, if you will, one of the best theatrical reviews I've read in years.

And, an indictment of every single person so self-absorbed that they don't turn off their mobile devices during performances.

When it's Not About the Next Election

I love Chicago. Maybe it's because I grew up in its shadow and I feel "at home" there...but, it's just such a perfect destination for the arts, culture, entertainment, sports and culinary. 

Except when you live in pockets of the city that have been ignored for decades; where crime and decay rule. That's the part of any city that breaks our heart.

Chicago has a new Mayor. And, she has a mountain to climb to fix what's wrong with her city while supporting all that is right.

A recent critique in Patch laid bare the challenges ahead. But, it also included a quote from Mayor Lori Lightfoot regarding the path forward that was as refreshing as an autumn morning: 

"And if it means that I sacrifice myself politically, so be it in pursuit of the right thing."

I so want to believe.

Everything Comes Back Around

A number of years ago, tired and late, I pulled up in front of my hotel in Wildwood NJ and let out a long sigh. It was a decidedly '60s hotel, the kind with keys (not cards) and room doors opening to the outside balcony. Not what I was expecting from the client who made the reservation.

Which was a good thing...because I was blown away as I walked into the lobby by the attention to detail the owners had exercised as they made this '60s hotel a '60s hotel. Black and white checkerboard tile floors, a jukebox, formica chairs and period lighting put a big smile on my face. Which broadened when I got to my room and found a lava lamp.

And, that's where the Howard Johnson brand has announced it's going with its remaining hotels...back to the '60s.

“Say ‘HoJo’ and people can’t help but to smile as they think back on the memories they’ve made with us over the decades,” said Clem Bence, the brand’s vice president of operations. He promises a "playful" re-design to evoke the nostalgia gene in everyone who remembers the iconic orange roofline, family road trips and fried clams.

Howard Johnson has committed $40 million to the mid-century redesign. It'll be worth every penny.

50 Years On

Woodstock. That it was 50 years ago this weekend seems impossible to those of us that were alive in the late 60s. I mean, that's half a freakin' century!

Music Friday already shared our two favorite moments from the three days of Peace & Music...Santana  & Sly. But, this weekend, let's delve into some of the more sublime moments of the festival.

Best Jam (and porn face) goes to Ten Years After.

The WTF moment when we met the amazing talent that was Joe Cocker.

The Power of Janis Joplin.

And, of course, Country Joe.

That all but Country Joe are now jamming in heaven's house band is a struggle to reconcile.

What a short strange trip it's been.

 

Paul & Joe

Paul McCartney's just completed Tour Across America continues to accumulate raves for the sensational production as well as the length of performance. We missed him when he was in Madison due to client commitments...but our friends simply raved.

On this Music Friday, we share a video from his last show in LA. This is Paul welcoming none other than Joe Walsh on stage to shred "Golden Slumbers." 

Fun.

Mustang Sally

Some called him the first "rock star" corporate CEO. The man behind the Ford Mustang and the revitalization of Chrysler, Lee Iaccoca, departed terra firma earlier this week at the age of 94. 

I'm old enough to remember the rabbit he pulled out of a hat to save Chrysler, but didn't know his back story on the iconic muscle car.

On this Music Friday, we offer a tip of the hat to the man that helped turn driving into so much fun with this version of the '60s classic "Mustang Sally" by Buddy Guy and Jeff Beck.

Tops down...

Woodstock 50

It was a cool and ambitious idea. Recreate the magic of the Woodstock Music Festival on its 50th anniversary.

But, cool and ambitious ideas often flounder...and it increasingly sounds as if the festival that promised acts such as Santana, Dead & Company, Robert Plant, Nathanial Rateliff, Gary Clark, Jr., David Crosby, Common, David Crosby and scores of others may be a no-go.

On this Music Friday, let's go back to the original (honestly, how can it be 50 years ago?) for two of the performances that defined the event for me:

Santana's "Soul Sacrifice" and Sly & the Family Stone's "Higher."

50 years later...still blisteringly relevant.