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The Ritz-Carlton hosts Dom Perignon dinner

Daily Staff Report

BACHELOR GULCH – When you think of champagne in Colorado, it’s usually the champagne powder. But this holiday season The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch will be serving a completely different and unique champagne.On Sunday, the hotel hosts a Dom Perignon dinner and holiday season pre-fixed menu at 6:30 p.m. The dinner celebrates the first release of the 1998 vintage of Dom Perignon, the first vintage release in two years. A five-course champagne-paired dinner will be hosted by Rob Casey, Dom Perignon’s ambassador in the U.S.The dinner will feature three additional vintages of Dom Perignon, the 1996 Brut, 1990 Brut Oenotheque and the 1995 Rose. The Dom Perignon prix-fixe dinner will continue until Dec. 30. The 1998 vintage will also be available by the glass exclusively at The Ritz, Bachelor Gulch through February 2006.The dinner is priced at $245 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity, and reservations are required by contacting 343-1093. Bravo! holiday gift certificates availableVail – Gift certificates are now available throughout this holiday season for tickets to the 19th season of the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival. From June 28 through Aug. 3, performances by the Rochester Philharmonic, Dallas Symphony, New York Philharmonic and chamber musicians will once again fill the Vail Valley with classical music. Order gift certificates by calling 877-812-5700. For program details, call 827-5700 or visit http://www.vailmusicfestival.org. Salvation Army announces Hamilton-Vavra concertBEAVER CREEK – The 16th annual Pat Hamilton-Peter Vavra Holiday Concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 at the Beaver Creek Chapel. All proceeds benefit the Salvation Army and its Adopt-a-Family and Holiday Food Basket programs. Last year, businesses and members of the community gave food and clothing to over 350 adopted families. In addition, over 750 holiday food baskets were distributed to people in need. Over 300 volunteers participated in gathering, organizing and preparing these baskets. The concert has raised close to $100,000 for the Salvation Army. The evening’s program combines good old-fashioned carols such as “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” with original compositions Hamilton has written over the years. Vocalist Elizabeth Wilt and flutist, Nancy Wright add warmth and harmony to the music. Jeff Layman, drums; Adam Williams, bass; and Ken Carpenter, cello, will join the group this year, and there will be a surprise guest appearance by a famous local musician. “The chapel is full of candles, greenery and such a good feeling. This concert makes Christmas,” says Marka Moser, who has attended almost every concert. Tickets are available in advance by calling Susie Davis at 926-3788. Price is $20 per person. They will also be available at the door. No reserved seating is available, so arrive early. People unable to attend the concert can volunteer or make a donation by contacting the Vail Valley Salvation Army at 926-3704. Ottmar Liebert celebrates winter holidays at the Vilar CenterBEAVER CREEK – Ottmar Liebert has put a fresh bloom on a collection of traditional, classical and new songs in his latest CD, “Winter Rose.” Holiday classics such as “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and “O Holy Night.” The CD also includes fresh interpretations of classical music, including Fauré’s “Les Roses D’Isphahan” and Tchaikovsky’s “Le Café” from “The Nutcracker.” The renowned nouveau flamenco guitarist, will be performing at the Vilar Center on Dec. 23. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $48. For more information, call (888) 920-2787 or visit http://www.vilarcenter.org.Big Beers, Belgians and Barleywines festival on tap VAIL – The sixth anniversary of the Big Beers, Belgians and Barleywines Festival is slated to kick off with an AHA Sanctioned Big Beers Homebrew Competition Judging on Jan. 6. In addition to the homebrew competition, this beer weekend includes a Brewmasters’ Dinner at the Lord Gore Restaurant, a big beers and Belgian commercial tasting Jan. 7 and educational opportunities at two specialty seminars during the tasting.For more information visit the festival Web site at http://www.BigBeersFestival.com or call High Point Brewing at 524-1092.Judging will take place Dec. 18GYPSUM – Nominations for Gypsum’s best holiday light displays are now being accepted. If you know of a festive display within a neighborhood or commercial area, call the town of Gypsum offices at 524-7514 with your nomination. Judging will take place from 6-10 p.m. Dec. 18.Now in its 12th year, the contest recognizes the efforts of numerous participants who enjoy sharing the holiday spirit with their community. Winners and honorees from the following six areas of town will be selected: Eagle River Estates/Willowstone; Old Town West of Second Street; Old Town East of Second Street; Gypsum Estates/Buckhorn Valley; Red Hill; and Cotton Ranch/Horse Pasture/Chatfield Corners.Prizes include $50 gift certificates from Alpine Bank, Castle Peak Automotive Center, Columbine Market and Stop ‘N Save; plus a $75 energy credit from Holy Cross Energy. A $100 cash award from Beveridge Real Estate will be presented to the grand prize winner.Last year there were six winners and 32 honorable mentions throughout town.Vail, Colorado


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