Friday, June 5, 2015

Nominate a Special Dad for an @NYBG Father's Day Concert + Frida Al Fresco Experience in New York City! #FridaNYBG

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Neon Sign at Cantina in The New York Botanical Garden

I think we all know by now and can all agree that Dad does not want a tie for Father's Day right?

Tired of the same old Father's Day Gift Ideas?  How about an experience instead?

Since May I have been sharing my coverage of Frida Kahlo: Art. Garden. Life at The New York Botanical Garden. I have taken more photos than I can possibly fit into one post so I will create a Pinterest Board that will be a work in progress of the experience to date. (I already made one for the Mastercard Priceless Experience with Chef Aaron Sanchez that occured at The New York Botanical Garden, if you missed that one click HERE). 

Remember when I told you all this coverage was leading up to something special for YOU? As promised, I come with a Special Giveaway!

Do you think Dad would like an experience that combines nature, art, music, and dance in a very special setting with a fun concert too?

I shared my coverage of the Media Day for the exhibition, but what I haven't yet shared and will do so now is the opening weekend of the 'evening version' of the exhibition called 'Frida Al Fresco' where the Garden comes alive after hours!

There is MUSIC:

Contemporary Mexican Ensemble Group, The Villalobos Brothers, Musical Artists in Residence and are performing at The New York Botanical Garden, Music, Live Concert, Outdoor Concert
AboveContemporary Mexican Ensemble Group, The Villalobos Brothers are Musical Artists in Residence and are performing at The New York Botanical Garden in conjunction with the Frida Kahlo - Art. Garden. Life Special Exhibition

Contemporary Mexican Ensemble Group, The Villalobos Brothers, Musical Artists in Residence and are performing at The New York Botanical Garden, Music, Live Concert, Outdoor Concert

Above: Look who joined in on the fun, a dancing Frida!

Contemporary Mexican Ensemble Group, The Villalobos Brothers, Musical Artists in Residence and are performing at The New York Botanical Garden, Music, Live Concert, Outdoor Concert

Contemporary Mexican Ensemble Group, The Villalobos Brothers, Musical Artists in Residence and are performing at The New York Botanical Garden, Music, Live Concert, Outdoor Concert, Alberto Villalobos
Above: I asked The Villalobos Brothers to sign my CD! Left: Alberto Villalobos.
 Mariachi Flor de Toloache performing live outdoors at The New York Botanical Garden for Frida Al Fresco Evenings

Above: Mariachi Flor de Toloache performing live outdoors at The New York Botanical Garden for Frida Al Fresco Evenings

There is ART:



Paper Mache Mask Sculpture designed by Alberto Villalobos of The Villalobos Brothers on display at The New York Botanical Garden
Above: Did you notice these masks were onstage during The Villalobos outdoor concert in the photos above? There is a very significant reason for that, this mask was designed and created by Alberto Villalobos himself. (By the way he also handcrafted one of the violins being used in the concert also!) I can see why they are 'Artists in Residence' - for both their artistic and musical talent it seems! Color me blown away!

7 ft tall paper mache sculpture entitled “Quetzalcoatl” (inspired by the Aztec deity and creator of mankind, and coming from the Nahuatl language meaning "Feathered serpent”)
Above: In addition to the Paper Mache Masks, there was also a 7 ft tall paper mache sculpture entitled “Quetzalcoatl” (inspired by the Aztec deity and creator of mankind, and coming from the Nahuatl language meaning "Feathered serpent”) on display, but I wasn't able to nab a shot of it.

There is DANCE:

Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden
Above: Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden

Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden




Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden
Above: Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden

Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden




Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden




Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden




Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden
Above: Calpulli Danza Mexicana at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden. They finished their performance to great applause! I took video, as soon as I upload it to YouTube I will be sure to add it!

Dancing Frida Kahlo performs alongside Mariachi Flor de Toloache at The New York Botanical Garden Frida Khalo Art Garden Life Exhibition
























Above: This dancing Frida performed alongside Mariachi Flor de Toloache. Do I get props for capturing this motion without blur or what?

Dancing Frida Kahlo performs alongside Mariachi Flor de Toloache at The New York Botanical Garden Frida Khalo Art Garden Life Exhibition




Dancing Frida Kahlo performs alongside Mariachi Flor de Toloache at The New York Botanical Garden Frida Khalo Art Garden Life Exhibition


Dancing Frida Kahlo performs alongside Mariachi Flor de Toloache at The New York Botanical Garden Frida Khalo Art Garden Life Exhibition




























Above: The person behind me who saw the preview of this shot on my camera was blown away as I was literally holding my camera up above the crowds head to get this shot! I may have been on my tiptoes the whole time so the fact the camera didn't pick up my movement and I didn't get much shake in the shot is something I have to admit that I'm kinda pleased with myself about. Maybe my calling is really to photograph dancers?

There is FOOD and DRINK:

Above: Warning, the lines for this truck are usually a bit long, but the food is prepared fresh, and is so worth the wait! Don't pass up a chance to grab some eats from La Casa Azul Food Truck! If you can't stand the wait try the Hudson Garden Grill which has a special menu in conjunction with the exhibition.

Above: This pic was actually taken with my phone because I posted it to instagram. I got quite a few likes for this one, you guys really love your food! I highly suggest the fish tacos from La Casa Azul Taco Truck!

On Father's Day there will be a special 'Canciones de mi Padre' (Songs of My Father) concert - the top selling non-English album in American History and this special performance of her landmark album of traditional Mexican folk songs will be performed under the stars by The Villalobos Brothers and Humberto Flores at The New York Botanical Garden and I want YOU to take your Dad!

MY TAKE:

I have been enjoying the exhibition and love that no two experiences have been the same. Frida Al Fresco during the evenings was such a fun and laid back way to meet new people and if you check out the event schedule they are truly mixing things up so that each visit will really offer up something unique for the visitors. 

I wanted to give you a few tips to maximize your experience:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The Paper Dresses are in Ross Hall, Ross Hall doesn't stay open late so if you are going for Frida Al Fresco during the evening, but want to see the Paper Dresses, plan to arrive a little earlier so you can hit Ross Hall first!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Photography is NOT permitted in the Art Gallery

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Large Backpacks will not be permitted on the grounds and there is no coat check, so please plan accordingly

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - La Casa Azul Taco Truck is AWESOME, the food is prepared while you wait that is why the average wait time can be very long, so if it is not to crowded when you arrive, HIT THAT before a line forms.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Your advanced admission includes a complimentary cocktail which you pick up at the Cantina. The Cantina is to your left when you walk past the ticketing. Same tip applies here as above, if it's not to crowded when you get there, get your drink then so you don't end up losing time in lines.

WIN IT:

Nominate a Special Dad (can be your Dad, Grandpa, your Husband, Your Brother, Uncle - the choice is yours) by telling us what makes him special. Is your Dad gone? If you would like to take along a special Adult Grad instead, tell us something about your special Grad.

Use the rafflecopter widget below to enter (if the widget seems 'stuck' just refresh your browser, it might have 'fallen asleep while you were reading!):

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please Note: This giveaway is only open to those 21 years of age and above. The Frida Al Fresco evenings tickets come with a complimentary Modelo Especial Draft Cerveza (beer) OR a Jose Cuervo Tradicional Margarita. (Ascending Butterfly will NOT be held responsible if you are denied access to the event or bar because winner or guest is not of age, there are NO subsitutions to this prize)

The Prize: This giveaway includes one pair of passes to Frida Al Fresco (one winner and one guest) which will allow you to enjoy the Father's Day Concert as well 2 copies of The Villalobos Brothers "Aliens of Extraordinary Ability" CD - one for you and one for your dad (this will be sent to you directly). It does NOT include airfare, hotel, parking or any additional expenses.

Who will you nominate to win this special experience? Your Dad or an Adult Grad? Why should your Dad or (adult) Grad win?

˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

46 comments:

  1. What an amazing day filled with culture. I think my husband would be over the moon to do that for a day!

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  2. What a beautiful event! I wish I was in New York. Sharing for anyone that is.

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  3. This sounds like a lot of fun. I would nominate my dad. He has worked hard his entire life to support all 5 of us kids. Even though we are all grown if we ever need anything he is a phone call away.

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  4. This is a really great giveway. I don't really have any contact with my parents, but I would nominate my grandfather if he were still around.

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  5. I had no idea this was there! I will have to take my son! And I love that pic with Alberto!

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  6. This looks so great. I did not know that this was there. I will have to pass it on to my friends in the area. Thanks for sharing.

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  7. That would certainly be a fun experience for any dad! I wish this was close to me. I'd be sure to enter!

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  8. Oh wow! Talk about a unique experience for Dad! Too bad I don't live near there or we would go!

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  9. Sounds like an awesome time. It would be something unique to do for Father's Day.

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  10. This looks like an amazing event! I love your photos.

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  11. We are always up for live music and good food, so I know my husband would really enjoy an exhibition like this. I sure wish we were closer so I could nominate him.

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  12. This looks so much fun, wish my Dad was still around. I would nominate him in a heartbeat.

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  13. This looks like a great event. I love the colorful artistic displays and things they shared. Thanks for sharing such wonderful pictures of the event with us.

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  14. Looks like such a fun event. Love the pictures and Frida was amazing.

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  15. This would be an amazing way to spend the day. I love the dresses they are so colorful and beautiful. The food looks good to.

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  16. This sounds like a lot of fun. I always love music-type events.

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  17. I just watched a movie about Frida Kahlo last week. She was such an interesting person. What a great event this sounds to be!

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  18. This is awesome. I should definitely nominate my Dad. And thanks for the opportunity to win.

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  19. I love, love, love the arts. Food, music, dance, art work, crafts...time of my life. Thankfully, hubs enjoys some of that stuff too.

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  20. That looks like it would be a blast. I love these type of events where you get to explore another culture and take in some fun music. Looks great. I've always found Frida to be so fascinating. - jeanine

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  21. Sounds like an awesome & unique Father's Day -.Beautiful artistic work and your images share so nicely - it would be a grand time!

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  22. I would love to see this! It looks like such a fun event, and a great way to celebrate art!

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  23. First just wanted to say what great photos (you can even see the movement in the dancers dress's. I love the Botanical Gardens it's such a great way to distress.
    I was able to go to the gardens for the opening day of the Frida Kahlos exhibition and had an amazing time so I'd love to take my husband for fathers day . So here's hoping I win !! Thanks for the chance !

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  24. What a great giveaway! Someone is going to really like going to this. Looks like a fun and great day.

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  25. My husband would love this! Such an awesome way to spend the day back in my hood!

    -Milena

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  26. What an amazing experience and a great giveaway! Good luck everyone!

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  27. This looks like such an awesome festival, food, dance ad art, how can you go wrong?! Too bad it's so far away.

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  28. Wow, that's a really beautiful event! I love all the vibrant colors in your photography. It seems like you had a lot of fun!

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  29. Oh, I wish I could've seen the Quetzalcoatl. I may just have to make a trip there to see it all in person myself.

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  30. This is an excellent idea! We have a great botanical garden in Phoenix! I'd love to enter, but we can't make it to NY

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  31. If the pictures are any indication this would be a perfect father's day gift

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  32. This looks like an amazing event. My husband enjoys the art shows too.

    I wish that I could go to New York. I haven't been there and have heard it's a ton of fun.

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  33. This sounds like it would be an awesome event! I love the arts and it would be something I would enjoy a lot!

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  34. This looks very interactive and fun! I am going to NY this summer I would love to expereince this!

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  35. There's no doubt that is a fun event. It offers everything from music and dance to food and art. That is something that we would love to see and experience.

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  36. I wish we would be closer to BY to enter, but sadly we are not. This looks like such a rich experience both culturally and musically.

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  37. Looks like a great time with lots to do! I'm sure my husband would enjoy it!

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  38. It looks like you had a great time!! I bet this was an awesome festival!!

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  39. Now this looks like a one of a kind experience! I am sure my husband would enjoy this trip!

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  40. I would love to go to something like that. I love Mexican dancers. I used to live in South Texas, and saw several dance troops while I was there.

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  41. This looks like a great event, especially the food and drink. I know lots of dads who would love this.

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  42. This sounds like such a great experience for a dad! I know my husband would love something like this!

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  43. Omg this looks like it was a pretty fantastic event!! I miss living near a decent city with such awesome events and culture!

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  44. Oh to only be in the area. This type of event is right up my alley! I have to see if Chicago has a similar event.

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  45. Yes, this looks like an amazing place to take dad. Mine would love all of the festive flavor!

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  46. This sounds like an amazing time and event indeed. I really don't know anyone that would enjoy this more than myself. This would make a great gift for my ex father in law who love events like this so I will have to share this with my boys. Thanks for sharing.

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