0508, 2011

Washington, D.C. Cherry Blossoms

Just as cherry trees feature in the traditional stories of George Washington, they have become a tradition in the capital that bears his name. In 1912, the mayor of Tokyo gifted 3,000 flowering cherry trees to the city of Washington, D.C. Since then, periodic gifts of trees between Japan and the United States have been symbolic of goodwill between the two countries. Every spring, the blooming Yoshino cherry blossoms perfectly frame the monuments near Washington’s Tidal Basin with their distinctive white and pink petals. The occasion is complemented by celebrations, special events, and thousands of visitors looking to enjoy the ambience in their own way. In 2012, the National Cherry Blossom Festival will be observing the

1307, 2011

Portland, Oregon River Ride

American Cities
437

The 187-mile-long Willamette River runs through downtown Portland, Oregon, where it is spanned by eleven bridges. Many of these bridges hold world records or set records when constructed. The Steel Bridge, featured in this scene, is the second-oldest vertical-lift bridge in the world– second only to the Hawthorne Bridge a little farther downriver. In this video, eScapes takes you on a late-afternoon ride down the river from the Broadway Bridge past the double-lift Steel Bridge. Sitting in the channel are the Korean freighter Eastern Queen and the Italian Michele Bottiglieri, reminders of Portland’s role as an aptly-named port city. Euge Groove is a smooth jazz saxophonist who has lent his talent to recordings and tours from

1207, 2011

London (Palace and Cathedral)

World Cities & Harbors
483

London is an undisputed global city. Its historical significance and broad influence might only be challenged by Rome, and its importance in modern times only rivaled by New York. This eScapes video features London’s most famous landmark– the Palace of Westminster and the iconic “Big Ben” clock tower. Although the Palace in its current form was only constructed in the mid-1800s, its site on the Thames River has been home to the seat of English power since the eleventh century. Also seen is St. Paul’s Cathedral, a 17th-century architectural accomplishment that helped inspire the style of the United States Capitol building. Bob Mamet is an internationally-acclaimed jazz pianist and composer. Incorporating vibrant and diverse styles into

0907, 2011

Quebecois on St. Marys River

Shipwatching
462

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

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

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

0207, 2011

Shanghai, China (Huangpu River)

World Cities & Harbors
516

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