0409, 2011

Point Aux Barques Lighthouse

Lighthouses
572

Built in 1847 to warn ships of a dangerous reef, Point Aux Barques Lighthouse in Port Hope, Michigan originally stood for only nine years before being razed and rebuilt. The original construction had used inferior materials that could not withstand the stress of severe weather. The new tower and keeper’s dwelling that stands today was finished in 1857. Its third-order fresnel lens, with an electric light since 1932, still serves Lake Huron ships. Fully automated since the 1950s, the lighthouse is now part of a park and museum. Chuck Loeb is a guitarist, composer, and producer. Known for his smooth jazz recordings, he is a versatile artist who has explored various other musical styles including classical

0309, 2011

Beaver Bay Falls, Minnesota

Scenic Earth
562

Most of the impressive waterfalls in the United States are well-documented and well-traveled. Many are located in parks and some even have a infrastructure or nearby tourism economy to accommodate sightseeing. The falls of the Beaver River in Minnesota is not one of these falls. Right next to the city of Beaver Bay– population 181– these falls flow under Minnesota Highway 61 and empty into Lake Superior. If not for the relative isolation of Lake Superior’s North Shore, it’s hard to imagine these beautiful and dramatic falls wouldn’t be more famous. Gregg Karukas is a contemporary jazz keyboardist. After launching his solo career in the 1980s, Karukas formed a band that featured Dave Koz and Boney

0109, 2011

San Diego, California

American Cities
624

San Diego, California has a close relationship to the Pacific Ocean it sits on. A popular destination for boating, surfing, and fishing, San Diego also houses the U.S. Navy’s largest base on the West Coast. This eScapes scene begins with a view of a modern fish bones sculpture adorning Embarcadero Marina Park. Seaport Village, an open-air commercial mall on the seaside, can be seen in the background. This sample video ends with a reverse view of the San Diego skyline from Coronado Island, just across San Diego Bay from downtown. Most of the city’s skyscrapers are close to the same height– due to the proximity of San Diego International Airport, they’re limited to 500 feet– but

2908, 2011

Tulsa, Oklahoma

American Cities
576

Tusla– Oklahoma’s second-largest city– has long been a hub on the oil industry, but is now transitioning to a service-based economy with an emphasis on culture. This eScapes tour of Tulsa begins with a relaxing view of the clouds drifting over the University of Tulsa’s Bayless Plaza. Bayless Plaza, a landscaped gathering place in the middle of the university campus, houses the historic Kendall Bell, traditionally rung by graduating students at the completion of their final exams. Gota (full name Gota Yashiki) is a jazz and pop percussionist, vocalist, and producer. Before his solo debut, he worked with artists including Seal and Sinead O’Connor. Today, Gota still collaborates with other artists often, but is an accomplished

2808, 2011

Los Angeles City Hall

In a city where skyscrapers are taken for granted, Los Angeles City Hall still manages to turn heads. This seat of L.A. city government was the city’s tallest building for forty years, as new constructions were limited by building codes and earthquake stress concerns. In 1968, City Hall finally lost its title, and is now only the 28th tallest building in Los Angeles. Still, the dated art deco architecture of the building makes it prominent in a field of generic steel-and-glass towers. At night, the white masonry of the building makes it stand out even more against a dark sky. Also illuminated and the featured in this video is the Court of Historic American Flags, lining

2708, 2011

Algorail at Port of Milwaukee

Shipwatching
552

The self-unloading freighter Algorail has served the Algoma Central Corporation on the Great Lakes since its construction in 1968, and is managed by its partner, Seaway Marine Transport. This is the second vessel to bear the Algorail name. The first, known as William S. Mack before Algoma purchased it, was scrapped in 1963. In this video, the current Algorail departs the Port of Milwaukee, past the Milwaukee Breakwater Light in Lake Michigan. Peter White is an English smooth jazz guitarist who played with several artists, including a 20-year span as accompanist and writer for Al Stewart, before launching a solo career in 1990. With several Top 10 jazz albums under his belt, White is a frequent

2608, 2011

Multnomah Falls (Portland, Oregon)

Scenic Earth
560

Portland, Oregon is known for being a “green city” and indeed is full of beautiful natural places. Many of these are woven into the cityscape, but more breathtaking sights can only be found past the outskirts. In this video, eScapes takes you to the amazing Multnomah Falls. One of the most dramatic and beautiful waterfalls in the United States, Multnomah Falls is 611 feet tall and, notably, does not dry up during the summer. Nearby paths provide visitors with views of the falls from various altitudes. Sightseers looking for a dramatic way to experience the falls might enjoy a walk over the misty Benson Bridge, as those seeking a more relaxing time watch the water from

2508, 2011

Istanbul, Turkey

World Cities & Harbors
589

Built around the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul uniquely sits on two continents– Europe and Asia. This location, at the nexus of various cultures and trade routes, has had a great impact on the city’s history. Originally a Greek city, it was conquered by the Romans, who sought to make a “new Rome” on its desirable location. It was then conquered by the Ottoman Empire, who held it until the end of World War I. Today, Istanbul is the largest city in the independent republic of Turkey, but its frequent changes in ownership have made a lasting impression on its architecture. For example, the prominent Hagia Sophia– once the largest cathedral in the world– was built as an

2308, 2011

Belize (Coast with Mangroves)

Tropical Beaches
607

This mangrove-covered beach might not be the best place to lie down under the sun, but the unique view is relaxing in its own way. Belize’s mangroves protect the small country’s coastline from tidal erosion, as do the many coral reefs offshore. Natural sights like these (most of Belize is covered by forests) have become part of a new ecotourism industry that is steadily growing and supplementing Belize’s traditional agricultural economy. Brian Hughes is a contemporary jazz guitarist. He has released several albums since the 1990s and been a frequent accompanist and sideman for various artists, most notably Loreena McKennitt. His style blends smooth jazz and world music, especially Latin music. Links Belize Tourism Board Belize

2208, 2011

St. Louis (Gateway Arch at Dusk)

American Cities
602

The Gateway Arch is instantly recognizable, as is the St. Louis skyline that bears it. This 630-foot monument, standing inside the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, celebrates the United States’ westward expansion and the role St. Louis played in it. Nearby, on the Mississippi River, steamboats and ships pass by to their own relaxing beat, as they have since the first days of westward expansion. Grady Nichols is a smooth jazz saxophonist who is quickly rising in the genre. With four released albums and collaborations with legends including Jeff Lorber and Paul Brown, Nichols is becoming a presence on the smooth jazz charts and a popular opening act and sideman for legends including Bob James, David Benoit,