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Route 66 terminus Santa Monica is getting its licks

8th January 20268th January 2026 funtime65

Famously it winds from Chicago to LA and takes in ten other named destinations on the way but we’re glad to say at last that the Route 66 terminus Santa Monica is getting its licks.

Route 66 has been following us all the past year since checking in to Chicago, where the great western highway begins… and we’ll go there again.

But here we’re flagging up the official finishing spot, the pier in Santa Monica, your final stop-off, unless you want to end up in the Pacific Ocean.

Why Bobby Troup bodyswerved Santa Monica when writing his classic 80 years ago about the odyssey to California is lost to history.

But the Santa Monica Travel & Tourism is putting that right.

By inviting musicians and songwriters from across the globe to celebrate the centennial of Route 66 through music.

A hundred-thousand reasons

And he’s off: Route 66 starting point in Chicago

The Route 66 Song Contest offers artists over-18 (we just qualify) the chance to submit an original track capturing the spirit of Santa Monica.

And its legendary connection to the highway for a chance to win $10,000.

Entries are welcome from the U.S., UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Mexico, and New Zealand.

Route 66, The Mother Road, stretches 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica.

‘The Santa Monica Route 66 Song Contest presents an opportunity for music lovers to be part of this historic anniversary’ said President/CEO Misti Kerns..

‘By invoking their artistic imagination and sharing what the road’s legacy and Santa Monica’s connection means to them.

‘The arts are core to Santa Monica’s community and culture.

‘And we’re pleased to invite artists from around the world to join us in creatively honoring this milestone.’

‘As part of the 100-year celebration, we look forward to welcoming visitors from around the globe.

‘to begin or end their Route 66 journey in our urban beach city.’

Riding into history

And, of course, who’s to know if you cheat by getting a picture at the start in Chicago and one at the end in Santa Monica?

Maybe even ask a kind Hell’s Angel to take a photo of yourself next to his motorbike…

Well, it worked with a bicycle at the highest point of the Tour de France on the Col du Tourmalet.

The centennial festivities kicked off with The Drive Home.

Thorn among roses: With the gang in Santa Monica

A cross-country journey by America’s Automotive Trust in partnership with the National Route 66 Centennial Commission.

The trip started in Santa Monica on January 3 and is covering the full length of the highway.

And culminating in an exhibition at the Detroit Auto Show.

Visitors can also explore Route 66 stops along the way, including retro diners, neon-lit motels, and cultural landmarks.

Countries, Deals, Music, UK

Mamma Mia in London

2nd December 20252nd December 2025 funtime65

And if you don’t want to leave your kids with a ‘free house’ then take them with you… to Mamma Mia in London.

Take one precious neighbour back home in Ireland.

And a much-earned weekend away in the West End.

And your peace will be broken.

With endless texts about how she’s had to get the Gardaí out to break up the Son and Daughterie’s party.

Just as you are dancing away to the show-stopping finale to Beautiful: The Carole King Story.

Take a chance on Mamma Mia!

Alas, it’s too late baby to see the brilliant which packed up and moved on.

But Mamma Mia! Here we go again with the magical musical on at Novello Theatre (Holborn).

And you can dig in the dancing scene with Cassidy Travel who are offering a two-nights package in March.

With two nights’ accommodation, March 11 and 12.

You’ll get a seated show ticket in the Dress Circle with return flights (optional). Prices from €289pp.

Super troupers

Now if you’re looking for a Christmas gift for Herself.

And aren’t women always harder to buy for than men.

Then why not take your Dancing Queen to London’s bright lights for the big Abba musical.

Only make sure that you don’t leave a free house behind.

And seeing you’re asking then all My Own Little Spirit of Christmas wants is…

Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy… a man after midnight.

America, Countries, Music

Hardware Hotel

19th November 202519th November 2025 funtime65

With apologies to Elvis, it’s down at the end of West Main Street, it’s Hardware Hotel… in Tupelo, Mississippi.

Continuing our Elvis education our Presleyphile pals are flagging up the 80 years since our hero got his first guitar there.

And because I often do things back to front and I hit Santa Monica Pier first on Route 66.

Before marking off the start of the trail on South Michigan Avenue, Chicago.

My Elvis odyssey then ought to have seen me party with the other Elvises in Las Vegas at the end of the journey.

Or have got his first guitar at Tupelo Hardware and then having to strum an air one at Sun Studio.

The wonder of you

Ra King: The Scottish Elvis in Sun Studio

And instead start at the very beginning which is why Presleyphiles should return to sender.

And the address that IS known is 114 West Main Street, Tupelo.

Which is turning 100 next year so would have been well established when Gladys Presley popped by with her lively 11-year-old in 1946.

And famously a shop employee settled the young Mississippian down when he sulked after Gladys refused to buy him a rifle.

Of course, the rest is history and while Tupelo foxes and birdlife breathed a sigh of relief.

The rest of the world sucked in and got ready for the musical trip of a lifetime.

It’s nail or never

Now today’s employees at the Tupelo Hardware Store exude the same good ol’ Southern hospitality that Gladys and Elvis knew back in 1946.

And will be happy to share stories about the Presleys as you browse for guitars, rifles, nuts, bolts and spirit levels.

While you stand in the spot where musical history was made.

Tupelo Hardware Store is one of 14 significant sites in Elvis’ formative years in Tupelo.

All marked with bronze plaques on the Elvis’ Tupelo Driving Tour.

And our Tupelo buddies gladly give us a virtual tour on their site to see what they’re selling,which is still hardware essentials with a little hard rock Elvis.

If I can dream

Mark off all 14 plaques because you’ve come all this way in the first place.

But maybe spend more time at the Hardware Store, compiling stories to tell y’all when you get home.

And the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum on 306 Elvis Presley Drive.

The house, built by Elvis’ father with $180, which draws visitors each year from across the world.

And is part of the 15-acre Elvis Presley Park, which includes many exhibits and Elvis’ childhood church.

America, Countries, Music

A front seat peek into the world of Vegas divas

8th November 20258th November 2025 funtime65

Mick and Macca are mean but Elton would give you the world and this your front seat peek into the world of Vegas divas comes free.

With your party-loving Bandanaman and our driver Crystal, not her real name, of course, because what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

Crystal has driven all the stars in her stretch limo.

And will share her insider knowledge and her champagne.

Your entertainment: The free Neon City Festival

As you sit back and take in the sights, sounds and smells of Neon City outside.

Everybody and anybody has played Vegas and of course the big ticket is the artists in residence.

The stars come out to play

Mariah Carey, with her Christmastime in Las Vegas show at Park MGM Las Vegasn November 28 & 29. December 2-13.

The Eagles at Sphere, and you can check out any time you like…

Jennifer Lopez, Def Leppard, Kenny Chesney, Styx, Kelly Clarkson and New Kids on the Block.

The King and I: With Elvis at the Graceland Chapel Vegas

Now you want to be Hangin’ Tough you’ll have to book well in advance.

But if you want your entertainment for free then check out the off Strip bars.

And you might find a burlesque Seventies and Eighties covers band, bar staff ringing bells and doing body shots and Cami from Utah.

While this month, from November 21-23 Neon City Festival is putting on a range of free concerts.

And all for my 60th birthday, you guys!!!

The stage is set

So Good Charlotte and De La Soul headline the Friday, DeadMau5 and Breaking Benjamin the Saturday.

And Two Friends and Fitz and the Tantrums the Sunday, no us neither.

Our Vegas buddies tell us that the shows will unfold under The Canopy, the main stage nestled between Golden Gate and Circa.

The 1st Street Stage, located between Circa and Binion’s and the third stage near Fremont, Four Queens and the D Plus.

While VIP options are also available exclusively at Downtown Las Vegas Events Center.

The Founding Properties are offering exclusive weekend packages, with food and drinks credits, and discounted room rates.

Fremont wheelin’

As a sample and because we have fond memories of being shown how to zipline through Fremont Street by a very accommodating Elvis.

There is 25 per cent off at the Fremont Hotel & Casino.

When you book three nights or more, with nightly prices from $41 to $107.

We found a sample return flight from Dublin with our tranasatlantic airline carrier of choice, Aer Lingus, to Vegas from $544.18.

And, of course, be sure to travel in style when you get there, in a stretch limo.

So ask them who they’ve had in the cab.

Countries, Cruising, Music, Ships, UK

Inflatable in the Eighties

19th October 202519th October 2025 funtime65

It’s inflatable in the Eighties as we go cruising again around Britain, as we did back then, so Relax and read on.

Ambassador Ambition are only offering a Sixty-something’s dream trip, a Back to the 80s Mini Cruise.

Southern comforts

Billed as a nostalgic two-night voyage for less than £10/monthpp or £259pp.

And departing next November 11, you’ll sail from Bristol to London Tilbury.

With the options of £170pp full board or £295pp all-inclusive.

Of course, this being the Eighties you’ll wanna dance (in your Air Jordans) with somebody who loves you.

And Ambassador Ambition’s DJs have all the anthems we rocked the floor to back then.

Dress to thrill

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Eighties-themed party without the opportunity to stick on those leg warmers and leotards.

And there will be plenty of that either on the dance floor.

Or through those energetic on-board workout classes.

Ambassador promise engaging quizzes for you.

And just a tip, just say Jacko, Madonna or Tom Cruise if you’re not sure.

Vogue like Madonna

Or dress like them if you want to win the fancy dress competition.

Although you’re bound to bump into those icons so maybe a Boy George or Cyndi Lauper instead then.

Now, this wouldn’t be our first rodeo off the south coast, having rocked it in the English Channel.

So we’d be looking out for.

And would know what to expect from Ambassador’s spectacular themed cabaret shows and lunches.

While we’re always open to new experiences and would obviously be front of the queue.

For the Captain’s Gala Dinner and Baked Alaska Parade and Captain’s Cocktail Party.

And at the end of it all, you’ll be sent home with a ‘Back to the ‘80s’ cruise badge & decade-themed booklet.

Countries, Culture, Deals, Europe, Music

Chopin online

16th September 2025 funtime65

No, not that one, one of my Scary One’s most regular pastimes, but rather Chopin online, and the best composers trip.

In Poland the great pianist is held in such esteem that Warsaw Airport is named for him, Lotnisko Chopina Warszawa.

A common theme we have discovered on our travels and shared we find with at least one other, Panethos, in our WordPress community.

Who has also done some research..

Ticking off Louis Armstrong in New Orleans, John Lennon in Liverpool, Franz Liszt in Budapest, Guiseppi Verdi in Parma and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Salzburg.

It’s a dirty job but somebody has to do it.

Culture vultures

Now unless you speak Polish you’ll only be able to pick out Chopin from Lotnisko Chopina Warszawa when you land in Warsaw.

But by the time you finish your Institute for Culture Travel curated tour next month you will be an expert.

The four-day Warsaw Cultural Tour runs from October 8 from €1,183pps with a single supplement of €299.

Wander the cobbled streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town and marvel at the grandeur of Wilanow Palace and Chopin.

You’ll stay at the 4* Polonia Palace Hotel with breakfast with three meals in your hotel.

And enjoy an excursion to Łazienki Park and Wilanow Palace.

And a visit to Chopin’s birthplace, Żelazowa Wola.

Return flight from Dublin, including taxes and transfers

All for a deposit of €350 per person with a special offer of €50 off if booked in August.

Chopinholics

We came, Warsaw, we conquered: Polish pals

And for special Chopin aficionados a chance to be in Warsaw.

To coincide with the prestigious Fryderyk Chopin International Piano Competition

There’s a four-nighter Chopin in Warsaw on October 8 from €1,369pps with a €299 single supplement.

You’ll stay at the 4* Polonia Palace Hotel B&B with welcome dinner and two pre-performance dinners.

Return flight from Dublin, including taxes and transfers

A guided walking tour of Warsaw Old Town, an excursion to Łazienki Park and Wilanow Palace.

A visit to Chopin’s birthplace.

The two evening performances as part of the 19th Fryderyk Chopin International Piano Competition at the National Philharmonic Hall

You’ll pay a €350 per person deposit with the special offer of €50 off if booked in August.

America, Countries, Deals, Music

The other Aid at 40 in Minnesota

11th September 202511th September 2025 funtime65

All eyes this year have been on Band Aid and Live Aid but let’s focus here on Farm Aid, the other Aid at 40 in Minnesota.

That the Land of 10.000 Lakes is staging this year’s Farm Aid, its 40th, is a homecoming of sorts.

With Minnesota’s favourite son Bob Dylan the inspiration for the charity which has helped out struggling farmers with $80m.

The Bard of Duluth

Because it was the Bard of Duluth who planted the seed for the movement which continues to pull up trees.

When he made a cri de coeur during his performance at the Philadelphia leg of Band Aid.

By exhorting the organisers to use some of the money raised to pay the mortgages on some of the farms in the US.

A clarion call that was taken up by Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Elton John and Bonnie Raitt annually over four decades.

The Grand Old Men and Women of Country and Americana will gather at Minneapolis’ Huntington Bank Stadium on September 20.

The pre-festival

Making music with my friends: Willie Nelson

A pre-festival event, Color Me Country Takeover at the Fine Line two days before will honour the legacy of diverse musical artists and farmers.

And will feature this year’s Academy of Country Music Lift Every Voice Award recipient, artist Rissi Palmer.

Of course, there is one other who might contest that he is Minnesota’s favourite son, one Prince Rogers Nelson.

And, of course, there is always something new and purple going on in Minnesota.

Prince Rain over us

With Purple Rain, the world premiere stage adaptation of Prince’s legendary film and album, running October 16-November 16.

At Minneapolis’ historic State Theatre before an anticipated Broadway run.

More Minneapolis stages like the Guthrie, Latte Da, Jungle and others have theatrical productions throughout the fall season.

Jet over to Minnesota

While Sir Paul McCartney will appear at U.S. Bank Stadium in the Got Back Tour on October 17.

So Get Back to Minnesota if you’ve been before or jump on the Jet out there for the first time.

Or if you can turn your mind to those who till the land of this great state and country back in the USA.

And you’ll be doing something for the other Aid at 40 in Minnesota.

And because we always promote transatlantic travel out of Dublin with Aer Lingus with preclearance.

Dublin to Minneapolis flights from €196.43 as part of an each way flight.

America, Countries, Deals, Flying, Music, Sport

When Ne-Yo gave me everything

10th September 202510th September 2025 funtime65

It always pays to be up the front which is how I came away with a prized possession when Ne-Yo gave me everything in the USA.

When I came to reach highest to grab his sweat towel just at the point when he was belting out his classic toon with Pitbull.

And yeah, picture me with a Kodak, although we had moved on from that by 2017.

And our friends from the American Travel Fair in Washington DC boomeranged us holding the precious cloth later on.

All of which memories came flooding back as news pinged in my inbox of Pitbull’s much-anticipated run in Las Vegas.

Tonight, let’s enjoy life

Pitbull is taking the party to the Neon City this weekend, Friday, September 12 and Saturday, September 13.

As part of his Pitbull: Vegas After Dark The Residency.

Short notice we grant you but you might want to come back on November 21 and 22.

And a hint there for someone with that week being when I’ll have marked up six decades on this third rock from the sun.

This being Vegas there’s always a fight going on with this weekend seeing Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford going at it at the Allegiant Stadium.

Although Vegas brings out the lovers not the fighters in us.

Whether that was the Beatles LOVE Cirque du Soleil at the Mirage back in the day.

Or dancing to the Whip-Its with Cami from Utah off the Strip.

The Big Fight

Spell it out: Muhammad Ali at the Hall of Excellence

Not that we don’t enjoy watching a good fight or wrapping ourselves up in boxing memorabilia, hype and thunder.

Channel your inner Muhammad Ali then at the Hall of Excellence where The Greatest’s boxing gloves are on display.

Along with Tiger Woods’ golf ball from his first Masters win, Olympic gold medals and all seven of Tom Brady’s championship rings.

Take a self-guided tour, narrated by such voices as Oprah Winfrey, Bob Costas, our old pal from Huntington Beach Snoop Dogg, and Morgan Freeman.

Think outside the box

In her shoes: The ruby slippers at the Sphere

If, of course, its showmanship you’re after follow the yellow brick road to the newest experience at Sphere for a mind-bending showing of The Wizard of Oz.

Which is expanded to fit the 360°, 16k definition screen.

You’ll be wrapped in colour and movement as seats rumble while you feel cool breezes and the sweet scent of poppies fills the air.

And we got a whiff of how much fun these shows are from taking in Shrek at Universal Studios in Orlando.

Before the show, take photos with the giant ruby slippers installation outside.

Also, during Canelo-Crawford weekend, you can catch the Eagles live as the legendary rockers continue their residency.

And because we always try to fly out of Ireland because, well because, but also its preclearance.

Aer Lingus flies nonstop from Dublin with fares starting at €206.61 each way.

Countries, Europe, Music

Haarlem Vinyl Countdown

3rd September 20253rd September 2025 funtime65

What goes around comes around which is where we’re at with the Haarlem Vinyl Countdown.

The Haarlem Vinyl Festival in the Netherlands from September 26-28 celebrates old-fashioned 33 and 45rpms.

And is billed as the first global festival to dedicate multiple days simply to the vinyl culture.

Time was, before Spotify, when you would go into town especially just to browse through the records.

And when you found yourself in a new city you’d head straight for the record store.

Record stores across the world

From Oxford Street and Camden Market in London.

To Grafton Street in Dublin to Greenwich Village and Harlem in New York.

Which brings us around to the original Haarlem which gave its name to the borough when New York was New Amsterdam.

Pressing on

The Haarlem Vinyl Festival will give you the chance to immerse yourself across music genres.

Join talks, singing sessions and concerts including the best Dutch acts and a Pussy Riots performance.

And guided tours at Record Industry where you can find out just what goes into the pressing of LPs, or long players.

The factory building houses a recording studio and cutting and mastering rooms.

Galvanics, DMM production, sleeve folding and gluing machines, vinyl pressing, packaging and a print shop.

We’re told that customers will be able to supply RI with an audio master and artwork and they take care of the rest.

From cutting the master to printing sleeves and assembling your product.

Cutting edge

And in their recording and direct-to-disc facility, Artone Studio, you can record your music straight to lacquer or multi track.

All of which reminds us that we’re still waiting on our recording of our John Lee Hooker cover from the Grammy Museum Mississippi.

Spoken into a box or boom, boom, boom, boom box, which I’d put my email on.

But hey, it might not have passed a quality test.

So we’re ticking down the days in the Haarlem Vinyl Countdown to a celebration of the long-playing record.

Now Haarlem is just 20km from Schiphol Airport so plenty of time to explore Amsterdam.

Countries, Deals, Ireland, Music

25 years of cabaret at Harvey’s Point in Donegal

23rd August 202523rd August 2025 funtime65

Do you want your old lobby washed down Con Shine… it’s 25 years of cabaret at Harvey’s Point in Donegal.

Not that the swish Harvey’s Point in the north-west of Ireland would ever need their lobby washed down.

Of course, Irish Country legend Brendan Shine’s standard has less to do with lobbies, or pantries.

And more to do with offering amorous invitations and often in return for financial debts.

Irish Country and the Diaspora

Shine on: Brendan Shine. Picture: Newbridge Silverware.

The strains of Irish Country stars is a familiar and nostalgic theme for an Irish Diaspora returning to the Old Sod.

Although the young lad being kept awake in his rented Harkin’s holiday home next door to the bar was blissfully unaware of its meaning.

Now with Country ruling the airwaves just now, down in no small part to Cowboy Carter it is worth acknowledging its Irish offshoot.

Because long before Thin Lizzy, U2 and the Boomtown Rats put Irish pop on the map Irish Country was the music of the masses.

And with international acts bypassing Ireland for Britain, Johnny Cash apart, then Irish singers and bands covered their tunes.

And became superstars on their own island.

Bands of gold

The 78-year-old crooner and other stellar names from the world of Irish Country have become a fixture.

At the institution that is lakeside luxury Harvey’s Point just €15 taxi ride from Donegal Town.

Eamonn Gillespie is the man with the mic every Wednesday introducing the acts, running from September 3 to November 5.

And as well as the Bould Brendan guests can enjoy the likes of Sandy Kelly, Michael English, Dominic Kirwin, Sean Costello and Keith & Lorraine McDonald.

As well as Darly Simpson, Patrick Feeney, Declan Nearney, Simon Casey, Sean Cuddy, Realta Dance of Ireland, Eugene Ginty, Grainne Gavigan.

The Ennis Brothers, The Murphy’s, Jessica Mc Kean and house band, Four Masters Quintet.

Deal us in

You will, of course, sit down for a sumptuous 5-course dinner in the Ballroom.

Before immersing yourself in the captivating two-and-a-half-hours entertainment, and all for just €75.

While as you’ll likely want to turn in there for the night then check out the Cabaret Accommodation Package from €349pps.

For a two-night stay in their executive suites with breakfast by Lough Eske.

A five-course dinner and shoe,

Homemade cookies in your room, a wine tasting and cooking demo on Tuesday and Thursday

And a guided walk every Wednesday morning.

Lie back and think of Ireland: Your Donegal rest

We can’t guarantee that you’ll get your lobby washed down but Brendan Shine will put a smile on your face.

And a host of Irish Country stars making it a very special 25 years of cabaret at Harvey’s Point in Donegal.