September 6, 2013 | BizTimes Milwaukee

The Marcus Corporation hosted its sixth annual United Way Charity Golf Outing on Aug. 16 at its Grand Geneva Resort & Spa located in Lake Geneva, Wis. The event raised more than $110,000 in support of United Way’s 2013 campaign. Photos contributed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts.

Below are photos from the event as they appeared in BizTimes Around Town:

Marcus, president and chief executive officer of Milwaukee-based The Marcus Corporation, will play the piano alongside bassist John Price at The Pfister Hotel’s Blu every Tuesday in September and October in support of nonprofits like United Way.

The duo’s performances are part of the lounge’s “Celebrity BLUtender” program, in which 10 percent of proceeds from Blu’s sales benefit specified organizations on designated nights.

Celebrity “BLUtenders” representing the participating organizations man the bar at Blu, and tips they receive also go toward their cause.

Marcus and Price’s performance will benefit the United Way campaign as this year’s campaign co-chairs take over as BLUtenders on a select Tuesday, the date of which is still being determined.

During their other Tuesday evening performances, BLUtender proceeds will benefit other area charity initiatives.

Marcus, who is on United Way of Greater Milwaukee’s Board of Directors and who also serves on the organization’s campaign cabinet, has been playing piano since childhood and has a particular affinity for jazz.

“I grew up with it,” Marcus said. “My grandfather on my mom’s side was a really good jazz piano player, so I grew up with it. So I’ve always liked it.”

With his musical talent, Marcus has played at The Pfister Hotel’s Mason Street Grill, Shank Hall, Milwaukee’s Jazz in the Park, and at various fundraisers as part of The Jazz Corporation.

Along with Marcus, the music group is comprised of guitarist Bill Bonifas of CBRE and the Mark Thierfelder Jazz Trio.

At Blu, Marcus and Price, who is a member of the Mark Thierfelder Jazz Trio, will stick to a lineup of jazz songs to add to the ambiance of the lounge.

The two will play from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Tuesday to infuse some fun into a collection of good causes.

“I do it for fun, and if it helps people raise some money then it’s fantastic,” Marcus said.

Original article for BizTimes.com

Milwaukee fiber artist Timothy Westbrook, a former Pfister Hotel Artist-in-Residence and a former contestant on Lifetime’s reality TV show “Project Runway,” will unveil his fall fashion show on Saturday, Sept. 21, in the dinosaur exhibit of the Milwaukee Public Museum.

The show, titled “Paleontology of a Woman,” will feature Westbrook’s fashion creations that have largely been inspired by themes related to dinosaurs and sustainability.

Westbrook has been working on his fall collection with eight student apprentices at his studio, which he opened in the Shops of Grand Avenue following his 2012-2013 residency with the Pfister Hotel.

Included in his fashion collection is a series of hole-punched aluminum can shoes and dinosaur masks similar to the masks of Broadway’s The Lion King.

Westbrook, a native of Wanakena, N.Y., has also teamed up with more than 32 area artists including sculptors, jewelry designers and a music composer to pull his latest fashion collection and show together.

Along with reusing and repurposing old materials to create his fashions, Westbrook will reinforce sustainability at his show by transporting all materials from his studio to the Milwaukee Public Museum by bicycle. Hair and make-up products used on models will be eco-friendly as well.

“Paleontology of a Woman” will kick off at 7:15 p.m. with a reception following at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center beginning at 9 p.m. Cost to attend the show is $50. For more information visit www.paleontologyofawoman.com, and to purchase tickets click here.

The Milwaukee Public Museum is located at 800 W. Wells St. in downtown Milwaukee.

Milwaukee fiber artist Timothy Westbrook, a former Pfister Hotel Artist-in-Residence and a former contestant on Lifetime’s reality TV show “Project Runway,” will unveil his fall fashion show on Saturday, Sept. 21, in the dinosaur exhibit of the Milwaukee Public Museum.

The show, titled “Paleontology of a Woman,” will feature Westbrook’s fashion creations that have largely been inspired by themes related to dinosaurs and sustainability.

Westbrook has been working on his fall collection with eight student apprentices at his studio, which he opened in the Shops of Grand Avenue following his 2012-2013 residency with the Pfister Hotel.

Included in his fashion collection is a series of hole-punched aluminum can shoes and dinosaur masks similar to the masks of Broadway’s The Lion King.

Westbrook, a native of Wanakena, N.Y., has also teamed up with more than 32 area artists including sculptors, jewelry designers and a music composer to pull his latest fashion collection and show together.

Along with reusing and repurposing old materials to create his fashions, Westbrook will reinforce sustainability at his show by transporting all materials from his studio to the Milwaukee Public Museum by bicycle. Hair and make-up products used on models will be eco-friendly as well.

“Paleontology of a Woman” will kick off at 7:15 p.m. with a reception following at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center beginning at 9 p.m. Cost to attend the show is $50. For more information visit www.paleontologyofawoman.com, and to purchase tickets click here.

The Milwaukee Public Museum is located at 800 W. Wells St. in downtown Milwaukee.

September 5, 2013 | Stacy Vogel Davis for The Business Journal Serving Greater Milwaukee

The Marcus Corp. president and CEO Greg Marcus is using his musical talent for a good cause with a unique promotion at Blu, the bar at The Pfister Hotel.

You can catch Marcus playing jazz piano with bassist John Price every Tuesday in September and October from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. as part of a fundraiser for United Way of Greater Milwaukee, according to a news release.

Marcus is encouraging local executives to serve as “Celebrity BLUtenders” on Tuesday nights. Ten percent of Blu proceeds during those times, along with any tips the executives receive, will go toward their companies’ United Way campaigns.

Marcus was co-chairman of United Way’s 2012 campaign. He grew up playing piano and renewed his focus on jazz piano in recent years. He can often be seen playing with Mark Thierfelder’s Jazz Trio at Mason Street Grill. The group, along with Marcus and Bill Bonifas, executive vice president of CB Richard Ellis in Milwaukee, played at Jazz in the Park on Aug. 22.

I wrote about Marcus’ jazz hobby last year after watching him play at Mason Street Grill — not a bad assignment if you can get it. Click here to read the story.

Photo: Scott Paulus

View original article for OnMilwaukee.com

Marcus Hotels to feature Single Barrel Jack Daniel’s for Harley-Davidson Anniversary

Marcus hotel venues,  The Pfister Hotel, InterContinental Milwaukee, and Hilton Milwaukee City Center, have announced they will feature exclusive Single Barrel Jack Daniel’s Whiskey at select food and beverage outlets during the Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary celebrations.

The spirits were acquired during a June trip to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery by Ed Carrella, general manager at Mason Street Grill. While sampling the single barrel whiskey – a premium class of whiskey in which each bottle comes from an individual aged barrel – he was looking for an overall well-balanced flavor.

“We do not want the whiskey to overpower the guest’s palate,” explained Carrella. “But we also don’t want the whiskey to get lost in a drink. Bold, yet smooth is really what we were looking for – and we found it with the barrel we selected.”

Bottles will be available for purchase at any of the three Milwaukee hotels and dining outlets for $110 for the first bottle and $75 for a second bottle. Additionally, Mason Street Grill, Lobby Lounge, Blu Bar & Lounge,Kil@wat, CLEAR Bar & Lounge, zenden, Miller Time Pub & Grill, and Monarch Lounge, will be selling commemorative bottles of the select Jack Daniel’s Whiskey for $150 to be kept behind the bar, so they can request a drink made with their own private reserve whenever they visit.

Each of the three hotels will host complimentary tastings of the exclusive Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Whiskey. Jack Daniel’s girls will pass samples at Miller Time Pub & Grill on Thursday, Aug. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m., CLEAR Bar & Lounge on Friday, Aug. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m., and Mason Street Grill on Thursday, Sept. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m.

For details on all of the anniversary celebration specials and events from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, visit mkepackages.com/jackdaniels.

Read Full Article

Original Article by Lori Fredrich for OnMilwaukee.com

Marcus Hotels to feature Single Barrel Jack Daniel’s for Harley-Davidson Anniversary

Marcus hotel venues, The Pfister Hotel, InterContinental Milwaukee, and Hilton Milwaukee City Center, have announced they will feature exclusive Single Barrel Jack Daniel’s Whiskey at select food and beverage outlets during the Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary celebrations.

The spirits were acquired during a June trip to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery by Ed Carrella, general manager at Mason Street Grill. While sampling the single barrel whiskey – a premium class of whiskey in which each bottle comes from an individual aged barrel – he was looking for an overall well-balanced flavor.

“We do not want the whiskey to overpower the guest’s palate,” explained Carrella. “But we also don’t want the whiskey to get lost in a drink. Bold, yet smooth is really what we were looking for – and we found it with the barrel we selected.”

Bottles will be available for purchase at any of the three Milwaukee hotels and dining outlets for $110 for the first bottle and $75 for a second bottle. Additionally, Mason Street Grill, Lobby Lounge, Blu Bar & Lounge,Kil@wat, CLEAR Bar & Lounge, zenden, Miller Time Pub & Grill, and Monarch Lounge, will be selling commemorative bottles of the select Jack Daniel’s Whiskey for $150 to be kept behind the bar, so they can request a drink made with their own private reserve whenever they visit.

Each of the three hotels will host complimentary tastings of the exclusive Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Whiskey. Jack Daniel’s girls will pass samples at Miller Time Pub & Grill on Thursday, Aug. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m., CLEAR Bar & Lounge on Friday, Aug. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m., and Mason Street Grill on Thursday, Sept. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m.

For details on all of the anniversary celebration specials and events from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, visit mkepackages.com/jackdaniels.

Read Full Article

Marcus Hotels to feature Single Barrel Jack Daniel’s for Harley-Davidson Anniversary

Marcus hotel venues,  The Pfister Hotel, InterContinental Milwaukee, and Hilton Milwaukee City Center, have announced they will feature exclusive Single Barrel Jack Daniel’s Whiskey at select food and beverage outlets during the Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary celebrations.

The spirits were acquired during a June trip to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery by Ed Carrella, general manager at Mason Street Grill. While sampling the single barrel whiskey – a premium class of whiskey in which each bottle comes from an individual aged barrel – he was looking for an overall well-balanced flavor.

“We do not want the whiskey to overpower the guest’s palate,” explained Carrella. “But we also don’t want the whiskey to get lost in a drink. Bold, yet smooth is really what we were looking for – and we found it with the barrel we selected.”

Bottles will be available for purchase at any of the three Milwaukee hotels and dining outlets for $110 for the first bottle and $75 for a second bottle. Additionally, Mason Street Grill, Lobby Lounge, Blu Bar & Lounge,Kil@wat, CLEAR Bar & Lounge, zenden, Miller Time Pub & Grill, and Monarch Lounge, will be selling commemorative bottles of the select Jack Daniel’s Whiskey for $150 to be kept behind the bar, so they can request a drink made with their own private reserve whenever they visit.

Each of the three hotels will host complimentary tastings of the exclusive Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Whiskey. Jack Daniel’s girls will pass samples at Miller Time Pub & Grill on Thursday, Aug. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m., CLEAR Bar & Lounge on Friday, Aug. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m., and Mason Street Grill on Thursday, Sept. 12, from 6 to 8 p.m.

For details on all of the anniversary celebration specials and events from Marcus Hotels & Resorts, visit mkepackages.com/jackdaniels.

Read Full Article

A Shore Thing

by Wendy Wollenberg

Lake Geneva for a weekend or a lifetime.

Chicago families craving an escape to the great outdoors seem to fall into two camps—those who go to Michigan for their getaways, and those who travel north to Wisconsin. My family is Wisconsin-faring folk; I’ve been visiting Lake Geneva for as long as I can remember.

While Memorial Day through the Fourth of July remain prime times to take a trip to this picturesque lakeshore burg, late summer and the fall months hold an array of charms (plus fewer crowds) as well. Pick a weekend in August, September, or October, pack up the car, and make the 90-minute trip north. You’ll be greeted with shopping options covering everything from beach souvenirs to designer labels, restaurants ranging from seafood shacks to foodie delights, and hotels catering to families, groups of friends, and couples looking for a romantic respite…

WHERE TO STAY

Whether you’re traveling to Lake Geneva with kids, a gathering of friends, or your SO, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa (7036 Grand Geneva Way, 800-558-3417, grandgeneva.com) won’t disappoint.

Grand Geneva, which is a AAA Four Diamond resort, opened in 1968 as the Lake Geneva Playboy Club Hotel, the first of its kind in the country. The hotel welcomed celebrities such as Bob Hope, Sonny and Cher, Liza Minnelli, and Bill Cosby (as well as a bevy of “bunnies”). The resort celebrates its 45th anniversary throughout 2013 with “throwback” room rates, a display of Playboy memorabilia, and special concerts that pay homage to this unique property’s storied past.

The Grand Geneva’s Prairie-style buildings surround a scenic lake and are set on two championship golf courses. Seasonal activities include indoor and outdoor tennis, hiking, biking, and a ski and snowboard park. While the weather is still warm, take a dip in the resort’s gorgeous outdoor pool, or cuddle up at Embers Terrace, an open-air lounge set around a glowing fire pit.

To completely unplug and unwind, make an appointment (or two, or three) at WELL Spa + Salon, a haven for pampering services. The Fitness Center at Grand Geneva also offers a basketball court, an indoor lap pool, a 35-foot climbing wall, and specialized classes like yoga and Pilates to burn those extra calories you may have spent. You are on vacation, after all!

Best of OKC 2013

Best hotel bar
RED PIANO LOUNGE
1 Park Ave.

Don’t you just feel fancier when you sip a cocktail in a hotel bar? We know we do. So why not experience the class and sophistication that is Red Piano’s bar in downtown’s landmark Skirvin Hilton Hotel? It boasts a martini list that would make James Bond salivate.