Ashland Thanksgiving TurkeyTango IV
Fri-Sun, November 27-29, 2009

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Click here for complete [Festival Index] with links to Schedule, Prices/Registration, Flyer, Lodging Info, Maps, etc.

Mission:

After stuffing yourself with turkey and cranberry sauce, and before the hectic holiday season drives you crazy, come to Ashland for a soothing three day weekend of tango in a romantic, picturesque tranquil setting.

Ashland Features (pop 22,000):Ashland Plaza

Located in the Rogue River valley at the foot of the Siskiyou and Cascade mountain range and home of the well known Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland is populated with quaint shops, fabulous restaurants, superb hotels, and romantic B&Bs. Numerous award-winning wineries are within easy driving distance. On Friday Nov 23 at 5:00p the city begins its Festival of Light celebration with a parade and live street entertainment, and the Lithia Artisans Market set ups their annual Christmas Fair in the nearby Armory. Because this is such a popular weekend, I recommend booking your room early (see suggestions below).

Festival Features:[Festival Index]

  • 10 Great instructors
  • 29 Classes from beginners to advanced
  • Outstanding world-class DJs
  • Free Practicas
  • 2 Afternoon alternative milongas
  • 4 Evening traditional milongas including a Tango Grande Ball with performances
  • All-night milongas
  • Secret Tango Hide-Away

Instructors (top to bottom): [Festival Index]Homer & Cristina, Maria & Gustavo, Korey, Alex, Robin

DJs: [Festival Index]

Information for First-Time Attendees [Festival Index]

  • Opening Milonga: If you arrive in Ashland by Thursday Nov 26, come to the Thanksgiving Day Dinner Milonga 6:00-10:00p at the Grove, 1195 E Main. Admission is free, but seating for dinner is limited to 40 people, first priority is given to those who pre-register, and you must make reservations with Amitai.
  • Registration: Registration will be in the New Place Rehearsal Space which is on South Pioneer St, first building north of the Oregon Shakespeare Box Office starting at noon on Friday Nov 27 (approx address is 10 S Pioneer St. See map for location). Before taking any classes you must obtain an admission badge or wrist band pass. If you pre-registered, there will be a pre-registration packet waiting for you at the desk. If not, fill out a special registration form and present it along with payment by cash, check, VISA, MasterCard or Diner's.
  • Milongas: If you are not taking classes and do not wish to purchase a Full-Milonga Pass, then you do not need to register and you can pay at the door of each milonga.
  • Maps: All classes and most milongas are within a few blocks walking distance. Maps will be available in your pre-registration packet and in the registration area of MOJO Rising.

Driving and/or Getting a Ride to Ashland [Festival Index]

A blog has been created to help drivers and riders connect with one another. Please check out this blog to see if there are offers or request that meet your need. If not, post your own blog by following the instructions given there.

Also, Shaun Engleman has created a rideshare program from the Bay Area Cost is only $40/person one-way and $70/person round-trip. Click on link below for schedule.

Flying to Ashland: [Festival Index]

  • Nearest commercial airport (serviced by United, Horizon, Delta, and America West) is the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR) in Medford, OR, 14 miles north of Ashland. Other nearby cities which you could fly to and then drive through beautiful scenic mountains are:
  • Klamath Fall, OR (70 miles west)
  • Redding, CA (136 miles south)
  • Eugene, OR (180 miles north)
  • Sacramento, CA (295 miles south)
  • Portland, OR (286 miles north)
  • Reno, NV (290 miles southeast)
  • San Francisco, CA (349 miles south)

For additional information about travel, transportation, weather, maps, restaurants, hotels, B&B, vacation homes, shops, and other attractions, visit the Oregon Shakespeare Festival web site.

Hotels and B&B's (City Map): [Festival Index]

Three great resources for finding accommodations in Ashland are TravelAshland, Orbitz, Ashland's Bed & Breakfast Network and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival Website. Below is a list of local places that have been brought to my attention.

  • As You Like It Guest-room. Spacious, clean, fresh baked biscotti, Dagoba chocolate, organic coffee and teas, and a warm comfortable bed with lovely sheets. In the heart of downtown with discounted rate of $75. (541) 488-0499  .  
  • Ashland Commons. Patio with view, off-street parking, cable TV, laundry, wireless. $25/night per person-shared room. $35-$45/night per person private room. (541) 482-6753, cell: (541) 292-4484.
  • Ashland Hostel. 150 N Main. 5-minute walk to downtown. $28/night for dorm rooms and $36/night for private room. (541) 482-9217
  • Ashland Motel. Outdoor pool. Close to grocery store. 1145 Siskiyou Blvd. 1.5 miles (drive or walk) to downtown.
  • Ashland Springs Hotel. 212 E Main. Historic elegance in the heart of downtown Ashland and only a few blocks from festival classes. $99-$159/night. (541) 488-1700
  • Callahans, 7100 Old Highway 99 South. Luxurious mountain lodge located 15 minutes from downtown offers rooms with Jacuzzi tubs, wood-burning fireplace, and adjoining terraces. 800-286-0507 or 541-482-1299.
  • Cederwood Inn Motel. 1801 Siskiyou Blvd. 1.5 miles (drive or walk) to downtown. Ask for Tango Fest Rate. (541) 488-2000.
  • Columbia Hotel. 262 1/2 East Main St. Located in the heart of downtown Ashland, this is a small friendly hotel with traditional European style of innkeeping . (541) 482-3726.
  • De Launay House. 185 N Pioneer. Easy walk to everything. Enjoy this historic Craftsman home with charactor and charm. Fully equipped kitchenettes, private patios and laundry onsite. $135 to $250 Sleeps up to 16. (541) 621-5409
  • EconoLodge of Ashland, 50 Lowe Road. Just off I-5 and about 10-minute drive to downtown and/or wineries. Free WiFi and breakfast. $71/double. (541) 482-4700
  • La Quinta Inn & Suits, 434 S Valley View Road. Just off I-5 and about 10-minute drive to downtown and/or wineries. Free WiFi and breakfast. $132/Double. Ask for Tango Fest Rate. (541) 482-6932.
  • Lotus Springs Guest Loft. Newly renovated loft 15 minute walk from downtown with 2 bedrooms, full bath, living room, breakfast bar, dining area and a fully-equipped kitchen. Sleeps 6 people. Two day minimum. (541) 488-5253
  • The Palm. Attractive renovated 1940s motor-court with pool and award-winning gardens located across from the university. 1.4 miles to downtown. 541-482-2636
  • Peerless Hotel, 243 4th St. Luxurious guest rooms with antique furnishings and hand painted motifs in restored 1900's boarding house. Located a few blocks from festival headquarters. (541) 482-1082.
  • SchoolHouse Retreat and Cultural Center in Talent. 10 minute drive from Ashland. Five bedrooms and 600 sq ft dance floor for practicing. $110 single, $135 double includes continental breakfast. Two day minimum. email or phone (541) 535-1393.

Guest Housing: [Festival Index]

Two blogs have been created to help Ashland guests and residences connect with one another (see links below). Please go to the appropriate blog to see if there are offers or requests that meet your need. If not, post your own request or offer by following the instructions given there.

Festival Venues (City Map): [Festival Index]

  • Ashley's Studio, 4th & B St
  • Community Center, 59 Winburn Way
  • The Grove, 1195 E Main St
  • New Space Rehearsal Space, 10 S Pioneer St
  • Carpenter Hall, 14 S Pioneer St
  • Tease Restaurant, 303 E Main St

Private lessons: [Festival Index]

If you would like a private lesson with one of the instructors, you must first contact the instructor yourself (click on their name above to obtain contact information) and set up an agreeable price and time that does not conflict with the workshop classes.

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