Stuart Carlson Performs ‘Hail To The Victors’ on a Violin in a Hot Air Balloon in Michigan.

Plymouth, MI, USA — Some people will go to great lengths to demonstrate their loyalty to the University of Michigan. Recently Stuart Carlson, a University of Michigan music student took his violin on a hot air balloon flight. Yes, that’s right – a hot air balloon flight.

What did he play? ‘Hail To The Victors’ of course! (http://bit.ly/FBHailVictors)

According to Scott Lorenz President and Chief Pilot of Westwind Balloon Co. (http://www.westwindcos.com/balloon), it started when he met Stuart Carlson at Camp Dearborn in Milford, Michigan. “I met the Carlson family who scheduled a hot air balloon ride with my company. While we waited for the wind to die down I learned a little bit about my passenger, Stuart. I found out he was a concert violinist and composer and had recently performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.”

“I am glad the winds did not cooperate for our flight because when we rescheduled,” said Lorenz, “I asked Stuart to bring along his violin… and he did.”

The launch took place at Island Lake State Park where the State of Michigan has provided a “Balloon Port” for local balloonists to launch their balloons. Island Lake State park boasts over 4,000 acres with miles of bike paths and the Huron River running through the park.

“Nobody forgets their first balloon flight. It is truly an experience that cannot compare to anything else,” says Lorenz. “The sensation of flying over trees, lakes and streams, spotting deer and other wildlife is unique and inspiring. When an activity touches someone both emotionally and on a multi-sensory level people remember it vividly. “I think this flight will be burned into the memories of all those involved, I know I won’t forget it. If you really want to make a lasting impression,” says Lorenz, “a hot air balloon ride over Michigan is the ultimate ‘unforgettable’ gift.”

Flights cost $695 for a private ride which is two passengers and the pilot. All flights are pre-paid. Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Discover and PayPal are accepted. Gift certificates are available.

To really appreciate all the beautiful scenery Michigan has to offer, call a balloonist and schedule a flight today; the view is really better from above!

Westwind Balloon Company – Plymouth, MI, Flying Private Flights for TWO over Kensington Park, Brighton, South Lyon and Milford. 734-667-2098 | http://www.AboveMichigan.com | Scott Lorenz, Pilot and Owner.

About Stuart Carlson
Stuart Carlson is a native of Dexter, Michigan and a student at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. “On March 8, 1996, I was born prematurely at the University of Michigan Hospital, weighing one pound and 13 ounces. I am a surviving twin,” says Carlson. “After emergency surgery, I spent 100 days in the hospital incubator with recorded music playing Beethoven, Mozart, and The Beatles,” says Carlson. “In late 1999, I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. Autism gives me a variety of strengths and weaknesses not typical in the average human being,” added Carlson. “I love being a student at the University of Michigan and I want to say ‘thank you’ to all the wonderful people who have helped me along my journey through life.” For more information about Stuart Carlson, visit: http://www.StuartCarlson.com.

About Scott Lorenz
Scott Lorenz, a commercial balloon pilot since 1982, has logged 1,650 + hours in-flight.

He has flown over Niagara Falls, The Great Wall of China, Disney World, the Olympics, Austria, Japan, Spain, Red Rock Canyon NM. He co-piloted a Guinness World Record flight to 19,000′ and a 20 hour-Gas Balloon flight from MI to KY. Westwind has been featured by FOX-2 Detroit, WDIV, WJR, NPR, The Detroit Free Press, Oakland Press and Hour Detroit Magazine to name a few and was named “most creative date” by It’s Just Lunch. In 2012 Westwind was named one of America’s Most Romantic companies for the balloon engagement flights. Scott’s Westwind Balloon Company offers unforgettable rides over Michigan’s breathtaking countryside. Balloon rides make terrific gifts for Moms, Dads, Grads, the Boss and anybody who wants to enjoy life!!

Media Contact:
Scott Lorenz
Pilot and Owner
Westwind Balloon Company
734-667-2098
http://www.abovemichigan.com

Stuart Carlson Performs ‘Hail To The Victors’ on a Violin in a Hot Air Balloon in Michigan.

Plymouth, MI, USA — Some people will go to great lengths to demonstrate their loyalty to the University of Michigan. Recently Stuart Carlson, a University of Michigan music student took his violin on a hot air balloon flight. Yes, that’s right – a hot air balloon flight.

What did he play? ‘Hail To The Victors’ of course!

According to Scott Lorenz President and Chief Pilot of Westwind Balloon Co. (http://www.westwindcos.com/balloon), it started when he met Stuart Carlson at Camp Dearborn in Milford, Michigan. “I met the Carlson family who scheduled a hot air balloon ride with my company. While we waited for the wind to die down I learned a little bit about my passenger, Stuart. I found out he was a concert violinist and composer and had recently performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.”

“I am glad the winds did not cooperate for our flight because when we rescheduled,” said Lorenz, “I asked Stuart to bring along his violin… and he did.”

The launch took place at Island Lake State Park where the State of Michigan has provided a “Balloon Port” for local balloonists to launch their balloons. Island Lake State park boasts over 4,000 acres with miles of bike paths and the Huron River running through the park.

“Nobody forgets their first balloon flight. It is truly an experience that cannot compare to anything else,” says Lorenz. “The sensation of flying over trees, lakes and streams, spotting deer and other wildlife is unique and inspiring. When an activity touches someone both emotionally and on a multi-sensory level people remember it vividly. “I think this flight will be burned into the memories of all those involved, I know I won’t forget it. If you really want to make a lasting impression,” says Lorenz, “a hot air balloon ride over Michigan is the ultimate ‘unforgettable’ gift.”

Flights cost $695 for a private ride which is two passengers and the pilot. All flights are pre-paid. Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Discover and PayPal are accepted. Gift certificates are available.

To really appreciate all the beautiful scenery Michigan has to offer, call a balloonist and schedule a flight today; the view is really better from above!

Westwind Balloon Company – Plymouth, MI, Flying Private Flights for TWO over Kensington Park, Brighton, South Lyon and Milford. 734-667-2098 | http://www.AboveMichigan.com | Scott Lorenz, Pilot and Owner.

About Stuart Carlson
Stuart Carlson is a native of Dexter, Michigan and a student at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. “On March 8, 1996, I was born prematurely at the University of Michigan Hospital, weighing one pound and 13 ounces. I am a surviving twin,” says Carlson. “After emergency surgery, I spent 100 days in the hospital incubator with recorded music playing Beethoven, Mozart, and The Beatles,” says Carlson. “In late 1999, I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. Autism gives me a variety of strengths and weaknesses not typical in the average human being,” added Carlson. “I love being a student at the University of Michigan and I want to say ‘thank you’ to all the wonderful people who have helped me along my journey through life.” For more information about Stuart Carlson, visit: http://www.StuartCarlson.com.

About Scott Lorenz
Scott Lorenz, a commercial balloon pilot since 1982, has logged 1,650 + hours in-flight.

He has flown over Niagara Falls, The Great Wall of China, Disney World, the Olympics, Austria, Japan, Spain, Red Rock Canyon NM. He co-piloted a Guinness World Record flight to 19,000′ and a 20 hour-Gas Balloon flight from MI to KY. Westwind has been featured by FOX-2 Detroit, WDIV, WJR, NPR, The Detroit Free Press, Oakland Press and Hour Detroit Magazine to name a few and was named “most creative date” by It’s Just Lunch. In 2012 Westwind was named one of America’s Most Romantic companies for the balloon engagement flights. Scott’s Westwind Balloon Company offers unforgettable rides over Michigan’s breathtaking countryside. Balloon rides make terrific gifts for Moms, Dads, Grads, the Boss and anybody who wants to enjoy life!!

Media Contact:
Scott Lorenz
Pilot and Owner
Westwind Balloon Company
734-667-2098
http://www.abovemichigan.com