• by Tanya Gazdik , November 5, 2010

Marriott International's Renaissance Hotels is launching RLife Live, an arts program aimed at helping guests as well as locals discover "hidden gems" in culture and entertainment.

The program encompasses music, culinary arts and design through hotel-branded entertainment during on-property experiences. First up is music, with the hotel chain hosting an eclectic fleet of emerging artists at various Renaissance Hotels throughout 2010 and into 2011.

Marketing for the program include social media such as Facebook and Twitter.

Besides hearing the music, the RLife Live program gives hotel guests a chance to engage with musical talent on-site at the hotel properties. Renaissance has curated these experiences, with events ranging from intimate acoustic performances, to listening parties, to pre- and post-concert events and meet and greets that go beyond just a quick photo or autograph signing.  

The initial talent participating in the music series represent a cross-section of  musical genres including hip hop, R&B, pop and alternative.

The  program officially kicked on Oct. 28th, when New York and Chicago properties hosted simultaneous performances. In New York, three-time Grammy-award winning R&B artist, Robin Thicke took the stage at the new R Lounge at the Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel while Sam Ronson and Solange Knowles spun tracks and DJed for the night. In Chicago, the Neon Trees, a new band known for their pop hooks and rock influences, performed their hit song "Animal" among others for hotel guests and locals.

In 2011, hotel guests who aren't staying at properties on the artists' tour stops can still get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the artists through the in-room RLife Live channel that will showcase exclusive footage of the participating musicians in all Renaissance Hotels in the U.S.

The participating artists also will blog at www.therenaissancelife.com, sharing their favorite personal restaurants, clubs and other recommendations for things to do in different cities across the country.