2005-08-05
fyi: WHAT’S HOT THIS WEEK by Jeffry Burgess E-mail content considerations to jeff@fyiwinecountry.com Vineyard Classics
Music in the Vineyards return engagement to the Napa Valley begins August 5 - 21. The festival showcases nationally known artists-in-residence performing the classic chamber music repertoire in the unique ambiance of romantic winery settings, providing artists and audiences the intimacy of chamber music as it was intended to be performed. Performances are presented each weekend on Saturdays and Sundays, beginning late in the afternoon or early evening, and include a wine tasting at intermission. Tickets are an exceptional value at $35 each. To purchase, phone 707-258-5559, or visit www.napavalleymusic.com.
FYI: Midweek events feature new chamber music concerts, recitals, lecture demonstrations, and open rehearsals that are free and available to the public. Gracious Gala
Sunday, August 14, musical phenomenon Bobby McFerrin headlines in the Napa Valley Opera House Gala 2005! Bobby is a ten time Grammy Award winner and is a natural wonder combining a four-octave range with his unique improvisational style to create sounds that mix classical, pop and jazz. The evening begins with a wine reception, followed by the vocal virtuosity of Mr. McFerrin. Dinner is provided by Elaine Bell Catering and dancing will end the extraordinary evening. Ticket prices range $300 - $1,250. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 707-226-7372, or visit www.nvoh.org. WC After Dark
Treat yourself to a perfect summer’s evening with temptations of handcrafted wine, artisan cheese tastings, and succulent Hog Island Oysters grilling on the barbie. Saturday, August 13, starting at 6:30 pm, live music by The Hellhounds will kick off the festivities at the historic Gundlach - Bundschu Winery Estate, in the beautiful Sonoma Valley. At dusk, pull up a seat or spread a blanket and watch the timeless 1971 art house classic, Harold and Maude, at the winery’s spacious, outdoor theater. Wine and cheese tasting is by RSVP and cost $25 per person. Film and live music is only $8 with no RSVP required. Picnics are welcomed. To reserve your spot, call 707-938-5277. FYI: Gun-Bun has a whole lot of soul with a heritage reaching back as far as 1857. The latest generation of winemakers continue the family tradition with a wicked sense of humor and meticulous wine savvy resulting numerous award-winning vintages, including luscious Cabernet’s, fruity Pinot’s, and aromatic Gerwurztraminer’s that pairs perfectly with Indian, Chinese, and Thai. Amazing Arias
An evening of music and song is the ticket for Saturday Opera Night. On the first Saturday of each month, Wine Country audiences are treated to an exquisite musical experience as sensational amateur performers from around the Bay Area show up with sheet music in hand ready to sing and showcase their sizable talents. Every Opera Night is unique, as performing vocalists range in experience from student to diva. Guest enjoy the naturally perfect acoustics of the theater from several vantage points while general seating and open doors encourage patrons to wander throughout the beautiful historic building and patio. Ticket prices are only $15 per person and are available on the day of the event. Doors open at 7 pm, singing begins at 8:00. Complimentary tapas, wine, and mineral water are provided during intermission. The Jarvis Conservatory is located at 1711 Main Street near downtown Napa. For additional information, call 707-255-5445. FYI: If attending Saturday Opera Night, plan your wine tasting in Napa. Most people don’t realize that downtown Napa has the highest concentration of tasting rooms anywhere in the world. Further, the majority of these tasting rooms specialize in small-lot, luxury producers that are impossible to find otherwise. Purchase a “Taste Napa Downtown” card which affords wine enthusiast a tremendous value. For a modest $15 investment, sample Napa Valley’s finest for 10 cents a taste from any downtown wine merchant, including Back Room Wines, Bounty Hunter, and my favorite, Vintner’s Collective. Use your card, which are available from all participating tasting rooms, the Napa Conference and Visitor’s Bureau, or online at www.napadowntown.com, to enjoy discounts on wine and gift purchases. Dinner and a Movie
Kick off Friday night with a prix fixe dinner and a glass of wine from Julia’s Kitchen for $24 per person, followed by a flick in Copia's Theater. Friday, August 5, a superb documentary about Broadway: The Golden Age, reveals the fascinating backstory of the world’s finest theater as told by the legends of the era. FYI: There will be a Q with the director after the screening. Friday, August 12, Smile of a Summer Night, is the rare Bergman film that’s charming, lighthearted, and romantic. It is also one of the most sophisticated movies ever filmed. A great movie for cinema buffs. Films are $6 per person, unless you’re a Copia member, then it's $5. For dinner reservations, call 707-265-5700. For film tickets, simply head over to the box office window. FYI: Two of Napa Valley’s best entertainment bargains, the Copia Film Card and Matinee Film Card, are now on sale, giving you six-tickets-for-the-price-of-one. Also, Wednesdays are half price for Napa and Sonoma residents!
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