Vintage Eve Circa 11/2016: Sunset in the Vineyard is the only event that…

October 22, 2019 by evebushman

…I know about 99% of the vendors and almost the same percentage of the guests as it’s a local event put on by one of my favorite non-profits: Assistance League Santa Clarita. There are two members that live on my street, and many more members and supporters in my neighborhood!

Shannon Mee, Eve, Simon Mee.

This was what I was quoted for saying about the event in a recent Magazine of Santa Clarita Magazine article:

Sunset in the Vineyard is the only event that represents the SCV Vintners and Growers Association. These are winemakers and grape growers that are based in the Santa Clarita Valley; often friends, assisting each other in harvest every year and tasting each other’s efforts along the way – from vine to bottle.

What also makes the event unique, besides being the first of its kind in our valley held in a private two-home winery estate, it is an opportunity for fledgling winemakers to learn more about the craft. Not all wine events have the winemaker available to attend – in this event I can only think of a couple of tables that may send an educated wine representative if the winemaker is unavailable. The point is, whoever is pouring you a sample has had a hand-on experience with that wine.

For me personally, it was a fine day many years ago when I discovered the vineyard at the Carpenters’ home. I learned that there were many home winemakers in our valley, working together, and thought how cool it would be to get some kind of way to visit them all in one day. I envisioned a tour bus. The Carpenters and their winemaking friends, dreamed of something much more long lasting. And, not to forget, to the benefit of the children of the Santa Clarita Valley served by the Assistance League.

If that’s not enough only Sunset in the Vineyard guests get a chance to taste the same grapes from the same vineyard – Bouquet Vineyard tended to by local winemaker Danny Mascari – but the only difference will be which artisan winemaker crafted the wine.

See the action, and some of my favorite wines of the day, in just two minutes here in this YouTube slide show.

The Vino and Brewsky

Compa Vineyards, Pulchella Winery, Alonso Family Vineyards, Bobcat Red and Due Nasi, Bouquet Vineyard, Capuano Winery, Copperhill Brewery, CPB Winery, Gagnon Cellars, Golden Star Vineyards, Hoi Polloi Winery, Hundred Vines, Mystic Hills Vineyard, Nuggucciet Cellars, Pagter Brothers, Pulchella Winery, Reyes Winery, Stephen Hemmert Wines, VNTBC Nanno Brewery and Whistling Vineyard.

The Artisan Foods

This year some of the delectable food was prepared by The Culinary Arts students and Instructors at College of the Canyon’s Institute for Culinary Education: grilled veggies, flatbread pizza, stuffed grape leaves, and more. Returning was local favorite DeRobertis Family Artisan Cheeses, wowing the crowd with their latest flavorful cow and goat cheeses, and the Speakeasy Bakery with several freshly baked breads and tapenade dipping sauce. New to the scene, and parked in the front driveway, was the vintage Sweet Beams Ice Cream truck. And the cookies…something the Assistance League is known for, several sweet volunteers worked the crowd armed with baskets full of delectable cookies.

Seen Amongst the Artisans

Joel and Judy Cox, Howard Pointer, Marjanne Priest, Chris and Jeannie Carpenter, Steve and Elizabeth Hopp, Don and Cheryl Dellepiane, Roman Weiser and Tina, Judy Penman, Lee Williams, Alesia Humphies, Steve Dole, Steve Frye, Scott Pagter, Doug Minnick, Simon and Shannon Mee, Nina and Danny Mascari, DeRobertis, Andrew Kevin Friend and Jessica Javier, Arnold Bryant and Alexander Hafizi, Margo Berg, Robert and Annie Schwartz, Susan Hayward, Cheryl Phillips, Marlee Lauffer, Steve and Rose Chegwin, Colleen and Matt Carpenter, Stephen Hemmert and Nicole Nelms St Julien, Rae and Gil Gagnon, Dave and Chris Tanner, Josh Premako, Chef Michelle Razzano Bustillos, Chef Cindy Schwanke, Lilia Denson Murillo, Rob and Ann Piscitello, Betty Rabin Fung, Amy Daniels, Gail Pinsker, John and Debra Heys, Jeff Hacker, Randy and Gail Winter, Julie and Steve Sturgeon, Bruce Fortine, Betty and Lucas Herme, Melanie Dubing Meyer and Jeff Meyer, Jim and Monica McClafferty, Pam Ingram, Sandi Naba, Robb and Rebecca Bacon, Leila Rosenberger, Janice Murray, Scott Ervin, Todd Wilson, Ken and Patrice Rifkind, Elizabeth Teagle, Bobbi Welton, Nate Hasper, Megan and Steve Lemley, Russ and Nancy Briley, Juan Alonso, Doris Zimmer, Doron and Joyce Carson, Steve and Elizabeth Hopp, Maureen and Derrick McKaughan, Larry McClements, Lori Rivas, Danise Davis, Carole Lenoir, Cheryl Wilson Daniel, Jennifer Haberer and Larry Mazzeo and -Dole Humphries kept this crowd happy with live music.

About Assistance League (AKA what your ticket price does for our community)

Assistance League Santa Clarita organized in 1989 by local women, was chartered in 1993 and has grown to 174 members and 51 Assisteens®. A chapter of National Assistance League, it is a nonprofit, nonpolitical, nonsectarian and IRS 501(c)(3) service organization. It is also a 100 percent volunteer-driven organization. All funds raised from Sunset in the Vineyard benefit Assistance League programs exclusively in the Santa Clarita Valley such as Operation School Bell®, which clothed more than 2,500 children in the SCV this year.

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Solvang Stomp: 2nd Annual Wine Harvest Street Festival Set for Saturday, 10/19/19

July 24, 2019 by evebushman

Solvang, California, USA –Tracy Farhad, Executive Director of the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau, has announced the return of Solvang Stomp, a Wine Harvest Street Festival. The second annual event will be happening on Saturday, October 19, 2019, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. in downtown Solvang on First Street (between Mission Drive/Hwy 246 & Copenhagen Drive) and the adjacent Solvang Park.

Solvang Stomp guests will have the opportunity to stomp grapes in vats barefoot, sip tastes from dozens of area wineries, dance to a live band, drink pink in the “I Love Rosé Lounge” and be able to purchase food inside the festival area from popular area eateries as well as participate in the “Lucy & Ricky Ricardo Look-a-Like Contest based on Lucille Ball’s famous grape stomp episode on her TV show. All “Solvang Stompers” will receive a souvenir logo wine glass and foot towel plus a ticket to win wine-related prizes.

Daniel Lahr, Solvang CVB’s Special Program Manager shared, “Solvang is surrounded by world-class vineyards, wineries and tasting rooms. October is harvest time which means it’s a festive time to taste new wine and stomp some grapes.”

Farhad remarked, “Our inaugural 2018 event attracted 500 guests with 46% staying in a Solvang hotel, 60% purchasing wine or beer, and an impressive 75% shopped and dined locally according to our after-event survey. Solvang CVB is proud to present this event to celebrate our local wine heritage.”

Solvang Stomp general admission from 2:00-5:00 p.m. is $75 per person and VIP Stompers (limited to 250 guests) features early admission at 1:00 p.m. and private VIP area for $125 per person. Guests must be ages 21 years and beyond. Advance ticket purchases are highly recommended online at www.solvangusa.com/STOMP

The second annual Solvang Grape Stomp is presented by the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau with event production by Cultivate Events. For more information about lodging, dining, wine tasting and attractions year-round in Solvang, visit www.SolvangUSA.com

Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza Announces Their 2019 Lineup

June 1, 2019 by evebushman

MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif. (PRWEB) – The 24th Annual Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza in Mammoth Lakes, California is gearing up for its High Sierra summer party with four days of music and two days of craft beer tasting, August 1st-4th, outdoors among the pines at The Woods at Mammoth Lakes.

More than 20 internationally known bands will perform on two stages including seven-time Grammy award winner Buddy Guy, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Jimmie Vaughan, Charlie Musselwhite, Popa Chubby, Mindi Abair & The Boneshakers, Sugaray Rayford, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Southern Avenue, Shamarr Allen & The Underdawgs, Sal’s Greenhouse, Dirty Cello, Emily Wolfe, Reverend Tall Tree & The Blackstrap Brothers, Kings & Associates, Chris Pierce, Katie Henry Band, The Sextones, and more.

“At 8,000 feet, our festival unites the best in craft beer and legendary blues at altitude,” says Sean Turner of Mammoth Brewing Company, host brewery of the event. “This year’s lineup is an incredible mix of celebrated blues performers and some emerging new acts.”

The Mammoth Festival of Beers boasts two days of beer tastings, both Saturday (12pm-5pm) and Sunday (12pm-4pm), showcasing more than 70+ breweries pouring over 200 beers, ciders, and hard kombuchas. A sampling of breweries include Mammoth Brewing Company, Figueroa Mountain Brewing, Eel River Brewing, Firestone Walker, Great Divide Brewing Co, San Diego, Sierra Nevada, Stone, and many, many more. The event benefits the California Craft Brewers Association, Infinite Music, One Tree Planted, and local nonprofit organizations. Along with the beer and blues, a variety of food purveyors will be on site. And for those that prefer grapes to hops, Paso Robles winery Castoro Cellars will be offering their signature wines.

Multi-day tickets are the festival’s best buy and those that purchase the Blues/Brews Ultimate Pass receive early entry to the festival and beer tastings each day.

Advance tickets are on sale and the festival is expected to sell out. Tickets are available online at http://www.MammothBluesBrewsFest.com/tickets; and locally at the Mammoth Brewing Company Tasting Room. For updates and additional information, visit http://www.MammothBluesBrewsFest.com, or call 888-99-BREWS (992-7397).

The Woods at Mammoth Lakes, is located at 5701 Minaret Road between Main Street and Meridian Boulevard. Mammoth Lakes is a mountain resort located near Yosemite National Park in the Eastern High Sierra off Highway 395, offering world-class golf courses, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, and resort facilities. For additional information about camping or local accommodations, call 800-GO MAMMOTH or visit http://www.visitmammoth.com or http://www.mammothbluesbrewsfest.com/lodging.

Twenty-four years ago, Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza started in the parking lot of Whiskey Creek Restaurant in Mammoth Lakes, CA with just ten breweries and a couple of garage bands. From these humble beginnings, the event today attracts thousands of attendees from all over the world and is recognized as one of the best festivals of its kind in the United States.

KVC Kentucky Holds 2nd Annual Brews, Boots and Beats Concert Event

May 8, 2019 by evebushman

LEXINGTON, Ky. (PRWEB) – KVC Kentucky will host the 2nd Annual Brews, Boots & Beats presented by Sleep Outfitters and Tempur Sealy, at Fasig-Tipton horse farm on May 17, 2019 to raise funds to support KVC Kentucky’s mission and further their work. Located in the heart of the Bluegrass, this elegant venue highlights Kentucky’s stunning farmland, prized Thoroughbred horses and beautiful equine architecture.

This year’s event features live concert performances by The Tee Dee Young Band, Dustin Collins, The Swells, Small Batch, and Ben Lacy, heavy hors d’oeuvres catered by award-winning Chef Ouita Michel and her team, beer by West Sixth Brewing, cocktails and more! This event brings together guests of all ages to enjoy a night of music, dancing and fun – plus, your chance to win a Tempurpedic bed and other great prizes, all for a great cause!

While this evening event promises to be a fun time with family, friends, and community partners, Brews, Boots & Beats will also raise awareness for the vital work of KVC Kentucky in supporting those in our communities who are experiencing mental health distress, substance use and family trauma.

For over 18 years, KVC Kentucky has provided an array of behavioral health, substance use and child welfare services that target significant problems that youth, adults and families face in our contemporary society. KVC Kentucky positively impacts the lives of over 12,000 children and families each year by providing in-home behavioral healthcare and substance abuse treatment, family preservation and reunification, and foster care services. KVC Kentucky is committed to strengthening and supporting the well-being and vitality of Kentucky’s children, families and communities through their high-quality, collaborative, and impactful services designed to empower clients by building on their unique strengths.

Doors will open at 6:00pm. VIP and General Admission Tickets are on sale now at https://brewsbootsbeats2019.eventbrite.com. Come dance the night away in support of KVC Kentucky’s mission to strengthen and support the well-being and vitality of Kentucky’s children, families and communities!

The Wine Affair – Sip, Stroll & Savor the Sounds: Takes Place March 24 on Main Street in Downtown Newhall

February 11, 2019 by evebushman

Santa Clarita, CA— Soroptimist of Greater Santa Clarita Valley (SIGSCV) is excited to announce their 11^th annual Wine Affair fundraiser will be held on Sunday, March 24^th from 2pm – 6pm. The event is an extravaganza of wine (and beer), food and local music that has grown in popularity year after year.

Sand Canyon Country Club (www.sandcanyoncc.com) is the title sponsor of the event.

Nola Aronson’s Advanced Audiology (www.scvadvancedaudiology.com) is a Platinum Sponsor.

An exciting change to the popular event is the location – the March event will take place on Main Street in Old Town Newhall, introducing attendees to a new array of venues, delicious appetizers, new wines as well as craft brews. There is surely something for everyone to enjoy while experiencing the transformation of our Old Town Newhall district.

Karen Schnurr, SIGSCV President stated, “We are thrilled to be able to hold this event in the heart of Old Town Newhall, introducing the community to the vitalization and excitement of this area of our city. We are so grateful for the number of inquiries from businesses up and down Main Street wanting to participate.”

Proceeds from this event will go toward improving the lives of women and girls in our community.

General admission tickets are $60 and VIP tickets are $110. Both can be purchased online at www.thewineaffair.org.

Mystic Hills Vineyard is the VIP ticket area wine sponsor. At press time there is not a current list of wineries participating but some of the venues hosting tastings will include Newhall Refinery, Double Trouble Wine Room, The Old Town Junction, Persia Lounge and Restaurant, Brewery Draconum, Pulchella Winery, Smokehouse on Main, The Press Room and at least another half dozen more.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Aida Weinstein at 661-713-2656.

Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that improves the lives of women and girls. More than 110,000 members and supporters in 20 countries and territories invest in the dreams of women and girls through access to education. Soroptimist’s main program, Live Your Dream Education and Training Awards for Women, has disbursed about $30 million to almost 20,000 women since 1972. Its newest program, Dream It, Be It, targets girls in secondary school who face obstacles to their future success. Soroptimist also powers LiveYourDream.org, its online community that provides on and offline opportunities for volunteer action benefiting women and girls.

Seventh Annual SCV Charity Chili Cook-off Offers Lots of New Surprises

January 21, 2019 by evebushman

The 7^th Annual SCV Charity Chili Cook-off is cooking up some great surprises. 40 amateur chefs will be accepted as contestants for the event, to be held on Thursday, March 21st, 2019 at 6:00pm. The event is being held at The Oaks Club at Valencia (formally TPC) featuring live band, DJ and dancing along with a live and silent auction, kids’ corner and of course Chili cookers far and wide looking forward to presenting their prized recipe in hopes of winning first, second or third prize, People Choice Award or Judges Choice, all critiqued by our local celebrity judges. Our new location, will offer a perfect flow of inside and outside areas to experience this great event. We will have a few more great surprises to unveil!

The Santa Clarita community will once again will be asked for their support for great non-profits, while having a great time. This year’s event is sure to be our best. This is founder Nicole Stinson’s 7th successful year, whom will be working hard and diligently to bring in sponsors, donations with her co-chair Steve Portaro to help make the event go off without a hitch. The upcoming event will be benefiting two amazing shelters in our area that are saving the lives of animals, Shelter Hope Pet Shop and St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary/Lange Foundation. Steve Portaro, Co-Chair commented, “Our goal has no cap and we are benefiting two charities this year, so we need twice the donation power to help both amazing causes with their continued success.”

Editor’s Note: I reached out to Nicole to ask what wine 101 readers need to know and learned: Support local – and get a drink ticket for beer, wine or a well drink at the same time if you buy a VIP ticket to SCV Charity Chili Cook-Off! And General admission tickets have a EARLY BIRD SPECIAL GOING- SAVE $5 until February 14!

Sponsor, Cooker, Attendee, Volunteer opportunities:

Put your hand on my paw. I will never let it go. Put your trust in me. I will never, ever leave you. Put your heart in my heart. I will forever give you love. Put my paw in your hand. I will always keep you from harm. All I ask for is your love.

Love always………The Pet that you will someday rescue.

It’s already heating up in the kitchen as sponsors are grabbing a seat at the table. There’s plenty of room to join them, our sponsorship levels start at $500 and go up to $10,000. Prizes and donations for the silent auction are already coming in! This year’s selected charities benefiting when we put the word out for nominations, the votes started flooding in to help support rescuing animals in our community. We are so proud and excited to be able to help this cause and can’t wait to get the ball rolling and the planning underway says Stinson.

Attention – Amateur Cookers! We are already signing up Chili Cookers and contestants to enter their secret recipe, serve it up to event attendees, and try for the 2019 trophy for the BEST CHILI! Get your registration forms in ASAP; space is limited- $125.00 fee. Awards will be given in two categories- People’s Choice and Judges Choice. We will also have an additional trophy for the Best Decorated Booth! YEE HAW!

Early Bird General admission tickets are on sale for $25.00 until end of January, then will go up to $30.00. VIP Tickets are still available but will be sold out soon, so don’t wait to buy your tickets! https://scvcharitychilicookoff.com/tickets/

For more information, entering in Chili Contest or sponsorship please call Nicole Stinson 661-816-4234, Steve Portaro 310-800-3064 or please visit www.scvcharitychilicookoff.com or keep up with all the latest news on Facebook www.facebook.com/SCVChiliCookOff, #HottestCharityEventInTown.

Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout Wins Gold at Tastings.com World Beer Championships

December 6, 2018 by evebushman

FORT BRAGG, Calif. (PRWEB) – North Coast Brewing Company, an independent craft brewery producing exceptional, high-quality beers, is excited to announce that its Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout has been awarded a gold medal at the Tastings.com World Beer Championships.

Tastings.com judges described Old Rasputin as “a craveable hoppy imperial stout that is superbly balanced,” rewarding it with a ranking of 94 points and a gold medal at the Tastings.com World Beer Championships.

Internationally recognized, the Tastings.com World Beer Championships is America’s oldest annual international beer competition, dating back to 1994. The World Beer Championships reviews a different beer category each month, using feedback provided from an exceptional panel of judges with expertise in categories such as beer retail, production, distribution and taste. Beers are blind tasted and judged on a 100-point scale, providing the highest level of control to guarantee beer fans with top quality reviews.

“North Coast Brewing Company is thrilled that our Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout received a 94-point score from the Tastings.com World Beer Championships,” said North Coast Brewing Company Brewmaster, Chuck Martins. “Old Rasputin is a fan favorite and it’s an honor to be recognized with one of the highest ranking scores.”

Rooted in history, Old Rasputin is one of North Coast Brewing’s most famous brews, nationally recognized within the craft beer industry. Featuring a remarkable mix of rich flavor elements and a warming finish, Old Rasputin is a timeless take on an imperial stout.

Old Rasputin is an internationally distributed beer and can be found locally using North Coast Brewing Company’s beer locator.

About North Coast Brewing Company:
Founded in 1988, North Coast Brewing Company is an independent craft brewery producing exceptional, award-winning beers in Fort Bragg, CA. North Coast Brewing crafts a wide range of beers, including barrel-aged ales and popular seasonal offerings, including a Berliner Weisse series, to 48 U.S. states and internationally. A pioneer in the brewing community, North Coast Brewing Company is focused on sustainability and is a Certified B Corporation, California Benefit Corporation and Best for the World 2018 Changemaker honoree. For more information on North Coast Brewing, please visit: https://northcoastbrewing.com/.

Casa Pacifica Announces 5th Annual “Best in Fest” Brewery Competition Winner

May 24, 2018 by evebushman

CAMARILLO, Calif. – On Sunday, April 29, 2018 at Bottle & Pint in The Annex at The Collection RiverPark, Casa Pacifica chose its 5th Annual “Best in Fest” brewery winner. This year, Topa Topa Brewing Co. took home the top prize with their Chief Peak IPA. Institution Ale’s Rx Pils and MadeWest’s Red Rye earned honorable mention.

This was the first year the “Best in Fest” judging was open to the public. Attendees tasted the twelve brews alongside the judges. The esteemed panel of judges included: Kevin Pratt, the nation’s second highest ranked beer judge; Jason Hendrick, General Manager of Barrelhouse 101; Zach Rosen, Certified Cicerone; Erin Peters, also known as the Beer Goddess; and Bec O’Neal, Sales Rep for Stone Distribution Company. Guests also received delicious small bites from other Annex tenants: Pancake, Scratch Sandwich Counter, and Seoul Sausage Co. Another welcome addition to the competition was the dispensing of beers via numbered taps. In years past, competition co-chairs Curtis Taylor and JC Lombardo collected the brews and stored them in coolers until the judging.

The breweries vying for the title were: 14 Cannons Brewery, Enegren Brewing Co., Institution Ale, The LAB Brewing Co., Leashless Brewing, MadeWest Brewing Co., Ojai Valley Brewery, Red Tandem Brewery, SLO Brew, Topa Topa Brewing Co., Ventura Coast Brewing Co., and Westlake Brewing Company. All twelve brews from the “Best in Fest’ Brewery Competition will be available for tasting at the 25th Anniversary of the Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival on Sunday, June 3, 2018 at CSU Channel Islands.

Casa Pacifica and the Angels are excited to welcome back their generous Hosts, The Zarley Family; The Van Huisen Family; Nevers, Palazzo, Packard, Wildermuth & Wynner, PC; Conico Oil/MacValley Oil & Mission Produce. The VIP Lounge will be presented by Wells Fargo. The newest addition to the festival is the Ultra VIP Experience, sponsored by Union Bank. This special addition for the 25th Anniversary will only be available to high-level sponsors.

As always, the Festival will offer an unbeatable array of exhibitors offering delicious food samples from fabulous restaurants, caterers, bakeries, and specialty shops, to the palette-pleasing tastes of fine wines, smooth brews, and specialty beverages from throughout the region and California. A large online silent auction will tempt festival-goers with must-have, one-of-a-kind, themed baskets. The Yummie Top Chef Competition will crown winners for the best “Savory” and the best “Sweet” chef’s masterpiece among the participating exhibitors. Actor Oded Fehr returns as the Yummie Culinary Competition emcee. Live entertainment from the main stage throughout the day will keep the festival-goers rocking out and crowding the festival’s dance floor. Bruce Barrios, Ventura County’s favorite DJ, will emcee the day’s festivities.

All proceeds from the “Best in Fest” Brewery Competition and the Wine, Food & Brew Festival will benefit the vital programs and services Casa Pacifica provides to the community’s most vulnerable children and their families. Get your tickets today at http://www.cpwinefoodbrewfest.com.

To purchase tickets or for more information about exhibitor opportunities, please visit http://www.cpwinefoodbrewfest.com. For further questions please contact Carrie Hughes, Director of Development & Public Relations for Casa Pacifica at (805) 366-4011, or by email at chughes(at)casapacifica.org.

Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families is a crisis-care and residential treatment facility for abused, neglected, or at-risk children in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. The agency is the largest non-profit provider of children’s mental health services in both counties and administers a number of community-based programs designed to strengthen families and keep children in their homes and communities. For more information about Casa Pacifica visit its website http://www.casapacifica.org or call the Development Department at (805) 445-7800.

Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza Announces the 2018 Lineup

May 14, 2018 by evebushman

MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif. (PRWEB) – The 23rd Annual Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza in Mammoth Lakes, California is gearing up for its High Sierra summer party with four days of music and two days of craft beer tasting, August 2nd-5th, outdoors among the pines at The Woods at Mammoth Lakes.

More than 15 internationally known bands will perform on two stages. On the Bluesapalooza Main Stage, the Beyond Blues Thursday Night (5:30pm-9:30pm) kicks off with Harper and Midwest Kind with Lazer Lloyd. Friday Night Rock ‘N Blues (5:00pm-10:00pm) features headlining performances from TajMo: The Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ Band, Revered Peyton’s Big Damn Band, and Alicia Michilli, and Saturday’s Bluesapalooza (12:15pm-9:30pm) features Ozomatli, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Eric Gales, Danielle Nicole and Wee Willie Walker and The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra. Festivalgoers can unwind, kick back and relax on Soulful Sunday (12:15pm-5:15pm) with ZZ Ward, The Reverend Shawn Amos, and Vanessa Collier. On the Minaret Stage, Dennis Johnson and The Mississippi Ramblers, Dirty Cello, and The Bald Eagles will perform throughout the weekend, and during late night sets after the Main Stage performances.

“At 8,000 feet, we’re the highest elevation beer and music festival on the West Coast,” says Sean Turner of Mammoth Brewing Company, host brewery of the event. “In 23 years, we’ve built a solid reputation of mixing legendary blues performers, exciting new acts, and the best craft breweries from around the west so we’re the best festival to find your new favorite band and your new favorite beer and meet some of the brewers.”

And when it comes to craft beer, attendees have a mammoth supply to choose from and taste. The Mammoth Festival of Beers features two days of beer tasting, both Saturday (12pm-5:00pm) and Sunday (12pm-4:00pm), showcasing more than 60 plus breweries pouring over 200 craft beers, such as Mammoth Brewing Company, Bear Republic, Figueroa Mountain Brewing, Firestone Walker, Pizza Port Brewing, Russian River Brewing, San Diego, Sierra Nevada, Stone, and many more. The event benefits the California Craft Brewers Association, Infinite Music Foundation and many local nonprofit organizations. Along with the beer and blues, plenty of tasty food from some of Mammoth’s best restaurants will be served in the Blues Food Court satisfying the heartiest of appetites. And for those that prefer grapes to hops, Paso Robles winery Castoro Cellars will offer their signature wines.

Multi-day tickets are the festival’s best buy and those that purchase the Blues/Brews Ultimate Pass receive early festival entry to the festival and beer tastings each day in addition to complimentary food vouchers.

Advance tickets are on sale now and this year’s event is again expected to sell out. Tickets are available online at http://www.MammothBluesBrewsFest.com/tickets; and locally at the Mammoth Brewing Company Tasting Room. For festival updates and additional information, visit the event’s responsive website, http://www.MammothBluesBrewsFest.com which features music videos; links to bands, breweries and ticketing; a photo gallery; email signup; live social media updates; FAQ section; an informative blog on festival happenings; and more. According to the event producers, this is the best place to obtain up-to-the-minute information about the festival. Or, contact the event hotline, 888-99-BREWS (992-7397).

The event venue, The Woods at Mammoth Lakes, is located at 5701 Minaret Road between Main Street and Meridian Boulevard. Mammoth Lakes is a mountain resort located near Yosemite National Park in the Eastern High Sierra off Highway 395, offering world-class golf courses, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, and resort facilities. For additional information about camping or local accommodations, call 800-GO MAMMOTH or visit http://www.visitmammoth.com or http://www.mammothbluesbrewsfest.com/lodging.

Great Vegas Festival of Beer to Host Beer and Sear Craft Beer and Culinary ‘Beerunch’ at Searsucker

March 26, 2018 by evebushman

LAS VEGAS – Motley Brews will host a Beer and Sear craft beer and culinary ‘beerunch’ at Searsucker Las Vegas from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 19. In addition to exclusive beer tastings, the event will include music and culinary stations.

Stephen La Sala, executive chef of Searsucker, will prepare a sampling of brunch selections to pair with the beer offerings. Three food stations will offer fresh salt and brine offerings, including poke hand rolls, oysters on the half-shell served with a spicy cocktail sauce and lager mignonette and Bloody Mary shrimp cocktails; brunch favorites, including beer-brined pork belly bennies, served with homemade bread, lemon-dill hollandaise and beer-cured salmon, Mexican poutine served with stout-braised carnitas, rajas and Oaxaca cheese and short rib fries, made with beer-braised short ribs and topped with Vermont cheddar and egg; and Chef La Sala’s traditional taco bar, with an authentic pastor taco, an infamous charred octopus taco and beer-braised crispy pig ears.

Guests attending this exclusive event will experience a decadent taste of the eighth annual Great Vegas Festival of Beer, where Chef La Sala will cook a variety of beer-inspired dishes created specifically for festival guests with VIP tickets. This year’s Great Vegas Grand Tasting will be held on Saturday, April 7. The Mad Craft Experience, added to the Great Vegas lineup last year, will be held on Friday, April 6.

Tickets to Beer and Sear are priced at $55, plus tax and fees, and are available for purchase on the website at http://greatvegasbeer.com/great-vegas-presents-beer-sear/.

About Motley Brews:

Founded in 2010, Motley Brews was created for locals, breweries and brew fans alike to share great libations in a true local setting. Motley Brews develops beer-centric festivals and events throughout the Southwest, including San Diego, Las Vegas and Pasadena, Calif. Motley Brews’ annual Great Vegas Festival of Beer, founded in 2011, is Nevada’s largest craft beer festival. Motley Brews supports local non-profits with every event, raising more than $125,000 to date. More information about Motley Brews is on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @MotleyBrews, or on their website at http://motleybrews.com/.

About Searsucker:

Searsucker, a restaurant brand conceptualized by chef Brian Malarkey, brings sharable comfort cuisine coupled with a casual, feel-good atmosphere to Austin, Texas, Del Mar, Calif., San Diego, Calif., and the newest Las Vegas location in Caesars Palace. Named after the simplicity of the seersucker fabric, which is casual and emanates a relaxed vibe among those who wear it, Searsucker evokes that same feeling in its dishes and atmosphere. Each of its four locations features comfortable couches, eclectic music and extreme flavors, all which combine to create the perfect social dining experience. For more information, please visit Searsucker.com.