Temecula Wine Country Events

2012-01-11T06:27:00.001-08:00

Exclusive Festival Experience Campsites - limited supply - availble for 2012 Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Fest www.tvbwf.com

Happy New Year

2012-01-05T21:26:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who joined us New Year's Eve in Old Town Temecula for the Grape Drop and New Year's Eve celebration. It was a great time- OPEN ROAD and SAFETY ORANGE did a great job on the square, playing to the crowd and getting everyone dancing. Silver Beatles - got everyone singing "Hey Jude" and the Valley Winds had Jitter Buggers while kids bounced in the bounce castle.

All together - we had a great time and are looking forward to next year. I wanted to share some photos and links. See if you can find yourself there - and make sure you post any videos and photos to Facebook and Youtube.

2011-12-30T16:55:00.001-08:00

Looking for a fun way to celebrate New Years? Old Town Temecula's Grape Drop is free family fun, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. www.temeculacalifornia.com

2011-12-30T16:50:00.001-08:00

Ping.fm / Integration http://ping.fm/integration/

2011-12-27T13:07:00.001-08:00

New Years Eve In Temecula details http://ping.fm/4tPje

2011-12-27T07:48:00.003-08:00

Grape Drop to bring in the new year in Old Town Temecula :: The Valley News http://ping.fm/8E4qq

2011-12-27T07:48:00.001-08:00

New Year's Eve on the Square & Temecula Grape Drop - Visit California http://ping.fm/e2hOM

2011-12-27T07:47:00.001-08:00

Best New Year’s Eve Celebration in the Inland Empire « CBS Los Angeles http://ping.fm/Uev4g

2011-12-16T10:25:00.001-08:00

Things to do in Temecula, Ice Skating is back! http://ping.fm/Dgusx

2011-12-16T10:18:00.001-08:00

Temecula Does New Year's With Grape Appeal - CNN iReport http://ping.fm/qXxmr

2011-12-16T10:17:00.003-08:00

Temecula Does New Year's With Grape Appeal - CNN iReport http://ping.fm/4nD4r

2011-12-16T10:17:00.001-08:00

Temecula Does New Year's With Grape Appeal - CNN iReport http://ping.fm/kBhXD

2011-12-16T10:16:00.001-08:00

‘Grape Drop’ to be bigger, brighter this New Year’s Eve http://ping.fm/tOc7L

2011-12-09T07:31:00.001-08:00

Temecula Wine Country Events http://ping.fm/d7Dh2

Community Music Day - A Favorite

2011-12-07T18:50:00.001-08:00

It's my favorite part of the Christmas activities in Old Town Temecula, Community Music Day. School bands, choirs and their families bring the sounds of the holiday season to Old Town in a series of concerts at Baily's courtyard in Old Town.

Beginning at 10 a.m. you can get a huge dose of holiday cheer, watching Temecula Middle School, Gardner Middle School, Linfield Middle School and the Valley Winds perform holiday concerts.

There's something about the "group sing along" conductor Brad Hinkson encourages that makes me smile. Some of my biggest holiday smiles came as a violinist in my school orchestras. Despite my amazing performance opening the Old Town Temecula Community Theater years ago, I once was a first chair classical violinist of the "middle school" caliber. I played for 7 years before trading in a bow for a balance beam. And yes, as a good friend said at my only Temecula performance "that was very brave of you," I now do suck. A little practice would make it better - but who has time.

So I live vicariously watching the kids in the middle school bands, smile at the occasional squawk and amaze at their jazz riffs. It's good stuff. Come early, eat breakfast, be ready to sing, and wear your Santa hats.

This is pure holiday fun and it goes til 2 p.m. At 1 p.m. bring your pets and visit Santa. Souvenir photos are offered in Santa's Workshop on Main Street and donations benefit local Boy Scouts. They take the photos but you can bring your own camera.

Mark next Friday for a can't miss day as Great Oak High and Chaparral High staffs will duke it out on the Ice Rink in a Broom Ball game (like hockey on tennis shoes). Both schools will have their bands and cheerleaders cheering for the win ... and there will be pep rallies at the civic center beginning at 2:50. For info go to www.temeculacalifornia.com

2011-11-29T21:49:00.001-08:00

Ping.fm / Integration http://ping.fm/integration/

2011-11-29T20:09:00.001-08:00

Santa's Electric Light Parade - Miracle on Front Street is Friday, Dec. 2, 7 p.m. www.temeculaevents.org

The Big Guy is Coming To Town with Snow, Ice Skating and Holiday Fun

2011-10-31T13:06:00.001-07:00

Snow, Ice Skating, Santa and a Great Grape Drop New Year's Eve Party It’s WinterFest in Old Town Temecula

More than 30,000 twinkling lights from archway to archwaywill welcome the “big guy” when Santa arrives by horse-drawn carriage Friday, November 25th at 6 p.m. He's accompanied by Dickens Carolers, balloon artist Greyzie the Elf, and the MSJC Menifee Jazz Ensemble. There is also a holiday puppet show from 6 to 9 p.m.

Kids can visit with Santa every Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. through December 18. The Tahquitz District Boy Scouts will take souvenir photos for a donation and help Santa in his workshop. Be sure to get Santa's Magic glasses and Antlers while supplies last. You will find them only in Old Town Temecula. Weekends include Dickens carolers and other family-oriented entertainment with puppet shows, music and Dynamite Dave. Santa's Electric Light Parade brightens the evening Friday, December 2nd at 7 p.m.

You don't even need to leave town to enjoy ice skating. Old Town Temecula's seasonal ice rink returns Friday, December 16 with hourly sessions through January 2, 2012. Grand opening ceremonies are December 16 at 3 p.m. followed by regular ice skating sessions. The 3,500 square foot ice rink will be located at Main and Mercedes. Check the website www.temeculacalifornia.com for times, prices and more information.

This Weekend In Temecula

2011-09-15T18:40:00.000-07:00

It's a great weekend to make your way to Old Town Temecula and So-Cal Wine Country. With plays, concerts and wine tasting, you've got plenty of entertainment options.

Gypsy

On Stage in Old Town Temecula's Community Theater this weekend.
Presented by Temecula Valley Players

The huge international hit bringing to life the amazing story of Gypsy Rose Lee! An extremely well-written play with fabulous music, costumes, choreography and a live orchestra. Revived on Broadway no less than four time, Gypsy has garnered a trunkful of awards and rave reviews.

*Due to mature subject matter parental discretion is advised. Friday, September 16, 2011 at 7:30pm
Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm
Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 2:00pm

tickets at www.temeculatheater.org

Steve Miller Rock Symphony - Outdoors in Town Square

This is STEVE MILLER: PLAYING WITH THE PACIFIC SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRA, conducted by Rune Bergmann with world stars David & Julie Coucheron. See the first BIG concert held in Old Town Temecula's new Town Square, Sunday, September 18. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., Show is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $100 to $35, visit www.temeculatheater.org for ticket sales, for VIP Sponsorship packages call 951-677-4484.

Wine Country Concerts

Saturday, Sept. 17th
Jeff Golub
Wilson Creek Winery
7 p.m.

Sunday, Sept 18th
Chris Botti
Thornton Winery
4 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 25th
Jazz Attack
Thornton Winery
4 p.m.

2011-09-02T16:08:00.001-07:00

Steve Miller the Rock Symphony - 9/18 in O.T. Temecula, Geroge Benson 9/3 at thornton http://ping.fm/fwWat

Kick Up Your Heels with a Jig and Sligo Rags Friday in Temecula

2011-08-18T08:11:00.000-07:00

Sligo Rags, the Irish/Celtic Rock band that plays at the Temecula Bluegrass Festival every year to a packed house of standing ovations, will be in Old Town Temecula this Friday, August 19 for their only summer appearance of Hot Summer Nights. The band has had a busy summer, playing twice a week at Disney’s California Adventure and almost daily for the past month. Sligo Rags was named one of the top acoustic bands in L.A. by “Folkworks Magazine” and has won the Orange County Music Award for Best Folk Band twice. Playing original and traditional Irish, Bluegrass and Celtic tunes with a rock twist, and always energized with the antics and vocals of fiddler Michael Kelly, Sligo Rags turns rock fans into jig-dancing Irish music buffs. David Burns is an award-winning flat-picking and finger-style guitarist whose vocals and song writing give the band it’s unique flair. Add percussion from Jonathan Baer (who always seems to smile) and the band keeps audiences toe-tapping and clapping. Sligo Rags plays at Baily’s Courtyard from 7 to 10 p.m. Duchicela hails from Ecuador and offers the music of the Andes with their enchanting tunes played on hand made pan flutes, guitars and percussion instruments. The word Duchicela in the pre-Incan language of Puruhua means “the mountain lion who led the people to their homeland.” This band spends much of the year performing throughout Hawaii and returns for the summer to hit the Southern California scene. Get a load of the jacha toyos, pan flutes that are nearly four feet in length and provide the deep notes of the Andean music. These flutes require well-developed lungs and tons of experience. Another instrument played during their performance is the charango, a small-ten-stringed instrument, that until recently, was made with the shell of an armadillo. Duchicela blends traditional Andean folk music with popular cover tunes. They play from 6-9 p.m. at Villa di’ Calabro. For classic rock and Willie Nelson fans, the band Two of Us Plus one plays their final concert of Hot Summer Nights at the Temecula Cheese Company from 6:30-9:30 p.m. What started as a duo with Fred Schaffer and Craig Chojnowski has grown to a four piece band - hence the “plus one.” This is actually a four-piece band now with Jennifer Orris on guitar, and Dave Rodway on the drums. Together they play Beatles tunes, mixed with soft classic rock ballads from the1960s and 70s. An extension of the group’s personality comes alive when they perform their Westcoast Willie & Friends segment of the concert, featuring Willie Nelson’s most popular tunes. Rounding out the musical variety night in Old Town Temecula is the Valley Winds Big Band. Hot Summer Nights is sponsored by the City of Temecula. A community band that plays throughout the year, the Valley Winds Big Band performs with the classic big band style of music stands, slide trombone and clarinet solos, and tunes from Benny Goodman to Stan Kenton. They play 6-9 p.m. in the Tesoro Winery parking lot with plenty of room to swing dance. You can get a complete list of bands for the remaining Hot Summer Nights at www.temeculacalifornia.com. The event continues through September 2nd.

Sligo Rags plays to standing ovations at Bluegrass Festival

Dance & Bounce Away the Back to School Blues in Old Town Temecula Friday

2011-08-11T16:29:00.000-07:00

Parents may be smiling as children head back to school, but before the hustle of school gets too serious, head to Old Town Temecula to dance away the blues with three blues bands performing Friday, August 12.

Clearly, the most popular band to hit Old Town's Hot Summer Nights throughout the 12 year history is Aunt Kizzy'z Boyz. They return to Baily's Courtyard for a 7-10 p.m. concert. Be prepared to dance.

I remember when Aunt Kizzy'z first played under a tent on the Third Street. It was dark, as all we had People spilled into the street to see them, until Temecula's witching hour hit," stated Melody Brunsting, organizer of Hot Summer Nights. "In the early years, people packed up and went home at 8:30 p.m. Not now," she added.

We staggered the band playing times this year to accommodate requests from Old Town Patrons. Many of the bands last year were being asked to play past their 9 p.m. stop time with numerous encores.

Aunt Kizzy'z Boyz (AKB) was one of those bands. AKB was named as one of "Top 20 Signings of 2008" by Music Connection Magazine. They perform over 200 dates a year, locally, nationally and internationally. They were also recently signed by RBC Records (an affiliate of Interscope Records) for a record distribution deal.

Another popular band, that also played the Old Town Temecula Theater in March is the Bill Magee Blues Band playing at Sweet Lumpy's from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.. Bill Magee's storied past saw him get his start in 1963 by sitting in with The King Curtis Band at the Paradise Club in Harlem. Magee became friends with one of the guitarists - Jimmy James and they formed the band Jimmy James and the Flames. In 1967 James went to Europe and the next time the U.S. heard, James had reclaimed his birth name ... Jimi Hendrix.

Magee went on to play with The Kansas City Playboys, performed with James Brown, B.B, King, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Water, Jimmy Reed, Otis Redding, John Lee Hooker and Bo Diddley.

Hoodoo Blues blends blues, swing, funk and rock with a sound that has entertained at the Oceanside Blues Fest, Kings Fish House, Rosie O'Grady's, the Belly Up and House of Blues. They play in front of the Smoke Shop on Front Street from 6-9 p.m.

Guitarist Andrew Bell will play on the patio at Villa di Calabro from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. There are also prizes and games with Mike Dellinger of Q103 as he hosts Hot Summer Nights and crazy balloon creations from Dynamite Dave. A Blue Castle party jump will be in Old Town Temecula from 6- to 9 p.m. for kids to bounce the back to school blues away.

A jazz version of the BASH band will play at Palomar Inn. I would tell you their name but they shouted it out at me 4 weeks ago when they were setting up and I just don't remember what they said. It's something like Acoustical B ... tried to find them on their website, but there is nothing about their hybrid band. Just show for them, they come with big sound and good musicianship.

Hot Summer Nights is sponsored by the City of Temecula. This is the 12th year for the event which features up to five bands each Friday as well as family activities in Old Town Temecula.

Classic Rock, R& B and Beatles Tunes this Friday in Old Town Temecula

2011-08-01T13:07:00.000-07:00

Open Road, a band comprised entirely of professional studio musicians and teachers, will be featured this Friday, August 5 at Old Town Temecula's Hot Summer Nights. Whether it's blues, rock or jazz, this band of four provides a huge sound featuring Kenneth Rice on the saxophone, guitarist Buddy Mercer, bass guitarist/singer/songwriter, and drummer/vocalist Paul Pierce. Together they cover every favorite rock, R&B, blues and jazz tune on any playlist. They will play at Baily's from 7 to 10 p.m.

Additional bands August 5 include Guilty Conscience (Pop), Silver Beatles, (tribute band), Valley Winds Big Band, and Sean & Donna.

Guilty Conscience is a popular top 40s cover band from the Temecula area. With a wide range of vocals, and extensive play list, if you have a favorite tune, it's likely Guilty Conscience will play it.

"Fans often pitch in tip money to get this band to play just one more song. We've extended Hot Summer Nights hours this year to accommodate the encores of bands like Guilty Conscience," stated Melody Brunsting, event promoter.

Guilty Conscience plays on the patio at Temecula Cheese Company from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

The Silver Beatles take you on an audio " Magical Mystery Tour" with the entire Beatles' Repertoire from Ed Sullivan to Sgt Peppers. Ahh, but they do come visually complete with costume change too. This look and sound has given the Silver Beatles gigs at numerous city concerts around Southern California . They were also included in the "Beatles Revolution Lounge" at the Mirage in Las Vegas. They play at Sweet Lumpy's from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For big band fans, pull up a chair and be ready to cut a rug at Tesoro Winery's parking lot as the Valley Winds Big Band will play a variety of big band sounds from Les Brown to Brian Setzer. They play from 6 to 9 p.m. Bring your fold up chairs, this lot often runs out of chairs during Valley Winds concerts. This is a community band of 17 members. The entire Valley Winds band has over 65 members and is sponsored by Mt. San Jacinto College. Visit www.valleywinds.org for more information.

Contemporary acoustical musicians Sean and Donna will play on the patio at Villa di Calabro from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. There are also prizes and games with Mike Dellinger of Q103 as he hosts Hot Summer Nights and crazy balloon creations from Dynamite Dave.

For more information on Temecula events see www.temeculaevents.org or call (951) 678-1456.

Additional links:

Complete Hot Summer Nights Schedule, location at times at

http:// www.temeculacalifornia.com/Summer_Fest/summer_fest.html

See band information at:

www.guiltyconscienceband.com

www.silverbeatlesband.com

Get Your Hula Hoop Swinging - Watch for Sharks Friday in Old Town Temecula

2011-07-28T09:40:00.000-07:00

Head to the beach - of Old Town Temecula - that is - this Friday, July 29, for Reggae tunes from the Califarians, unique So-Cal Rock beach tunes from Safety Orange, classic rock by the Two of Us and western from Older than Dirt. The music starts at 6 p.m. with some bands playing 7 to 10 p.m.

The Califarians feature the founding drummer of "Slightly Stoopid" (Adam Bausch), former guitarist of "The English Beat" (HK), and former bassist of "Big Mountain" (Shamus Daley). Creating a buzz in Southern California clubs, the band mixes a blend of Old School Roots Reggae Rhythms with Hip-Hop and Reggae Drum Beats. They play at Baily's Courtyard from 7 to 10 p.m.

Safety Orange is a Beach Band started by Harry Elmore and Sol Turpin as a fun after Surf activity. After a couple house parties it became a lifetime passion for Sol. Through the years the band has changed lineups, but the music has always stayed true to the original fun beach vibe - Beach Rock, a blend of rock, reggae, rap, punk, and Ska.

"Safety Orange played Temecula for the first time last year at Hot Summer Nights. They were definitely one of the most popular "new" bands for last year," stated event promoter Melody Brunsting.

Each Friday night through September 2, Hot Summer Nights presents a variety of bands and family entertainment. Most family games and activities are scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. See the schedule at www.temeculacalifornia.com for details.

Hot Summer Nights is sponsored by the City of Temecula. This is the 12th year for the event which features up to five bands each Friday as well as family activities in Old Town Temecula. Parking in the Old Town district is free. There are numerous restaurants, wine tasting rooms, and unique food choices for the palate and dozens of boutiques, antique shops and gift stores for browsing. For more information on Temecula events see www.temecu

2011-07-15T15:49:00.002-07:00

Temecula Wine Country Events: Nitro Express, L.A. Accident and The Bash headline Friday, July 15 in Temecula http://ping.fm/u9V7H