On the threshold of Independence Day, thoughts naturally turn to patriotic displays, festive parades, and family barbecues. Sensing an opportunity for a little pre-holiday fun, two local wineries have come up with a sure-fire way to jumpstart the celebration.
On Saturday, June 26, the folks at Longoria Wines and Buttonwood Farm Winery invite oenophiles, picnickers, and living room hoofers to join them for a glorious day of wine and live tunes. Appropriately called Red, White and Blues, this happy convergence takes place on the lawn beside Buttonwood’s hilltop pond, a sparkling wonder complete with grassy peninsula and soaring water jet.
Now in its 15th year, Red, White and Blues brings top rhythm and blues acts to the Central Coast every summer and presents them in an unbeatable venue. What better way to gear up for Independence Day than with a healthy helping of America’s very own music?
“Needless to say I am thrilled to be celebrating 15 years of being part of this fun concert event,” said Rick Longoria, owner/winemaker of Longoria Wines. “We’ve had such a great lineup of talent throughout the years.”
This year’s headliner is Zac Harmon, described by Blues Revue magazine as a
“latter day Eric Clapton or Robert Cray,
with shades of Luther Allison and B.B. King.” A Grammy-nominated record producer, touring musician, and Mississippi native, Harmon has the chops to make the electric guitar and organ sing along with his powerful voice.
Harmon has played with Z.Z. Hill, McKinley Mitchell, and Sam Myers, and written songs for the likes of Freddie Jackson, Karyn White, and Evelyn “Champagne” King. In 2004, his band was named Best Unsigned Blues Band at the International Blues Challenge, and since then, he has recorded and released four CDs of original music.
“Being a blues fan,” Longoria explained, “I keep my ear to the ground about new acts, and news about Zac Harmon reached me. His Mississippi roots and his many years of touring with other bands before starting his own band are evidence of his connection to the blues traditions.
“I’ve always tried to have blues acts that bring a level of authenticity to our audience,” he added, “and I believe Zac Harmon continues that theme.”
Blues fans attending the show are encouraged to pack a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon grooving to the tunes. Bring a blanket or beach chair for visiting with friends and relaxing between sets.
The dancing can get lively, so wear something cool (time to break out those Hawaiian shirts!) and prepare to enjoy a classic summer afternoon in a park-like setting. Given the lush lawn that serves as a giant dance floor, shoes are definitely optional.
Buttonwood Farm and Longoria wines will be on sale by the bottle to whet whistles and creatively pair with ham sandwiches, cole slaw, or whatever else the picnic basket holds. To make it a little easier to choose a vintage, each ticket will include two tastes of any wine open on the sales table.
“The really wonderful thing about this event,” said Sherrill Duggan O’Neill, marketing director for Buttonwood Farm Winery, “is that over the years, many people have met here and become friends, and it has evolved into a yearly reunion for them.
“Part of the occasion,” she continued, “has become the gourmet feasts that are shared. Everything shows up—from stuffed grape leaves and cucumber yogurt, to cheese and charcuterie selections—and I suspect a little one-upmanship is involved.
“My personal favorite,” she added with relish, “is the cold fried chicken and potato salad with a well-chilled Buttonwood Sauvignon Blanc that Steve and Mary Russell of Prodigal Wines brought and shared a few years back.”
This year, a portion of the money generated by ticket sales will go to benefit People Helping People, a Santa Ynez-based organization that provides services for area farm and vineyard workers.
According to Longoria, tickets tend to sell out quickly, so he advises music lovers to get them early.
“I guess word about the beautiful country setting,” Longoria said with a smile, “and the laidback, but receptive audience, has spread amongst the performers, because even Zac’s manager, Larry Davis, who usually doesn’t travel with the band, has said he wants to come out to see this concert.”
Indeed, the musicians often bring their own families to take in the fresh air and festive atmosphere that always prevail pond-side at Buttonwood Farm Winery. Red, White and Blues offers an unforgettable day of local wine and indigenous music, a perfect way to open celebrations of America’s independence.
Red, White and Blues takes place June 26, from 3 to 7 p.m., at Buttonwood Farm Winery, 1500 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang. Tickets are $35 ($40 at the door, if available) and may be purchased by calling Longoria Wines, 688-0305, or Buttonwood Farm Winery, 688-3032, and online at buttonwoodwinery.com. Ticket includes a logo glass and two tastes of wine.
For a closer look at bluesman Zac Harmon, go to zacharmon.com.
K. Reka Badger knows the blues. You can reach her at rekabadger@hotmail.com.
This article appears in Jun 17-24, 2010.
