Northern California is known for its good food and fine wine – and what better way to enjoy this combination than with a night of music? With the dog days of summer drawing to a close, we’ve put together a guide of great things to hear near Fairfield to round out a warm, balmy evening.
Napa City Nights, Napa:
A beloved summer tradition, Napa City Nights is a free, Friday night concert series that takes place at the Veterans Memorial Park Amphitheater in downtown Napa. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket and a picnic to enjoy a diverse showcase of music, from jazz to pop to world. With five concerts left until the closing event on September 4, Napa City Nights boasts a handful of talented musicians and a lovely view of the Napa River.
For complete lineup of performers, please visit: http://www.napacitynights.com/Napa_City_Nights/Calendar.html
Thursday Night Live Music Series, Yountville:
Priest Ranch Wines presents the free music series Thursday Night Live through August and in September, paired with Priest Ranch wines and meals by rotating vendors for purchase. Upcoming are blues and roots musician Charles Wheal, paired with Cross Road Chicken; the rock band Five AM, paired with food by Dabba; the blues and jazz influenced Sean Carscadden Trio, paired with Cross Road Chicken; and the J Silverheels Band, which covers classic rock and pop hits by the Beach Boys, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the Beatles, paired with food by Mark’s the Spot.
For more information, visit http://www.priestranchwines.com/Events.
Festival de la Isla, Vacaville:
On August 22, at Pena Adobe Park in Vacaville, celebrate Puerto Rican culture with the annual Festival de la Isla, a day of food, drink, and music. Latin pop singer Frankie Negron, the Festival’s headliner, has a distinct tropical influence to his sound, along with influences of gospel and R&B music.
He is joined by Pacific Mambo, Orquesta Saboricua, Orquesta Borinquen, and DJ Tony O. This all-day event showcases Puerto Rican cuisine from food vendors, as well as the Festival’s sponsor, the Sabor de Isla Café.
For tickets, visit http://www.festivaldelaisla.com/
Cotati Accordion Festival, Cotati:
Celebrate the energetic and distinctive sound of polka at the 25th anniversary of the Cotati Accordion Festival on August 22 and 23. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at this all-day festival, and the exciting lineup of music is sure to get you dancing! The Cotati Accordion Festival is also a not-for-profit organization, with all proceeds from the Festival benefiting local youth groups.
For more information, please visit http://cotatifest.com/
Vallejo Jazz Society Presents Bobbe Norris and Larry Dunlap, Empress Theatre, Vallejo:
Bobbe Norris, a Bay Area jazz vocalist now in her 76th year, has performed all over the world and was featured on both the Ed Sullivan and the Johnny Carson Shows. She and her husband, music arranger and pianist, Larry Dunlap, have performed together for decades, combining their love and passion for music in a love letter to jazz music. Don’t miss them on September 13 at the Empress Theatre.
For tickets, please visit http://empresstheatre.org/events/vallejo-jazz-series-bobbe-norris-larry-dunlap/
Mavis Staples, with Joan Osborne, Uptown Theatre, Napa:
Powerhouse vocalist Mavis Staples’s career has spanned decades, beginning with her family’s gospel group, the Staple Singers. Her music provided a spiritual guide during the Civil Rights era, and she continues her career today with collaborations with up-and-coming pop and folk artists. In recent years, her collaboration with Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, You Are Not Alone, won a Grammy Award in 2011. Pop-soul star Joan Osborne opens the show on September 27 in Napa.
For more information, visit http://www.uptowntheatrenapa.com/event/mavis-staples-and-joan-osborne/