In the latest issue of The Grapevine – the official newsletter of the wine clubs of Vinesse – the “Wine Touring Tips” feature is devoted to a town and an area where I was fortunate and privileged to attend college: San Luis Obispo, Calif.
Because SLO is a college town, there’s an active music scene. And it doesn’t stop during the summer months. In fact, it expands, with the permanent local venues being joined by seasonal venues, including a handful of wineries.
The local communities also sponsor music series, and one of the best is the Village Summer Concert Series in the town of Arroyo Grande.
These free concerts take place on Sundays beginning at 1 p.m. The location: the Rotary Bandstand at Heritage Square Park.
Already this summer, locals and visitors to the region have enjoyed some great jazz, bluegrass and Creole music. And the series still has a few weeks to go, so if you’re planning a trip to SLO wine country, you now have a great way to break up one of your days, assuming the calendar cooperates.
Here’s the remaining schedule for 2010:
* August 15 – The SLO County Blues Society welcomes Code Blues, and promises a few “all-star” guests.
* August 29 – The SLO County Band and the Gold Coast Chorus will perform.
* September 12 – A jazz combo will open for the 17-piece Cuesta Night Band (which specializes in big band jazz).
For me, visiting SLO is sort of like going home… or, at the very least, recalling younger (much younger!) days.
Toss in some wine tasting and good music, and it’s just about a perfect weekend.
To learn more about the Village Summer Concert Series, visit www.AroyoGrandeVillage.org.
