The new kid on the winery concert block is Vina Robles in Paso Robles, Calif.
Its boutique amphitheater is nestled on a picturesque, oak-dotted hillside, and with its opening in the summer of 2013, it became one of the largest outdoor venues for arts and entertainment in San Luis Obispo County.
Featuring a style reminiscent of the California missions, guests are able to immerse themselves in a unique and intimate concert adventure as they enjoy modern amenities and first-class hospitality.
The concert season runs from April through October and features top tier acts from around the world in all genres. Various seating options, all within 150 feet of the stage — including regular, VIP and general admission lawn seating — make events accessible to anyone in the community.
In addition to a full slate of pop concerts this summer, Vina Robles also will be hosting a special “Symphony at Sunset” featuring The Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra and Chorus led by Brian Asher Alhadeff, for a spectacular sunset pops concert under the stars.
Here’s more information from a Vina Robles press release:
The diverse program will showcase popular music from Leroy Anderson, John Philip Sousa and Henry Mancini to Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson. Current hits from Disney and Hollywood along with Americana favorites such as “America The Beautiful” will round out the program.
Featured soloists include Babatunde Akinboboye, April Amante, Deanna Delore, and Paul Osborne. The family-friendly performance will be held at the Vina Robles Amphitheatre on Sunday, July 31 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 and go on sale Saturday, April 30 at 10 a.m.
Called the “Maestro of the Central Coast” by 805 Living magazine, Brian Asher Alhadeff is an internationally recognized opera, ballet and symphonic conductor. He is the Artistic Director for Opera San Luis Obispo (OperaSLO), as well as the Principal Conductor for the Civic Ballet San Luis Obispo and State Street Ballet Santa Barbara. Alhadeff studied conducting at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Md., and the Janacek Academy in Brno, Czech Republic.
A singer of diverse talents, Nigerian American baritone Babatunde Akinboboye has been acclaimed for his leading role performances in Madama Butterfly and Le Nozze di Figaro. He will return this October to perform the role of Schaunard in OperaSLO’s production of La Boheme.
April Amante is a Southern California based soprano who has been a regular with OperaSLO since her 2011 debut in Broadway by the Sea. Roles in “The Magic Flute” and “Carmen” followed, as well as a featured performance with the Lompoc Pops Orchestra. April graduated Magna Cum Laude from CSU Northridge with a Bachelor of Music degree.
A superb vocalist with an eclectic mix of styles, classically trained Deanna Delore also thrives in Broadway and Cabaret music. Deanna has worked with Café Musique and had been a featured vocalist for the Lompoc Pops Orchestra. She holds degrees from Chapman University and the University of LaVerne.
Paul Osborne has been a choral director, tenor soloist and composer/arranger on the Central Coast since 2006. He was section leader of the Concordia College Choir in Moorhead, Minn., prior to becoming choral director at SLO High School from 2007 until 2012.
Founded in 1985, Opera San Luis Obispo is the only professional opera company in San Luis Obispo County. OperaSLO offers a variety of productions featuring rising singers from SLO County and all over the country, plus local performers for orchestra and chorus. There is something for everyone who enjoys the unity of good theater and music, the essence of opera.
Tickets will available at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Boo Boo Records in San Luis Obispo as well as the Vina Robles Amphitheatre box office. The Vina Robles Amphitheatre box office is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To charge by phone, please call 800-745-3000 or order online at www.ticketmaster.com.
When you combine two of life’s great joys — music and wine — an unforgettable experience is virtually guaranteed.
