Hi All,
[I took this photo, Oct. 7, 2007, of some of the judges: L to Rt. – John Braheny, writer producer Roy Braverman, hit songwriter Michael Caruso, producer Jeff Weber and (front) Jon Anderson (the group Yes).]
As I’d posted in the past, John Braheny was on a great panel of judges during the Summer, for the WineryMusicAwards.com competition. Above are pictured just a few of them…
Bands and solo songwriter/performers pre-auditioned and came from all over the country (from Canada too) to compete in a one-weekend-per-month series of live performances in Paso Robles, California. (Exactly half way between LA and San Francisco – in the center of 150 vineyards and wineries!) The 5-month event ran from June to October.
I usually don’t rave about each place we’ve been, unless people there have done a particularly stellar job, but for this we’re standing on our chairs, applauding and yelling, “Bravo!” (holding up our lighters) to all who worked so hard to make this happen. It is a rare occurrence in which a whole town chips in to make a music event so successful.
Several local wine-makers and vendors generously participated to promote the Paso Robles area, as well as to shine a spotlight on wine and music — what a winning combination! If you haven’t explored that section of Central California, we highly recommend it.
You certainly want to check out Halter Ranch (vineyards) for superb wine-tastings. You might also stop by Silver Horse and J. Lohr wineries too. Yum. Also, be sure to visit Pasolivo Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and take the quick tour when you’re there – fascinating!
We also want to thank our gracious hosts at The Canyon Villa, and the Vintage Ranch.
These 5 weekends were a superb opportunity for us to schmooze and to hear some exciting new talent. Hearty congratulations to Shannon Curtis of Los Angeles for winning this year’s competition. Click here to see the other winners.
We certainly hope that Kathy Kelly, who did an outrageously fantastic job of organizing and producing and publicizing the event, will continue to direct many others in the future!
Finally, for those of you who are performing songwriters/musicians, watch the web site, WineryMusicAwards.com or keep in touch with Kathy Kelly regarding auditions for next year’s events: kathy@winerymusicawards.com.
Enjoy!
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