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- Written by: Ross and Lacy Christensen
The Lake County Wine Alliance put on the charity gala at the National Guard Armory in Lakeport for the first time. The black-tie event benefits various community, art, and health programs around the county.
The full receipts for this year's event aren't in. However, Wine Alliance member Wilda Shock said the live auction, consisting of 30 items, brought in $40,800.
This year's beneficiaries include the fine arts programs at Clearlake, Kelseyville, Lower Lake, Middletown and Upper Lake High Schools; Lake County Hunger Task Force, St. Helena Hospital Clearlake, and the five senior centers that provide Meals on Wheels or other nutrition programs; Stitch and Give Knitters, Lake County Chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America, Peoples Services and the Senior Law Project.
A special “fund a need” portion of the live auction benefited the Ely Stage Stop & Country Museum project of the Lake County Historical Society. Shock said those pledged totaled $4,100. The Wine Alliance anticipates participating with the society to add to this project, which will include placing a plaque at the museum noting the donors that contributed through the Wine Auction, Shock Said.
The event was very well attended and offered wine tastings from nearly every Lake County winery and hors d'oeuvre from local restaurants and catering businesses. In addition to the main tasting room, there was a Vintage Vault room which hosted reserve wines from a select group of wineries.
There were many generous donations of items made to both the silent auction and the live auction, including wine, trips to exciting vacation spots, deluxe gift baskets, winery tours, and other unique packages. These donations generated a lot of interest and raised significant funds for the event’s beneficiaries.
Shock said Andy Beckstoffer, the event chair, was the winning bidder for the single auction item that brought in the most funds, Mike Thompson's annual “Pig Out at the Pumphouse,” for $3,800.
Upon check-in at the front door, guests were presented with a gift bag, donated by Kelseyville Lumber, which contained a commemorative wine glass, hors d’ouvres plate, pen and auction bidding card. There were costumed actors at the entrance, some in flapper dresses, some in zoot suits and other periods of dress. In the main dining room the LC Diamonds provided music.
Rob Roumiguiere was the evening's master of ceremonies, with Congressman Mike Thompson the special guest. Tom DiNardo acted as Auctioneer for the live auction.
One might assume that a utilitarian building like the National Guard Armory would be hard to decorate, but it was excellently done. In the entryway, the dining room and the Vintage Vault the walls were all hung with fabric, creating a very soft appearance. In the dining room the fabric was also draped across the ceiling and enhanced with light strands. Each table was decorated beautifully as well.
In the tasting room, each vendor was duly designated by a sign placed above their table, with wine and food vendors interspersed. There was an excellent variety of foods offered, showing that Lake County has some wonderful chefs.
All the vendors were set up against the outer wall of the tasting room, and in the middle of the room was a circle of tables that held the silent auction items.
The auction was exciting, and DiNardo did a great job at generating interest and spurring on a little healthy competition over items with good grace and humor. People were very generous in their bidding.
All of the food being served was good if not great, but there were a couple of exceptional items. Lindy’s Quality Catering pulled out all of the stops with grilled prawns, grilled tri-tip, chicken yakitori, and sweet and sour pork. The smoked salmon mousse from Park Place Restaurant was great, as was the Blue Wing’s sesame tuna. There also were raves over Aromas at Yuba College’s figs with blue cheese and bacon.
Ross Christensen writes about food and wine for Lake County News; his wife, Lacy, is his editor and occasional co-author.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
THE GEYSERS – A wildland fire burning near The Geysers grew to an estimated 350 acres Monday evening.
The Pine Fire was reported at around noon on Monday, according to Angie Scohy of Cal Fire.
The fire was located in heavy brush off of Pine Flat Road, west of The Geysers complex and east of Geyserville, inside the Sonoma County line, Scohy said.
By the evening it has reached 50-percent containment, with officials estimating it will be fully contained on Tuesday.
Approximately 305 firefighting personnel were on scene at day's end, with one injury reported.
Earlier in the day the fire had grown rapidly in size. In the first hour and a half it had burned 150 acres, said Fire Capt. Paul Duncan of Cal Fire.
Two hours later, Cal Fire reported the fire at 375 acres, with that estimate later rolled back to 350 acres.
Scohy said the fire had a moderate rate of spread with spotting, Scohy said, adding that winds are at five miles per hour from the east.
Six residences were threatened in the fire's area, according to Cal Fire.
Residents from around Lake County reported seeing the smoke column.
Pine Flat Road in Sonoma County was closed at Red Winery Road. High tension wires also are reported in the area.
Seven air tankers and four helicopters, seven Cal Fire engines and five local engines, five local water tenders, 15 bulldozers and 12 hand crews were on scene early Monday afternoon, according to Scohy.
No information was yet available on the cause, Duncan said.
Cooperating agencies working on the fire included Cal Fire, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Sonoma County Fire, South Lake County Fire, California Highway Patrol, Sonoma County Roads, Pacific Gas & Electric, Sonoma County Sheriff, Geyserville Fire Department and Office of Emergency Services.
Suppression costs as of Monday evening were estimated at $186,000.
E-mail Elizabeth Larson at
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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
If you get your coffee on the run, perhaps you have a favorite coffee house or purveyor.
With a new, recently opened shop in Lakeport, residents of the county seat have several choices for satisfying their java cravings.
Harbor House Espresso Bar, Angelina’s Bakery and Kelsey Creek Coffee Co., all on Main Street, and Rico Aroma Coffee House on 11th Street offer a variety of coffee selections and specialty coffee concoctions.
They face corporate competition from Starbucks, a new line of coffee drinks at McDonald’s, and an economy that may have coffee lovers choosing less expensive options from mini-marts or brewing their own pots of caffeinated (or decaf) beverage at home.
How do the smaller, “mom-and-pop”-type coffee businesses attract new customers and attempt to keep a loyal customer base?
Owners of the four establishments surveyed say their success hinges on providing good customer service, excellent products, variety in food and drink, and community involvement.
“It is our philosophy to provide the highest quality products with passion, excellence and innovation,” said Angy DeSimone-Lundeen, who along with her husband Brian Lundeen owns and continues her parent’s family business, Angelina’s Bakery & Espresso.
She said she realizes customers have a choice. “They are in a sense voting with their dollars, promoting a sustainable economy when they choose to support locally-owned businesses.”
Martha and Ron Benway, owners of Harbor House Espresso Bar, agree, noting in their brochure that they have “a strong sense of community.”
Listing a number of local events in which they regularly participate, the Benways said “a community that helps one another and lives strong and independent” is what they strive to help accomplish. “We hope we can help keep Lakeport fun and lively.”
Harbor House is a drive-through espresso bar and offers delivery of their products as well.
“We offer great customer service and a friendly atmosphere,” says Brigette Lefort of Rico Aroma Coffee House.
Her parents, Saul and Debbie Lefort, are owners of the shop, where WiFi (wireless Internet connectivity), an in-house computer, and a 42-inch flat-screen television are available for customer use.
“Quality is No. 1” when it comes to customer satisfaction, said Saul Lefort. It is followed closely by “consistency,” he added, stating that consistency and quality apply to both products served and treatment of customers. The family-run business has to “keep a certain standard,” he said. “Customers are looking for high quality. People appreciate our products. They like our place.”
Saul Lefortt said his family relies on word of mouth and repeat business for attracting customers. However, he recently initiated a new promotional program. He introduced Rico Aroma’s new coffee cup sleeve which contains language inviting customers to return the sleeve for the next cup; purchase six drinks and get one free.
He said he is hoping the idea becomes popular with customers, saving them money and helping the environment at the same time.
At Kelsey Creek Coffee Co., the newest coffee house in Lakeport, owners Amanda and Bruce Beyer hope to entice customers by offering coffees roasted onsite, WiFi availability, live entertainment on a newly-built stage, and plans to offer another choice in beverage: micro-brews. The Beyers recently obtained approval for their liquor license and look forward to having a wide selection of micro-brews available to customers.
For the time being, coffee is the main menu item, and coffee lovers can purchase the organic java by the cup or by the bag for their own brewing.
“We fresh roast all of our own coffee. It is all organic and the freshest coffee you will drink,” said Bruce Beyer.
As the business grows, he said, additional products and services, such as extending the hours of operation, may be considered by the owners.
Like the Beyers, owners of Angelina’s, Harbor House and Rico Aroma stay competitive with drinks other than coffee and various selections of food. Angelina’s offers a full service scratch bakery, deli, artisan breads, and a catering company. Specialty drinks include espresso drinks, smoothies, blended and iced coffee. DeSimone-Lundeen said her business will soon open an ice creamery, a stone slab ice cream shop featuring fresh baked goods to mix into 16 flavors of ice cream.
Rico Aroma’s selections include all natural fruit smoothies, juice, tea and energy drinks. Specialty drinks on the menu include Mexican mocha, java chip, Milky Way, and other flavored coffees. Food choices include breakfast burritos, bagels, pastries and soft-serve ice cream.
At Harbor House, smoothies, frappes, chai and blended chai are among the drink favorites. Specialties include flavored mochas and lattes, cappuccinos, and coffee and espresso blends. Also available are hot and cold tea, Italian sodas, baked goods and fruit.
Angelina’s Bakery & Espresso
365 N. Main
Telephone: 707-263-0391
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Time in business: Nine years in Lakeport following six years in Kelseyville.
Harbor House Espresso Bar
1151 S. Main
Telephone: 707-263-7004
Hours: Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Time in business: Nearly 12 years under current owners; originally opened in 1995.
Kelsey Creek Coffee Co.
930 N. Main
Telephone: 707-263-5600
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Time in business: Four months in Lakeport, following 10 years in Kelseyville.
Rico Aroma Coffee House
1025 11th St.
Telephone: 707-262-0285
Hours: Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Time in business: Five years; also operates a coffee house in Clearlake.
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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
For the first time in 33 years, the Russian River Blues Festival and the Russian River Jazz Festival merged into one event. Prior to this year, the RR Blues Festival was presented for two days in June while the RR Jazz Fest was historically held in September, both in the resort town of Guerneville.
Two years ago the festivals were sold to Omega Events. In a paring down move related to the economy in general, Omega decided to shave a day from each festival and make it a one-weekend affair this year. Jazz on Saturday, Sept. 12; blues on Sunday, Sept. 13.
Appearing at this year's Jazz Fest on Saturday were Jackiem Joyner, East Bay Soul, Jazz Attack featuring Rick Braun, Jonathan Butler and Richard Elliot, and Al Jarreau.
Sunday's blues lineup included The Delta Wires, The Legendary Rhythm & Blues review featuring Tommy Castro, Bernard Allison, Rick Estrin and Janiva Maness, Dr. John and The Neville Brothers.
I left Lake County before sunrise on Saturday under a dubious weather forecast for the weekend. Fair and warm with temperatures in the 80s on Saturday with the semi-ominous threat of showers and temps in the 70s on Sunday. As I wound around Highway 20 exiting Lake County I observed lightening strikes in the distance.
After picking up my companion and completing all the gender specific tasks that make a date of this magnitude possible we headed toward Guerneville. We had booked a room at the Sonoma Orchid Inn which we would actually pass en route to Johnson’s Beach where the festival(s) have been held all these years. My fiancée/companion/date wanted to see the joint in the daytime so I begrudgingly (I wanted to get to the festival) swung in to the grounds of the inn to take a peek.
When we finally got settled in on the beach – blanket down, chairs up, etc. – a very talented Jakiem Joyner was on stage. (We missed opening act East Bay Soul.)
Recently tagged the “Debut Artist of the Year” by Smooth Jazz News, the 28-year-old honed his chops on the road with the likes of Marcus Johnson, Bobby Lyle and Keiko Matsui.
A great sax player and showman, the Norfolk, Virginia native tantalized and teased the crowd with a set interspersed with selections from his recent Billboard charting CD, “Lil’ Man Soul.”
The climax of his set was convincing the crowd that he would attempt to reach a high note that he’d never done publicly before. Running up the scale three times then pausing, thus heightening the suspense, when he finally hit the note it was release and pandemonium. Mr. Joyner had convinced the audience that he is the real deal.
I must confess that I never liked the industry catchphrase “smooth jazz.” I preferred the East Coast edge of straight ahead jazz or hard bop. Of course, now some instrumental funk could always jerk my musical chain as well.
Early in his career, I didn’t pay much attention to Rick Braun as he was one of the first artists to be saddled with the smooth jazz description. Consequently, his performance at the RR was really the first time I gave Mr. Braun a serious listen.
Jazz Attack, the group he anchored with Jonathan Butler and Richard Elliot, really blew me away.
First of all, they bounded on stage with the same clothes on they’d worn on their twice-delayed, fogged-in plane. No matter. Later for the visual.
These cats touched my main auditory nerve with a “nothin’ but the funk” set of steamy R&B nuanced selections.
South African Jonathan Butler killed us with “Lies.” Former Tower Of Power saxman Richard Elliot apparently was on a different weather delayed flight. When he hit the stage 20 or so minutes into the set the aggregation launched into the title track from his latest CD, entitled “Rock Steady.” Their rendition of Curtis Mayfield’s “Move On Up” became part of a frenzied funky medley that had the crowd howling with delight as Jazz Attack ended their set.
Not only has Al Jarreau won five Grammies, he is the only singer ever to win them in three different categories.
Jarreau hit the stage early at the Russian River and stayed late. He mesmerized the crowd with his vocal effects. Jarreau delivered songs from his four decade repertoire that showcased his voice as a Jazz improvising instrument.
Midway through his set he noticed the kayakers on the opposite shore of Johnson’s Beach and playfully razzed them: “Boat people. Boat people.”
He then nuanced the lyrics to “Wade In The Water” to the folks in the river. “Wade in the waterrr children, cuz Al Jarreau wants his MONEYYY!”
It was hysterical. Jarreau performed over an hour and referenced the nonpaying “boat people” kindly, again in his encore.
The weatherman proved a little to accurate for our tastes on Sunday the 13th at the Russian River Blues Festival.
At showtime, there was a 10-degree drop in the temperature from the previous day and a light rain was falling before noon.
That didn’t stop Delta Wires from playing like men possessed. The band features the original horn section from Cold Blood, augmented by the supernatural harp playing of Ernie Pinata.
I’d heard of the Delta Wires before but had not really investigated how good they are. They played Chicago Blues. They played New Orleans Blues. They definitely played the Oakland Funk which they claim as there turf.
The great Tommy Castro fronted the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue which featured Bernard Allison, Rick Estrin, Kid Anderson and Janiva Magness. Those folks are all regulars on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise. They brought the Blues Cruise Party to the Russian River.
They closed with a tribute to the recently deceased Queen Of The Chicago Blues, Koko Taylor – a rollicking version of her signature tune “Wang Dang Doodle.”
The revered, Dr. John, The Night Tripper brought his New Orleans brand of funk to the stage next. His 2008 CD, “The City That Care Forgot” and was awarded a Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues Album. His playing was superb and his voice in good shape. The rain shortened his set, thought he did an encore, closing with “Right Place, Wrong Time.”
The amount of rain necessitated some stage changes before the Neville Brothers went on. Some of the fainthearted fans couldn’t stand the rain and headed for the exit. They missed a grand performance by the First Family of New Orleans.
Everybody is older now and baby brother Cyril Neville is more out front than ever before. Cyril is sportin’ a new CD, “Brand New Blues” that is not to be missed.
Aaron Neville, he of the angelic tenor, still makes the ladies go crazy. Charles Neville can still channel John Coltrane on sax. Art Neville, the keyboard wizard, the one they call Papa Funk still anchors that Neville sound.
Those tight harmonies rooted in first and second line New Orleans tradition, never fail to remind me that, the Big Easy is a musical nation unto itself. It reaches around the globe though as evidenced by the Neville’s’ closing medley, “One Love” and “People Get Ready.”
Keep prayin’, keep thinkin’ those kind thoughts.
*****
Upcoming cool events:
Monday, Sept. 21
Blue Wing Blues Monday. The Levi Lloyd Band, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Blue Wing Saloon & Café, 9520 Main St., Upper Lake. Information: 707-275-2233 or www.bluewingsaloon.com .
Tuesday, Sept. 22
Soulive w/ The Shady Horns, Nigel Hall and Fred Wesley at Yoshis Oakland. Call 510-238-9200 for showtimes.
Wednesday, Sept. 23
Soulive w/ The Shady Horns, Nigel Hall and Fred Wesley at Yoshis Oakland. Call 510-238-9200 for showtimes.
Thursday, Sept. 24
Open mike night, 6 p.m. Blue Wing Saloon & Café, 9520 Main St., Upper Lake. Information: 707-275-2233 or www.bluewingsaloon.com .
Friday, Sept. 25 through Sunday, Sept. 27
Stanley Jordan at Yoshis Oakland. Call 510-238-9200 for showtimes.
T. Watts is a writer, radio host and music critic. Visit his Web site at www.teewatts.biz .