Pairing wine with rhythm in Lodi
This weekend kicks off months full of live musical performances at various Lodi wineries, one of many ways to celebrate the approach of summer warmth.
Summer is here, and that means swimming at the Lodi Lake beach, barbecues, trips to the movies for ice cold air conditioning and, of course, plenty of live music at local wineries.
Wineries throughout the area have made it a tradition to host bands from the Lodi area and far beyond every summer, and this year is no exception.
This weekend, area residents and visitors have the chance to hear bands at Heritage Oak Winery, Abundance Vineyards, m2, Durst Winery & Estate, Viaggio Estate & Winery, and Van Ruiten Family Winery.
Stringin’ Along, Hay Wired and the Stephanie D Trio
Heritage Oak Winery will host a benefit fundraiser with appetizers, a raffle and music by three bands. The three bands will perform separately, then join together on stage for the final set.
All of the proceeds will go toward the Lodi Grape Festival’s Bucks for Books scholarship program.
Music will run from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. Children and calm pets are permitted, but outside alcohol is not.
The winery is asking for a $20 donation to attend. For more information, call 209986-2763 or visit www.heritage oakwinery.com.
Don Gato Latin Band
Abundance Vineyards’ Summer Music Series is in full swing, featuring the Don Gato Latin Band.
Based in Sacramento, the band is known for its Cuban, Puerto Rican and Latin American sound. They also cover hits from the Beatles, Coldplay, Etta James, the Eagles and more. La Bamba taco truck will be on-site with food for sale, and wine by the bottle or glass will be sold. No outside alcohol is permitted.
Admission is $10 for the general public or free for wine club members, but registration is required. The concert is from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 209-334-0274 or visit www.abundancevineyards. com.
Group Therapy
The classic rock quintet Group Therapy will kick off m2 Wines’ Summer Concert Series.
Group Therapy has been playing together and in a variety of bands in the Lodi area since 2009. They cover rock and R&B tunes from the 1950s through the 1990s.
Admission is $5 per person — only visitors over the age of 21, please — and there is limited seating. Guests are encouraged to bring a chair and picnic snacks, since no food will be available. No outside alcohol is permitted, and only service dogs are allowed.
The concert will run from 5:30 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit www.m2wines. com. Agent
Macchia Wines is holding its Spring Release Party this weekend — a two-day bash that doubles as a concert, thanks to the local band AGENT.
The flower-themed party will have barrel tasting, bocce ball, horseshoes and more. AGENT will play rock hits featuring their powerful vocals.
Admission is $10 and includes a glass and wine tasting. Food will be available for purchase, and there will be specialty gift and food vendors. The party runs from noon to 5 p.m. both days.
Acoustic Measures and The Soul Cats
“Wine down” with Durst Winery & Estate both days this weekend.
From 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, take a load off on the lawn or patio and listen to Acoustic Measures. The trio — made up of George Alvarez, Carl Granato and Kevin Nagata — plays classic rock and pop from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. A Greek food truck will have food available for sale.
Admission is $10 for guests or free for Club Amada Mia members. No outside alcohol allowed.
Plus, from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, enjoy crostini and wine pairing with live music by The Soul Cats.
For more information, call 209-601-1413 of visit www.durstwinery.com.
Weekly live music at Viaggio and Van Ruiten
Viaggio Estate & Winery and Van Ruiten Family Winery both have live music weekly.
Patio Pairings at Viaggio offers savory snacks, wine tasting, and live music on the winery’s patio every weekend. No outside food or alcohol is allowed. The event runs from 4:30 to 8 p.m. each Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
For more information, call 209-368-1378 or visit www.viaggiowinery.com.
Every Sunday, Van Ruiten Family Winery hosts a live band on the patio. This week’s performers will be American Hunnies playing country and easy listening hits, starting at 1 p.m.
For more information, call 209-334-5722 or visit www.vr winery.com.
Keep an eye out for more concerts this summer
• May 14: Levi Huffman at Heritage Oak Winery; Rogeniv at Durst Winery & Estate
• May 20: The Earthtones at Abundance Vineyards
• May 21: Rob Stevenson at Durst Winery & Estate
• May 27: Summer of Love at Jessie’s Grove
• May 28: Wendi Maxwell & Tres Hot Jazz at Durst Winery & Estate
• June 3: William Sconce at Durst Winery & Estate
• June 9: Toby Keith and Friends at Ironstone Vineyards; Blues Mechanix at m2 Wines; Dana DeMoulin at Lucas Winery
• June 10: Mini Blues Festival at McConnell Estates Winery; Country on the Vine (three bands) at Watts Winery; Crosstown 5 at Abundance Vineyards; Boston and Joan Jett at Ironstone Vineyards
• June 17: John Mellencamp and Emmylou Harris at Ironstone Vineyards
• June 18: The Moody Blues at Ironstone Vineyards; Dyana and the Cherry Kings at Durst Winery & Estate
• June 24: Shane Dwight at Jessie’s Grove
• June 25: Jason Mraz & His Superband at Ironstone Vineyards
• July 1: Julie and the Jukes at Durst Winery & Estate
• July 2: Heart of Soul at Durst Winery & Estate
• July 8: Whiskey Kiss at Abundance Vineyards; Bump City Reunion Band at McConnell Estates Winery
• July 9: Blues Mechanix at Durst Winery & Estate
• July 14: Frankie and Annette at m2 Wines
• July 16: Swing Shift at Durst Winery & Estate
• July 21: Lindsey Buckingham and Christie McVie at Ironstone Vineyards
• July 22: Big Booty Bob & the Backside Kickers! at Abundance Vineyards; Petty-Seger Tribute at Jessie’s Grove; James Garner - Tribute to Johnny Cash at McConnell Estates Winery
• July 24: Matchbox Twenty and Counting Crows at Ironstone Vineyards