Catawba Wine and Jazz Fest to bring vendors, live music and fun to Main Street
For the last few years, the Town of Catawba and their Downtown Activity Committee have been working hard to create events that draw people to Town. This year, they are bringing a new event to the table, the 2022 Wine and Jazz Fest. Over 70 vendors have been confirmed, with food trucks, wineries, and breweries from Asheville and Charlotte, among many others. With a goal of bringing foot traffic to Town, the committee aims to support the businesses in Town by bringing as many people as possible to the unique events, they are creating, while showcasing all Catawba has to offer. For this one, they recommend bringing your blankets and chairs and staying a while!
The Festival features Live Music by Centerpiece Jazz, a 6 piece Jazz Band, and GMC Jazz, a local group. GMC Jazz is comprised of musicians; Guy Rudisill from Lincolnton, on the Sax, Chris Heavner of Iron Station will be on the keyboards and Mike Sherrill of Newton, on the drums. The music will be running from 2pm – 5pm, with minor breaks, as needed.
Coming on at 5pm will be Centerpiece Jazz featuring Joseph Hasty (guitar and vocals); Dick Hull (guitar); Robert George (sax); Jim Shulstad (trumpet); Dick Souza (bass) and Mike Barlowe (drums). Band leader Joseph Hasty founded the group Centerpiece Jazz in 1995. “Performing straight ahead classic jazz, swing tunes, show tunes and other standards, the group plays all of your favorites. From Miles & Duke, Louis & Ella to Antonio Carlos
Jobim, Coltrane, Cole Porter & more! Centerpiece also has several original compositions written in that Great Old American song book fashion that has ‘sophisticated’ written all over them. Playing a variety of venues and occasions, Centerpiece Jazz provides a very dance-able beat that is sure to please the most discerning listener and will inspire and encourage dancers that know all of the classic moves,” said Joseph Hasty.
In addition to some wonderful music, the Downtown
Activity Committee has partnered with CVCC’s Furniture Academy and Catawba Insurance Agency, in Catawba, to provide “soft spaces” that will allow for a relaxed atmosphere and just adds a little touch of something different. Twilight Teepees, a locally owned small business that helps create the perfect picnic and birthday setups, will also be set up with a picnic style soft space, down near the stage. Also, in the main grass lot will be Nailed It DIY Studio and Wine and Design Hickory. You’ll be able to pull up a chair and create your own pieces, on site, while listening to the Live Jazz and enjoying an afternoon on Main Street. Not creative? A new business in the area, American Pioneer Mobile Axe Throwing, will be set up to deliver another type of fun!
Worried about bringing your children? Don’t be. Catawba County Library To Go will be on site offering a place for children to color, read books, and engage, and the Town of Catawba Police Department will be on site giving away bicycle helmets, to children who need a new one! Salon 438 will be doing Fairy Hair, there will be lemonade, and baked goods, and so much more. From fun for adults, to fun for children, there will be plenty to do. In addition to all the fun, there will be over 70 vendors set up, from all over North Carolina, selling handcrafted items, delicious foods, and all types of wine and beer. Bring your Christmas Lists and begin your shopping because this will be an event where you can spend locally and support small business while enjoying a day out in Catawba County.
For more information, contact Catawba Town Hall at 828-241-2215.