Oakville, ON Canada (Top40 Charts/ Folsom & Associates) The 2011 Robert Mondavi Winery Summer
Music Festival begins its 43rd year with a performance by
Gavin DeGraw on July 2 at the winery in Oakville. One of the wine country's most established and anticipated concert series, the Summer
Music Festival will showcase five performances this year. Since the founding of the winery, both the late Robert Mondavi and his wife, Margrit, have worked to introduce wine, food and art as an integral part of the American experience.
"This year's lineup presents artists that are excellent musicians in their genre," noted Margrit Mondavi, who founded the concert series in 1969. "Robert's belief that we could make wines that stand in the company of the world's finest, leads us to select artists who stand in the company of the world's greatest. We are so excited to start with Gavin this year."
For the July 2 "Celebrating the American Dream with Gavin DeGraw," guests will experience one of today's premier singer-songwriters. DeGraw is known for his heartfelt lyrics and soulful, blues-tinged vocals. On July 9, the "Fume Blanc Concert with Colbie Caillat" features this Grammy-nominated rising star and her dusky vocals and acoustic guitar. The Summer Festival continues July 16 with "Festival del Sole Presents David Foster and Friends." Foster is a noted singer, songwriter and composer from Canada, and his friends include the Canadian Tenors, Charice, Babyface and Ruben Studdard. Chris Isaak headlines the Summer Festival July 23 for the "Spotlight on To Kalon concert." Since his debut in 1985, Chris Isaak has been captivating audiences with his signature rock 'n' roll music. The festival concludes July 30 with the "Winemaker of the Year concert with k.d. lang and the Siss Boom Bang." A four-time Grammy Award winner, k.d. lang will enchant you with her touching and engaging songs.
In the 42 years since the Summer Music Festival's inception, Robert Mondavi Winery has donated more than $2 million from the proceeds to support the Napa Valley Symphony, the Napa Valley Unified School District and the Napa Valley Opera House.
"Robert Mondavi Winery is so proud to support the community with our summer concerts," said Margrit Mondavi. "Through our festival, we have been able to provide support to important institutions, ensuring that great music in the Napa Valley endures."
The Robert Mondavi Winery Summer Festival started in July of 1969 with a $3 ticket price and drew an enthusiastic audience of 400. Performed on a stage and with chairs borrowed from the local church, the festival featured the Napa Valley Symphony, a guitar soloist and the Xoregos Dance Company. Expanding over the years to include many of the world's finest jazz, R & B and pop artists, the Robert Mondavi Winery Summer Festival has introduced music lovers to live performances by more than 100 performers. Now attended by thousands every year, the annual concert series is considered to be the highlight of Napa Valley's summer season, where one can count on good entertainment, enjoyable food and great wines.
All performances begin at 7:00 p.m. and are held at the Robert Mondavi Winery on Highway 29 in Oakville, Napa Valley. Ticket prices vary by performance. For additional information and to purchase tickets, visit www.robertmondaviwinery.com or call 1-888-RMONDAVI (766-6328).
