Published in the September 14-27, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life

By Mark Fenichel

The biggest live music event of the year is coming to Morgan Hill Sept. 24 and 25. The Taste of Morgan Hill is the largest single-event fundraiser for the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce.

This year they will have 27 acts covering the Third Street stage and two acoustic corners (one on the corner of First Street and one on the corner of Second Street) with a total of 20 musical acts on the corners.

The main stage this year will be located on East Third Street in front of the new parking garage and will include seven acts concluding with the twilight concert Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. featuring the band Soul Kiss.

This year’s variety of music includes country, rock, folk, blues, Top 40, pop and original music. Here is a handy guide to take along as you stroll the annual festival.

Saturday Sept. 24
First Street Corner
10 – 11:30 a.m. — Tom Drake (rock, pop, blues)
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. — The Worleys Duo (classic hits)
1:30 – 3 p.m. —Jim Boyers & Friends (originals, folk)
3:15 – 4:45 p.m. — Patrick T. McCauley (singer-songwriter, alternative)
5 – 6 p.m. — Frank Dicker (original singer-songwriter)

Second Street Corner
10 – 11:30 a.m. — Lambert Malloy & More (country, folk, originals)
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. — One Country Acoustic (country)
1:30 – 3 p.m. — The Pfeffers Duo (singer-songwriter originals)
3:15 – 4:45 p.m. — Chris O’Connor (classic rock)
5 – 6:30 p.m. — Johnny Neri (classic rock)

Third Street Stage
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Dark
1 – 2:30 p.m. Mike Osborn (rock and blues)
3 – 4:30 p.m. Mark Maynard
5 – 7 p.m. Soul Kiss (R&B, soul, Top 40)

Sunday Sept. 25
First Street Corner
10 – 11:30 a.m. — Larry Gamble
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. — Blue House (classic rock and pop)
1:30 – 3 p.m. — Angelique Lucero (singer-songwriter originals)
3:15 – 4:45 p.m. — The DT’s (roots, Americana, folk, rock)
5 – 6 p.m. — Aly Kahn & Friends (classic rock, originals)

Second Street Corner
10 – 11:30 a.m. — Jeff Smith (smooth rock classics)
11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. — Aprylle Gilbert (singer-songwriter originals)
1:30 – 3 p.m. — Fenny & Phil (folk, roots, blues, Americana, originals)
3:15 – 4:45 p.m. — Michael Gaither (singer-songwriter originals)
5 – 6:30 p.m. Miss B & Sean Woodward (roots, Americana)
Third Street Stage
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Fast Lane Band (rock and blues)
1 – 3:00 p.m. Rock The Heat (rock)
3:30 – 6 p.m. The Hitmen (classic rock with brass

On another note, Willow Heights Mansion is gearing up for their Sept. 30 event Jazz Under The Stars featuring live music by Vintage Noise and a nice variety of food and wine pairings.

Tickets are $55 for club members and $65 for non-members. For reservations and more information call (831) 636-1023.

Another fun event will be The PorchFest in Gilroy, which will return Sept.17 with 20 different acts playing on the front porch of various homes in the neighborhoods in and around Hanna Street and Alexander Street.

The event takes place from noon to 6 p.m. Be sure to check out this fun musical event.

Got a music tip? Send it to [email protected].