Day on the Ridge returns for its sixth year from 2 to 10 p.m. May 26.

 

By Mark Fenichel

Mark Fenichel

Mark Fenichel

Music is back in full swing throughout South County with many very special events planned throughout the summer. You can find live outdoor music at many of the wineries including Satori Cellars a couple weekends each month, Clos La Chance Winery with mostly free music and some larger shows,  Guglielmo Winery, Verde Vineyards, Cinnabar/Gilroy, Solis Winery, and P&V. Check their individual websites for details.

Come downtown for the 14th Annual Morgan Hill Downtown Association Wine Stroll at 1 p.m. April 27. This year features the entertaining Air For Paws Dog Costume Parade to benefit Air For Paws and live music in various locations throughout downtown.

Mark your calendars for a day of unforgettable music, garlic-infused dishes and community spirit as Day on the Ridge returns for its sixth year from 2 to 10 p.m. May 26.

This year’s headliner is Kings of Chaos with Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, shredders, frontmen, virtuosos, and legendary stage performers, including Robin Zander (Cheap Trick), Matt Sorum (Guns ‘N’ Roses, The Cult, Velvet Revolver), Sebastian Bach (original voice of Skid Row), Lita Ford (The Runaways), Gilby Clarke (Guns ‘N’ Roses), ORIANTHI (Alice Cooper, Michael Jackson), James Lomenzo (Megadeath) and Brent Woods (Taylor Hawkins & The Coattail Riders, Vince Neil).

Other stellar performers of the day are Lauren Monroe with Rick Allen (Def Leppard), You Should Be Dancing (Bee Gees Tribute), and Morgan Hill’s own Neverland.

Excitement is in the air as the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association gears up to make this year’s Day on the Ridge unforgettable. As this year’s premier food vendor, the Gilroy Garlic Festival Gourmet Alley team will serve festival favorites like pepper steak sandwiches, garlic bread, scampi, and pesto pasta. Proceeds benefit St. Joseph’s Family Center, a charity with a mission to alleviate hunger and homelessness in South Santa Clara County by providing food, housing, and employment related services. This event is sure to be another sell-out again so hurry and get your tickets before it’s too late at www.dayontheridge.com.

The 43rd Annual Morgan Hill Mushroom Festival, May 25-26, 2024 is back in downtown Morgan Hill Memorial Day weekend from 10 a.m.  to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. This year’s entertainment includes Hotel California, an Eagles Original Tribute Band, headlining Saturday on the Amphitheater Stage, and San Francisco’s hot dance band “The Party Starters” Sunday. In addition, 10 acts over both days will grace this year’s intimate acoustic stage. This is an area where you can sit back and relax to the sounds of top local and regional acoustic artists, while sipping on a variety of craft beers and wines. Proceeds from this festival will benefit education in our community. General Admission is $15 in advance (with discount coupon) and $20 at the gate. Kids younger than 12 are free. Additional discounts apply for multiple day admission. Look for special $5 off discount coupons for advance ticket sales.

San Jose Jazz Summer Fest, returns to Plaza de César Chávez from Friday, Aug. 9, to Sunday, Aug. 11, turning the heart of downtown San Jose into an immersive cultural mecca. Piano/keyboard legend Herbie Hancock headlines this year’s Summer Fest while confirmed artists to appear include soul/funk group Maze Honoring Frankie Beverly; gospel/jazz organ prodigy Cory Henry; and funk stalwarts The Family Stone.

In addition, two hot New Orleans acts the trumpet sensation Shamar Allen and next generation second line group New Breed Brass Band, and vocal powerhouse from 20 Feet From Stardom fame Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton, among many other exciting artists will perform. With nine indoor and outdoor venues featuring more than 80 artists representing the best in jazz, R&B, Latin jazz, salsa, soul, funk, bossa nova, and blues, SJZ Summer Fest 2024 presents the most stylistically diverse Latin music event on the West Coast. For tickets, the complete lineup and more information visit www.sanjosejazz.org.

So get out and enjoy some wonderful live music. There’s plenty of it!

Got a music tip? Send it to [email protected] or give me a call at (408) 410-4782.