Our favorite time of the year
– the Mendocino Music Festival starts this weekend! Two electrifying weeks of music right in our own little town, and just a short stroll from our in-town properties. Classical, Jazz, Bluegrass, A Cappella, Big Band, Opera, Blues, Cajun, and more. Artists like The Calder Quartet, Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands, Kathleen Grace, The House Jacks, Julian Pollack, Alex De Grassi, and more! You can stroll the town and see and hear musicians everywhere. Rub shoulders with the talent in the shops and galleries, bars, and restaurants. Watch musicians come and go from the fabulous deck of Flow Restaurant and Lounge right across Main Street from the festival tent. Eric and Elaine are participating in the Festival by singing in the huge massed chorus at the Festival’s grand finale concert in a performance of Verdi’s Requiem with soloists and full orchestra. Eric’s own local a cappella group, The Acafellas will be raked over the coals in an a cappella workshop hosted by The House Jacks. Hope to see you at the festival!
Festival History
Established in 1986, the Mendocino Music Festival was the dream of Allan Pollack, Susan Waterfall and former principal bassoonist of the San Francisco Symphony, Walter Green. The Festival is a magical blend of fine music by outstanding performers in one of the most enchanting sites in Northern California. Evenings include orchestra concerts, Big Band, chamber music ensembles, dance, blues, jazz, world, folk, bluegrass and popular contemporary music. Daytime concerts include lecture/recitals at the Piano Series, a performance by participants in the Emerging Artists Program, and small concerts in intimate venues throughout the historic town of Mendocino.
Focus on Schubert
Susan Waterfall has chosen Franz Schubert to examine in a wonderful multimedia presentation called “Understanding Schubert: Affirmations of Individualism” and featuring characteristic lieder performances by Tenor Brian Thorsen and pianist Miles Graber. Another two chamber performances round out the Schubert focus.