By Khalida Sarwari
The sight of craft beers, the waft of a barbecue and the blare of live rock and blues drifting through Wildwood Park this time of year can only mean one thing: the return of the Brews and Blues Festival.
The Saratoga Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event, now in its second year, will offer attendees a chance to nosh on barbecue and then work it all off by dancing to the music of the Shakedancer Blues Revue on on Sept. 5, 3-7 p.m.
There will be plenty of space on the stage to dance alongside Aki Kumar, Jon “Little Jonny” Lawton, Andy Santana, Big Jon Atkinson, Kyle Jester and Rusty Zinn, who fuse blues, reggae and soul stylings in their music. The band will have their CDs available for purchase.
Handheld Catering will provide on-site smoked and grilled beef sliders, brats and vegetarian fare, among other treats. To wash all that down, popular microbreweries such as Hermitage Brewing Company, Faultline Brewing Company and Santa Clara Brewing Company will pour a choice of brews to please the palates of those who enjoy full-flavored craft beers as well as those who prefer traditional to flavored craft beers. Wine aficionados will have their pick of award-winning wine from House Family Vineyards.
According to event coordinator Pat Martell, about 300 people showed up at the Chamber’s inaugural event last year, with folks trickling in from as far as South San Francisco and Fremont. She said she’s expecting the same figure this year, if not more.
“We would really like to hit around 450; that’s kind of the goal,” she said.
The vibe is very much akin to Los Gatos’ Music in the Park event.
“People were having so much fun” at last year’s Brews and Blues, Martell said. “People were doing the conga line, moms and dads dancing with their kids–smiles all around. Everybody had a great time, and this year the music is going to be amped up a little bit because in addition to the musicians, we have a professional sound man.”
The event begins at 3 p.m. at Wildwood Park, 20764 Fourth St. Advance ticket holders can check in at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $30 and include a complimentary glass of wine or beer, as well as the glass it comes in. They can be purchased online at saratogachamber.org or at the event. Attendees must be at least 21 to purchase beer or wine, but the event is free for children 12 and younger. Call 408.867.0753 for more information.
Link: Chamber’s Brews and Blues is back as festival returns to Wildwood Park
