Friday night (Mar. 5th) was the opening “A Night in the Vineyard” gala party for this weekend’s Poverty Bay Wine Festival, which continues all weekend at the Landmark Event Center in Des Moines.

Sponsored by the Des Moines Rotary Club, this annual wine festival will run both Saturday (Mar. 6) from Noon – 7pm and Sunday (Mar. 7) from Noon – 5pm at the historic Landmark Event Center (formerly Landmark on the Sound) in Des Moines. Guests will enjoy live jazz and great food while tasting wines from 25 Northwest wineries.

Saturday’s music line-up includes Darren Motamedy and 4th Degree. On Sunday, it’s Rouge and Billet-Deux. Local restaurants and gourmet food vendors will sample breads, cheeses, smoked salmon, chocolates and other fine fare.

Here’s a Photo Slideshow by Michael Brunk of last night’s gala:

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

Tickets for Saturday and Sunday are just $25 at the door, and includes wine, food and even beer tastings.

Through the Poverty Bay Wine Festival, the Rotary Club of Des Moines has raised over $150,000 in its five-year history. All proceeds fund a wide variety of charitable projects, including college scholarships, grants to local schools, safety and recreation programs for children, yard projects for elderly residents, support for the local food bank and the homeless, and projects to assist needy people as far away as South Africa and Pakistan.

HOURS:

• Saturday, March 6: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Sunday March 7: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

WINERIES:

• Canyon’s Edge
• Chandler Reach
• Covington Cellars – NEW
• Coyote Canyon Winery – NEW
• Burien’s own E.B. Foote Winery (BTB Advertiser)
• Eaton Hill
• Erin Glenn
• Fall Line
• Five Star Cellars
• Fort Walla Walla Cellars – NEW
• Kestrel – NEW
• Knipprath – NEW
• Masset Winery
• Otis Kenyon
• Page Cellars
• Pondera – NEW
• Sleeping Dog
• Sodo Vino – NEW
• Stina’s Cellar
• Two Vintners – NEW
• Vashon Winery
• Vin du Lac – NEW
• Waving Tree
• Willis Hall
• Windy Point

MUSIC:

• Saturday, March 6:
  • 12:30-3:00: Darren Motamedy Duo
  • 3:30-6:30: 4th Degree
• Sunday, March 7:
  • 12:30-2:30: Rouge
  • 3:00-5:00: Billet-Deux

For more information, please visit www.dmrotary.org.

Be sure to drop by and say hi to us – our table is on the first floor on the right just after you go up the ramp!

REMINDER: The 6th Annual Poverty Bay Wine Festival kicks off tonight (Friday, March 5th) with a black-tie “A Night in the Vineyard” gala party starting at 7:30pmat the Landmark Event Center right here in Des Moines.

Gala tickets are $75 in advance or $85 at the door, and include a buffet catered by Anthony’s HomePort, unlimited wine tasting, and live music by the Steve Ryals Trio and Ed Taylor & TaylorMade, plus free admission to the wine tasting event on Saturday or Sunday. Several premium wines and other exclusive items will be offered at a silent auction.

Sponsored by the Des Moines Rotary Club, this annual wine festival will run through Sunday March 7th at the historic and grand Landmark Event Center (formerly Landmark on the Sound) in Des Moines. Guests will enjoy live jazz and great food while tasting wines from 25 Northwest wineries.

“The wine festival gala is the hottest ticket in town,” says Des Moines Rotary President Lisa Meineke. “Everybody has a great time! People come back year after year. And this year we have new wineries and more wineries than ever before.”

The fun continues on Saturday and Sunday, with more wine tasting, food, and live music. Saturday’s music line-up includes Darren Motamedy and 4th Degree. On Sunday, it’s Rouge and Billet-Deux. Local restaurants and gourmet food vendors will sample breads, cheeses, smoked salmon, chocolates and other fine fare.

Tickets for Saturday and Sunday are just $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Gala tickets are $75 in advance or $85 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at Corky Cellars in Des Moines (206-824-9462) or at www.dmrotary.org.

Through the Poverty Bay Wine Festival, the Rotary Club of Des Moines has raised over $150,000 in its five-year history. All proceeds fund a wide variety of charitable projects, including college scholarships, grants to local schools, safety and recreation programs for children, yard projects for elderly residents, support for the local food bank and the homeless, and projects to assist needy people as far away as South Africa and Pakistan.

“People can come to the wine festival to have fun and discover some great wines and feel really good about what they are contributing to the community at the same time,” says wine festival chair Brian Snure. “There are so many needs in our community and in our world right now. What better way to give?”

HOURS:

• Saturday, March 6: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Sunday March 7: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

WINERIES:

• Canyon’s Edge
• Chandler Reach
• Covington Cellars – NEW
• Coyote Canyon Winery – NEW
• Burien’s own E.B. Foote Winery (BTB Advertiser)
• Eaton Hill
• Erin Glenn
• Fall Line
• Five Star Cellars
• Fort Walla Walla Cellars – NEW
• Kestrel – NEW
• Knipprath – NEW
• Masset Winery
• Otis Kenyon
• Page Cellars
• Pondera – NEW
• Sleeping Dog
• Sodo Vino – NEW
• Stina’s Cellar
• Two Vintners – NEW
• Vashon Winery
• Vin du Lac – NEW
• Waving Tree
• Willis Hall
• Windy Point

MUSIC:

• Friday, March 5 (Gala):
  • Steve Ryals Trio , Ed Taylor and TaylorMade
• Saturday, March 6:
  • 12:30-3:00: Darren Motamedy Duo
  • 3:30-6:30: 4th Degree
• Sunday, March 7:
  • 12:30-2:30: Rouge
  • 3:00-5:00: Billet-Deux

For more information, please visit www.dmrotary.org. We’ll see you there tonight!

Local singers in KidSounds, YouthSounds and TeenSounds will be taking the stage at the Highline Performing Arts Center on Friday, March 19th at 7pm for “A 20th Century Celebration” concert.

These area youth are a part of Northwest Associated Arts’ commitment to providing musical education and performance opportunity for young people from grades 3 through 12 in South King County. The three choruses perform together for two mainstage concerts at the Highline Performing Arts Center in Burien.

The goal of KidSounds, YouthSounds & TeenSounds Northwest is to foster a love of singing by engaging a wide variety of music repertoire. Proper vocal technique, theory and artistry are emphasized with an eye towards developing well-rounded young musicians.

WHAT: KidSounds, YouthSounds & TeenSounds Spring Concert

WHEN: Friday March 19 at 7:00 pm

WHERE: Burien’s Highline Performing Arts Center, located at 401 South 152nd Street, next to Highline High School.

TICKETS: $10-$15 (17 & under free with a paid adult ticket) are available for purchase online: www.nwassociatedarts.org or via phone: 206-246-6040

INFO: From a poster:

Overture…light the lights! An entire century of music represented in one work! This fabulous 55-minute revue, complete with an original opener by Greg Gilpin, takes us on a decade-by-decade celebration of popular music. Under the direction of Paula Hawkins, KidSounds, YouthSounds and TeenSounds Northwest will join forces with a fun-filled program designed just for families.

You’re A Grand Old Flag, Give My Regards to Broadway, Rock Around the Clock, Fame, Good Vibrations, plus many other favorites combine to make this fast-paced show a must-see for anyone who loves popular music. Narration, dancing, and solos blend together seamlessly with wonderful choral singing in this showcase of the budding talents of our youth choruses.

Families hunting for affordable entertainment will delight and parents looking for a risk-free way to introduce their children to the joys of choral music can rest easy because Northwest Associated Arts youth ticket program lets young people 17 and under in free with a paid adult ticket.

YouthSounds & TeenSounds Northwest demonstrate Northwest Associated Arts’ commitment to providing musical education and performance opportunity for young people from grades 3 through 12 in South King County. Each year the three choruses perform together for two mainstage concerts at the Highline Performing Arts Center in Burien. In a time of radical funding cuts to music programs in the schools, these ensembles provide an important and life-changing opportunity for students to learn through the discipline of music. Along the way, audiences are delighted with the entertaining performances of these dedicated young singers. The goal of KidSounds, YouthSounds & TeenSounds Northwest is to foster a love of singing by engaging a wide variety of music repertoire. Proper vocal technique, theory and artistry are emphasized with an eye towards developing well-rounded young musicians.

The NWAA young people’s music education program is funded, in part, by the generous support of: 4 Culture, Lucky 7 Foundation, Glaser Foundation, Norcliffe Foundation, City of Burien, JR Mailing Services, Inc, and many individuals & families throughout our community.

Here’s another great reason to attend the upcoming Poverty Bay Wine Festival this coming weekend – a parade of MINI Coopers will end up at the Landmark Event Center on Sunday, March 7th sometime shortly after Noon.

The parade will start at the south end of the Des Moines Marina, where MINIs will congregate at Anthony’s Home Port (421 S. 227^th St.) at Noon, then motor on up to the Landmark Event Center and park in the front parking spaces (excluding handicapped, etc.).

As everyone knows, it’s always cool to see one unusual, groovy MINI Cooper. Now imagine 20 or more, all detailed, each unique in its own way, cruising in, parking and showing off.

If you’re a MINI Cooper enthusiast (Publisher/Editor Scott Schaefer drives one), and you’re interested in being in this parade of fun and funky little MINIs, you should consider joining the Puget Sound MINI Motoring Club at their website here.

This will be the second specialty sports car event at the fest – as you may recall, the Tyee Triumph Car Club will be displaying their classic Triumph cars on Saturday, March 6th (read our coverage here).

To buy tickets for the Poverty Bay Wine Festival, click here, or visit CorkyCellars (206-824-9462), Des Moines Drug, and/or purchase directly from any Des Moines Rotary Club member. All proceeds go to the service projects of the Rotary Club of Des Moines.

For more information, including details on wineries, food vendors and entertainment at the fest, read our previous coverage here.

A very unique 9-liter bottle of Five Star Cellars 2006 Cabernet Savignon will be raffled off at the Poverty Bay Wine Festival next weekend (Saturday, March 6th & Sunday, March 7th) at the historic Landmark Event Center right here in Des Moines.

Nine liters of wine is equal to a full case of wine in one big beautiful bottle, and this special one is engraved with the Poverty Bay Wine Festival emblem on one side, and the Five Star label on the other.

This 2006 Cab was rated 91 points by Wine Spectator and 94 points by the Beverage Tasting Institute – that means it’s an excellent case of wine in one big bottle!

No purchase is necessary– this is a drawing for anyone who wants to enter – but you will have to show up at the festival, which is just $20 per person; for that amount, you’ll also receive a souvenir wine glass and 10 tokens, a sampling of delicious foods, and live music both days.

Also, for all you non-wine drinkers out there, Pike’s Brewing will also have a booth.

The value of the wine plus the engraving is $1,000!

The opening night Gala will be this Friday, March 5th at 7:30pm at the Landmark Event Center. The theme is A Night in the Vineyard. A lavish buffet will be provided by Anthony’s HomePort. Tickets for the gala are $75 in advance, $85 at the door. The ticket price includes food, entertainment, and wine.

Wine Fesival tickets are priced at $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets for the Wine Festival and Gala are available at Corky Cellars, located at 22511 Marine View Drive in Des Moines (206-824-9462); or online at www.dmrotary.org.

Poverty Bay Wine Festival is the major annual fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Des Moines.

For full details on the festival, check out our previous coverage here.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: We'd like to officially introduce a new regular column, "Feel Good Friday," written by Des Moines resident Dave Markwell, who extols to all neighbors: "Enjoy where we live. Put your feet on the pavement and truly feel how great it is to live here!"]

by Dave Markwell

The other night my six year-old daughter and I attended a concert at Highline Community College. My ten year-old son was performing with the Parkside Elementary orchestra as they opened for a Des Moines Arts Commission Music Series show. He plays viola.

I have come to understand that the learning curve for instrument mastery is decidedly not steep. The slight twitch my dog, Diego, is now afflicted with, no doubt the result of the unnatural sounds piercing my son’s bedroom door, will testify to this. While the process is slow and sometimes painful, there is progress and as the group came together and played their pieces, it was actual music and it was great. Their focused and serious faces read their music as they played powerful works. Occasionally, a shrill missed note would find its way to my spinal cord, followed by an eye-raising wince from the assailant, but overall they sounded pretty good and I was proud.

As proud as I was of my son, my daughter, on the other hand, on several occasions, narrowly avoided a very public strangulation.

“Just sit still, PLEASE!” I loud-whispered and repeated as a mantra throughout the concert.

Now, I had no allusions that bringing a six year-old to a classical music show would be entirely trouble-free, but as the bouncing, talking, swinging, fiddling, fidgeting and kicking ramped up, I was considering very bad things.

Fortunately, as it sometimes will, fate intervened.

As my son’s performance wrapped up, the headline group, The Sirens, came out and began to play. They are a trio who play piano, flute and oboe. I don’t ever recall hearing an oboe before, certainly not like this. This woman played notes that I did not know existed. They touched me and gratefully must have touched my daughter as well. For three wonderful minutes, she sat on my lap and we listened to a song that we could feel. There is an emotion in the oboe that surprised me. The music swept over us and it was beautiful. I looked around the room and saw my son sitting next to his buddy several rows away from us, because if there is anything uncooler for a fifth-grader than a classical music concert, it is sitting with your dad and little sister at a classical music concert. I understood and was not hurt, too much. I enjoyed the true magic of the moment and was genuinely moved.

This was until my daughter woke up with a simultaneous flailing back head-butt to my face and swinging heel crotch-kick. The wonderful moment was over in an instant. It was just too good to last. As a stifled a yelp, I collected our things and knew it was time to go.

“Go get your brother.” I said as I made my way to the door and stepped out into the cool Des Moines rain.

I tipped my head to the sky and smiled and knew that the brief, pure moment was worth all of the hassle, struggle and even the crotch kick. The beauty of a single moment is worth all of it, every time.

The 2010 Des Moines Arts Commission’s Waterland Music Series continues with a performance by “Sirens Trio” of the Oregon Chamber Players at the Highline Community College Music Department at 7pm on Tuesday, Feb. 23rd.

The chamber music performance will be preceded by a very special performance by the Parkside Elementary School Orchestra.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Waterland Music Series featuring “Sirens Trio”

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 23rd at 7pm

WHERE: Highline Community College (2400 S. 240th Street, Des Moines, WA) in the Artist-Lecture Center (Building 7).

COST: The entire evening of music is only $15/adult or just $5/student. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department, 1000 220th St. and Des Moines Florist, 721 S. 219th in Des Moines.  Tickets will also be available at the door.  Call the Des Moines Parks & Recreation at (206) 870-6527 for ticketing or concert information.

INFO: The venue is an intimate setting with ample parking.

The evening will begin with a short 15-20 minute program provided by the Parkside Orchestra from the Parkside Elementary School in Des Moines.  This concert is hosted by the City of Des Moines Arts Commission and the Highline Community College Music Department.

Single tickets are available for $15/adult and $5/student (elementary-college).  Group discounts are available.  For $30 patrons may request any combination of three tickets for the remaining Waterland performances.  Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department, 1000 220th St. and Des Moines Florist, 721 S. 219th in Des Moines.  Tickets will also be available at the door.  Call the Des Moines Parks & Recreation at (206) 870-6527 for ticketing or concert information.

The Sirens Trio was formed in 2005 by three professional musicians who loved performing together and bringing enjoyable and exciting chamber music to audiences.  The evening will delight you with the sounds of Rebecca Olson, flute, Victoria Raez, oboe and Maria Manza , piano.

These musicians have continued that tradition of delightful music-making in such diverse venues as The Old Church in Portland, the Brookings Chamber Music Series, The Magenta Theater, and Oregon State University.

Erin Sneller from Oregon State University writes:   “Thank you for performing on our Music à la Carte concert series. Your chamber trio delighted our audience! The repertoire you performed was an enjoyable mix of traditional and contemporary, and your interesting comments about the compositions really enhanced the experience for our listeners. I sincerely hope that the Sirens are up for a return engagement in the near future!   BRAVO! ”

Jaynie Roberts, the Artistic Director of the Magenta Theater Company says, “…I just wanted to tell you how lovely the concert was tonight. Such beautiful music floating through the air – it was just delightful! I have never heard our piano sound so lovely before! ….The ambiance you created in the auditorium was exquisite. So very, very charming… Thank you for a delightful evening! The Sirens are amazing!!”

The final concert in this series will be Cul An Ti (Celtic Music) on Tuesday, April 20, 2010.

Series information is available at www.desmoineswa.gov/artscommission.

Become a fan of the Des Moines Arts Commission on Facebook for Des Moines Arts updates!

More information, including audio samples, available at the Sirens Trio website here.

Burien Arts is holding its second annual all-day Highline Vintage Jazz Festival with two sessions on Saturday, Feb. 20 at the Highline Performing Arts Center, located at 401 South 152nd Street in Burien.

The all-day music fest will feature two unique three-hour performances, the first from 2pm – 5pm and the second from 7pm – 10pm, with some of the region’s most well-known jazz musicians playing Dixieland, swing, solo stride piano, gypsy jazz and more.

Tickets to the event cost just $20 per show or $35 for a full-day pass, and are available through Brown Paper Tickets here.

Identical twin banjo pickers The Canote Brothers will MC.

Matinee performance musicians will include:

• The Canote Brothers as MCs
• Bulldog Brass Band (Garfield High School New Orleans style band)
• Pearl Django (Gypsy Jazz)
• The Jangles (Western Swing)
• Dina Blade (“A Tribute to Dorothy Fields”)

Evening performances boasts a seperate line-up of impressive jazz musicians including:

• Holotradband (Dixieland)
• Hot Club Sandwich
• Paul Asaro (Solo stride piano)
• Hot Club Sandwich (Gypsy Jazz)
• Casey MacGill & Blue 4 Trio (Jump Swing & vocals)

The Festival will also feature:

• Outdoor musical entertainment
• Dancers
• Great food
• Raffle prizes
• Free transportation to and from local restaurants and bars (which will likely be having specials for festival-goers)
• And more!

The Highline Vintage Jazz Festival is the brainchild of Burien Arts’ board member and fixture in the local music scene, Lance Haslund. Lance is a part-time musician and lifetime lover of all music, particularly jazz. He has been promoter of small concerts in the Burien area for several years and says:

“The Highline Vintage Jazz Festival will fill a void in the local festival scene.

To my knowledge, until now the Puget Sound area has not provided a showcase for multiple styles of early jazz in one event.

As Burien emerges as one of the new vital places for the arts in the region, we pay tribute to the people who moved here and grew the community during the Big Band era, and offer a faithful rendering of the music of their youth.”

Burien Arts is a local non-profit dedicated to enriching the community by providing engaging and innovative arts programming to the Highline region and beyond. Vitally active since 1965, Burien Arts maintains a crucial role in the artistic fabric of the community.

Tickets to the event are available online through Brown Paper Tickets (www.brownpapertickets.com) or by calling: 1-800-838-3006. Tickets will also be available at the door on the day of the festival.

Buy your tickets now by clicking here!

For more information, please check www.burienarts.org, call 206-244-7808 or email info@burienarts.org.

Here are some videos shot at last year’s fest featuring the Bulldog Brass Band:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq-ZHONfKb0[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKBYO9SrL4Y[/youtube]

The Rotary Club of Des Moines has announced that their Sixth Annual Poverty Bay Wine Festival will be held on Saturday, March 6th, from Noon– 7pm, and Sunday, March 7th from Noon – 5pm at the historic Landmark Event Center (formerly Landmark on the Sound) right here in Des Moines.

To help you keep tabs on when this event starts, check out our Live Countdown Timer in the right sidebar!

This event is a must for anyone who loves wine, as well as for anyone who wants to support the work of Rotary, which supports schools and families in our community and around the world or anyone who enjoys an afternoon of good food, good wine and great music.

“The wine festival is an opportunity for wine-lovers to come taste samples from 25 Northwest wineries,” said Rotary spokesperson Catherine Carbone-Rogers.  “All of the wineries typically offer two, three, or four different wines. Each winery will have wine by the bottle for sale. The festival is also a great opportunity to see the newly-restored Landmark Event Center, a unique architectural gem of the Des Moines community. Many people have driven by for years but have never had the opportunity to see the interior.”

What can participants expect while at the event? Besides the wine tasting from 25 Northwest wineries, there will also be a sampling of food from local restaurants, along with numerous musical guests throughout the festival.  Here’s the preliminary lineup:

Friday, March 5 (Gala):

• Steve Ryals Trio
• Ed Taylor and TaylorMade

Saturday, March 6:

• Darren Motamedy Duo
• 4th Degree

Sunday, March 7:

• Rouge
• Billet-Deux

For just $20, participants will receive a souvenir wine glass and ten tokens, a sampling of delicious foods, and live music. What if you run out? Don’t worry, there’ll be tokens for sale at the event.

Also, for all you non-wine drinkers out there, Pikes Brewing will also have a booth.

Major sponsors are Anthony’s HomePort, 98.9 KWJZ, Landmark Event Center, Fred Meyers, Powell Brothers Custom Homes, Highline Times/Des Moines News, Kent Reporter and The Waterland Blog and its sister sites.

The opening night Gala will be Friday, March 5th at 7:30pm at the Landmark Event Center. The theme is A Night in the Vineyard. A lavish buffet will be provided by Anthony’s HomePort. Tickets for the gala are $75 in advance, $85 at the door. The ticket price includes food, entertainment, and wine.

Wine Fesival tickets are priced at $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets for the Wine Festival and Gala are available at Corky Cellars, located at 22511 Marine View Drive in Des Moines (206-824-9462); or online at www.dmrotary.org.

Poverty Bay Wine Festival is the major annual fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Des Moines. Lisa Meineke is the club President and Brian Snure is chair of the wine festival.

The main purpose is to raise funds for the charitable projects of the Rotary Club of Des Moines that include:

• Financial and volunteer support of Des Moines Food Bank
• Financial and volunteer support for Fireworks Over Des Moines on the Fourth of July annually
• “Dictionaries by the Dozens”: Rotary provides a new children’s dictionary to every third grade student in Des Moines
• Mini-grants of up to $1000 to schools or teachers in Des Moines for special projects
• College scholarship of $2,500 to a Highline Community College student
• Pacific Middle School essay contest
• Funding for after school program at Pacific Middle school
• Financial support to Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence, a non-profit benefiting Highline Public Schools
• Financial support for a women’s shelter in South Africa
• Purchase of sewing machines for women in Peru so they can generate income

“We hope to have more attendees than ever this year,” Carbone-Rogers added. “Each year, we have taken the wine festival up a notch with the number of wineries, the entertainment, and the food. The gala is classier every year, and the Landmark Event Center is an amazing venue. We also hope that people coming to the event will get interested in Rotary and join us in our work to support community causes and families,” she added.

For more information on the Des Moines Rotary, please click here: http://dmrotary.org/aboutrotary.php.

Des Moines’ North Hill Community Center will be holding another “Irish Hooley” this Saturday, Jan. 30th from 5pm to 10pm.

If you don’t know what a “hooley” is, it’s:

An old-fashioned Irish term for a dance and party.

It includes dancing, singing, refreshments and live music.

Here are the details:

WHAT: An “Irish Hooley” right here in Des Moines

WHERE: Des Moines North Hill Community Center, which is located at 20827 3rd Ave South

WHEN: Saturday, January 30th from 5:00pm – 7:00pm

INFO: From a flyer:

This Irish gathering starts with a potluck supper, followed by a traditional Irish jam session; traditional Irish folk dances will also be taught (ceili’s & sets).

Families are welcome, with a suggested donation of $5/individual with $10 family max.

See the website www.hoilands.com for photos & vids of past events plus more details.

If you have any questions, contact mjhoiland@yahoo.com.

The Rotary Club of Burien/White Center is pleased to announce that this year’s major fundraiser will be a “Rockin Valentine’s Dinner and Dance” on Saturday, Feb. 13th at South Seattle Community College.

“Our community has not had a Valentines event in some time,” said Rotary Club spokesperson Tami Greene. “And our Rotary Club thought it would be a nice change of pace. So if you are looking for a new and fun way to celebrate this Valentine’s Day, please attend our dinner, dance, and auction. This event is not just for couples, single people will have just as much fun!”

The major Sponsors are Cox Financial and New Frontier Marketing.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Burien/White Center Rotary’s Rockin Valentine’s Dinner and Dance

WHERE: South Seattle Community College

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 13th from 6pm – 11:30pm

INFO: This event will feature:

• Fundraising
• Live Auction
• Raffle Prizes
• Music by Uncle Ernie, playing great Rock n’ Roll music (great dancing and listening music)
• Corsages, boutonnieres, and chocolates will be available for sale.

TICKETS: $75 per person, available from any member of the Rotary Club of Burien White Center Club or online at Brown Paper Tickets here.

Local band Uncle Ernie are well known to the Highline and surrounding area and include Highline High School’s class of ‘78, Tim Clark and newly elected Des Moines Councilmember, Matt Pina, Mt. Rainier class of ‘78.

Other participating sponsors to date include:

• Tami Greene with Sound Mortgage
• Burien Toyota
• Burien Chevrolet
• The B-Town Blog
• Bonney Watson
• Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub and Restaurant
• Collins Chiropractic

The club is still seeking Live Auction items and Raffle Prizes, so if you wish to donate a live auction or raffle prize (it’s a great way to market!), contact Bob Wray at 253-670-0466 or via email at bob@newfrontiermarketing.com, or download a PDF of the Sponsorship Package here.

Here’s more info:

The grand finale of 2009 as well as to the first decade of the 21st century is this Thursday night, Dec. 31st, and here’s just a taste of what’s going on in the general area for New Year’s Eve 2010.

First off, keep in mind that law enforcement in King County will be out in full-force, conducting their “X-52″ DUI patrols around the area, so get a designated driver, walk, ride your bike or take a cab if you’re going out.

Secondly, we recommend calling your establishment of choice prior to showing up, just to make sure that they’re open and that everything’s hunky dory.

And if we haven’t listed something else you know of, please email us so we can add it to our list!

DES MOINES:

NEW – “SALTY PAGAN” BLUE MOON RITUAL TONIGHT!
Possibly the most interesting NYE festivity will be a “Blue Moon Ritual,” followed by New Year’s Eve Party from 7pm on at the Saltwater Unitarian-Universalist Church (25701 14th Place So., Des Moines); will include food, dancing and merriment. Participants are invited to bring “1. An idea of what you would like to be rid of and an idea of what goals you have for the coming year. 2. A white candle or a white flower or something silver. 3. CD (If you would like to hear your own music played), as well as potluck finger food (items such as sandwich, vegetable, cheese, fruit, or pickle trays, beverage or other snack item). Dress from casual to fancy and everything in between, and childcare is available for this event!

Butler Bar & Grill, 22341 Marine View Drive South
, Des Moines; (206) 429-3709
$5 cover, “Cory Wild’s Band” is playing starting around 9pm; Champange toast at midnight, $1 shots, door prizes, and a raffle for $250 Butler’s gift certificate.

Mandarin Kitchen, 22612 7th Avenue South
, Des Moines; 
(206) 878-8511
Karaoke, drink specials and great food.

Lighthouse Bar, 22239 Marine View Drive South
, Des Moines; (206) 824-4920
$10 prime rib $5 shots – Washington Apple’s, Crown Royal, Jägermeister, Jose Cuervo tequila, Sminroff vodka, Captain Morgan & $5 long island iced teas. 10pm on complementary late night snacks, not to mention pool and comfy couches.

BURIEN:

Mick Kellys Irish Pub, 435 SW 152nd Street;
 (206) 246-2473
DJ Ken@ 10pm, champagne toast at midnight, No cover.

The Mark Restaurant, 918 SW 152nd Street, Olde Burien; (206) 241-6275
New Year’s Eve Murder Mystery Party – this event will be fun for everyone…for the shy or the outgoing. Join us as we navigate you through “Murder at the Four Deuces” with gangsters, hit men, politicians, entertainers, molls and many other interesting guests in attendance. THIS IS A TOTALY NEW MYSTERY FROM LAST YEARS. Price is $45 per person and includes Dinner, Toast at Midnight, Party Favors and of course…murder! You must register ahead of time and receive your character packet!

Elmer’s Pub, 15027 Ambaum Blvd SW Burien; (206) 439-1007
Live band Grey Sky Falling, champagne toast at midi and music until 1:30am.

The Tin Room, 923 SW 152nd Street
, Olde Burien; 
(206) 242-8040
No cover, Dinner Specials, Champagne toast at midnight.

Side Street Kitchen & Bar, 717 SW 148th St (206) 402-5428
No cover, will be open until at least midnight.

It’s both a fundraiser for the 2010 Highline Vintage Jazz Festival, and a jazz cruise, and it’s going to happen on the historic Virginia V on Saturday, Dec. 19th with an evening of jazz featuring the Dave Holo Quintet.

The evening cruise will include hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and dancing as well as a rendezvous with other lighted ships. As many of our Readers know, the Virginia V is the last boat from the famous “Mosquito Fleet,” which used to service Des Moines way back when (read more on its history here).

Costumes from the 1920s and ’30s are encouraged but not required.

And while we’re talking about it, be sure to mark your calendars for the 2nd annual Highline Vintage Jazz Festival, which will happen on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010 at the Highline Performing Arts Center in Burien.

Here are the full cruise details:

WHAT: Jazz Cruise Fundraiser for the 2010 Highline Vintage Jazz Festival on the historic Virginia V

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 19th, boarding begins at 8pm, cruise at 8:30pm.

WHERE: On board the Virginia V, which is docked at the Center for Wooden Boats at the foot of Terry Avenue, on the south end of Lake Union.

COST: $49 per person; tickets are available online here, or via phone at 206-624-9119.

INFO: From a press release:

Make your plans now to join your friends Saturday, December 19th aboard the classic 1922 Steam-powered SS Virginia V, the only remaining vessel from the famous “Mosquito Fleet”, as hot jazz enthusiasts mingle with vintage ship lovers for a nostalgic evening of dance music, lots of scrumptious hors d’oeuvres and fine wine.

Burien Arts and the Virginia V Foundation have combined to present this two-hour cruise as a preview of the 2nd annual Highline Vintage Jazz Festival coming up in Burien on February 20th, 2010. The preview jazz cruise features the Dave Holo Quintet (Dave on cornet, Dave Loomis – trombone, Peter Kok – piano, Jeff Norwood – bass, Lance Haslund – guitar).

Board the beautifully decorated Virginia V at her moorage at the Center for Wooden Boats at the foot of Terry Avenue, south end of Lake Union. Then enjoy the music, dancing, food, wine and other holiday-lighted ships as we sail Lake Union and Lake Washington, all for only $49.00. Boarding begins at 8:00 pm, departure at 8:30 pm.

For tickets (only 100 tickets available) and additional information about the Virginia V Foundation, contact www.virginiav.org. or phone 206-624-9119.

Launching a fundraising effort for the S.S. Virginia V and Burien’s Highline Vintage Jazz Festival, the vintage ship will leave the dock for a two and ½ hour cruise amidst holiday decorated boats on Lake Union and Lake Washington. The ship will be fully heated! This is the first time the two notable non-profits have joined forces to present an event.

“Steamship Virginia V has been hit hard by the economic downturn,” says Steamer Virginia V Foundation General Manager Kim DuBois. “Partnering with another non-profit organization facing the same financial challenges we do just makes sense. Particularly in these tough economic times, we all need to support each other. That’s what building a quality community is all about.”

S.S. Virginia V provides a unique living history experience to the general public, to over 40 groups in education, health and wellness, parks, education, law enforcement, and over 300 Puget Sound school-aged children.

Marine training programs also introduce inner-city youth to careers in the maritime trades.

In addition to public access of the vessel, Virginia V Foundation has contributed over $50,000 in in-kind access to the vessel in the form of cruises, dockside events and educational programs. S.S. Virginia V offers educational history experiences unlike any other in the Puget Sound.

The 88-year-old Steamship Virginia V is the Puget Sound’s own National Historic Landmark treasure. At one time, she made 13 stops between Tacoma and Seattle carrying freight, fruit, wood, mail and people. During WW II, she even carried supplies and workers between Poulsbo and Keyport Naval Torpedo Station.

Mosquito Fleet routes in the Puget Sound from 1880 until about 1930 were brimming with ferryboats, freighters, schooners, sidewheelers and sternwheelers. They were named Mosquito Fleet because in their bustle, they resembled a swarm of mosquitoes. Now S.S. Virginia V is the last remaining operational steam vessel from this Fleet.

To pay tribute to S.S. Virginia V history, Highline Vintage Jazz Festival Preview, presented by Burien Arts, will feature jazz music from the heyday of the Mosquito Fleet.

In addition to managing a vibrant art gallery, Burien Arts also supports a summer performing arts series, manages an education annex which showcases the talent of local high school students, partners with other arts groups, civic organizations and the City of Burien to host innovative outdoor installations and community festivals, and much more.

So, come help support Seattle’s very own national treasure, the arts, education and culture while you dance, snack on scrumptious hors d’oeuvres and taste fine wine. What better way to spend the holidays than by giving support to your local community while you enjoy a cruise aboard the decks of this beautiful vintage ship?

More information on the Virginia V is at www.virginiav.org.

More information on the Highline Vintage Jazz Festival is available at: www.burienarts.org.

ChoralSounds Northwest is presenting “A Merry Olde Christmas” this weekend, on Saturday, Dec. 12th at 8pm, and Sunday, Dec. 13th at 2pm at the Highline Performing Arts Center in Burien.

The concert will include a wide variety of classic carols, choreography and staging, rounding out a show for all ages.

And get this – here’s how you can get FREE tickets for Teens 17 and under:

We believe that music is a vital element in a well-rounded life, and are pleased to offer a FREE ticket to all of our mainstage concerts to young people 17 & under, when accompanied by a paid adult.

Simply click here and order Youth Tickets using the online Box Office at the same time you order your Adult Tickets.

Free tickets are subject to the standard $1.50 per ticket service fee.

Here are the details:

WHAT: ChoralSounds Northwest’s “A Merry Olde Christmas” show, Conducted by David Spring

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 12th at 8pm and Sunday, Dec. 13th at 2pm

WHERE: Highline Performing Arts Center, located next to Highline High School in Burien

COST: $20 General Admission, $18 for Seniors and FREE for Youth under 17; Tickets can be ordered online here.

Here’s info on the FREE youth tickets, from their website:

We believe that music is a vital element in a well-rounded life, and are pleased to offer a FREE ticket to all of our mainstage concerts to young people 17 & under, when accompanied by a paid adult.

Each person attending our shows will need a ticket; order your Youth Tickets using the online Box Office at the same time you order your adult tickets. For Reserved Seating events, free youth tickets will be seated with the adult ticket(s) ordered.

Free tickets are subject to our standard $1.50 per ticket service fee.

INFO: From their website:

Why travel all the way to downtown Seattle for your dose of Holiday Cheer?

ChoralSounds Northwest brings the musical magic of an old-fashioned Christmas to the Highline Performing Arts Center in Burien’s favorite Holiday tradition.

From Benjamin Britten’s classic Ceremony of Carols to a fun-filled revue of the season entitled What the Dickens?, this is sure to be a Christmas concert that will fill you with the spirit of the season.

Many of your favorites are included in A Merry Olde Christmas, including Ding Dong, Merrily on High, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, Deck the Hall, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree and many others. Clever choreography and staging add to the festivities, rounding out a show that is sure to delight young and old alike.

With our FREE youth ticket program, CSN concerts are an affordable and fun night out for the entire family, right here at home in Burien.

We invite your family to join us to celebrate the season in style!

For more information, visit the ChoralSounds Northwest website here.

KidSounds, YouthSounds & TeenSounds are joining forces to present “The Night Before Christmas” holiday concert this Friday night, Dec. 11th at 7pm at the Highline Performing Arts Center in Burien.

Here are the details:

WHAT: KidSounds, YouthSounds & TeenSounds join forces to present “The Night Before Christmas” holiday concert.

WHEN: This Friday night, Dec. 11th beginning at 7pm

WHERE: Highline Performing Arts Center, located at 401 South 152nd Street, next door to Highline High School in Burien

COST: $10-$15 (17 & under free with a paid adult ticket). Tickets can be purchased online here or via phone: 206-246-6040.

INFO: From their press release:

Under the direction of Paula Hawkins, KidSounds, YouthSounds and TeenSounds Northwest will join forces with a fun-filled program designed just for families.

“The Night Before Christmas” combines colorful costumes and creative sets with traditional holiday favorites like “Silent Night” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” Popular newer gems such as “We Need a Little Christmas” and “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” are included to showcase the budding musical talents of even the youngest 8-, 9- and 10-year old singers.

Families hunting for affordable entertainment will delight and parents looking for a risk-free way to introduce their children to the joys of choral music can rest easy because Northwest Associated Arts youth ticket program lets young people 17 and under in free with a paid adult ticket.

YouthSounds & TeenSounds Northwest demonstrate Northwest Associated Arts’ commitment to providing musical education and performance opportunity for young people from grades 3 through 12 in South King County. Each year the three choruses perform together for two mainstage concerts at the Highline Performing Arts Center in Burien. In a time of radical funding cuts to music programs in the schools, these ensembles provide an important and life-changing opportunity for students to learn through the discipline of music. Along the way, audiences are delighted with the entertaining performances of these dedicated young singers. The goal of KidSounds, YouthSounds & TeenSounds Northwest is to foster a love of singing by engaging a wide variety of music repertoire. Proper vocal technique, theory and artistry are emphasized with an eye towards developing well-rounded young musicians.

The NWAA young people’s music education program is funded, in part, by the generous support of:

• Lucky 7 Foundation
• Glaser Foundation
• Norcliffe Foundation
• City of Burien
• JR Mailing Services, Inc.
• Many individuals & families throughout our community

For more information, visit their website here.

by Mark Neuman

Guitarist Jerry Miller regaled a healthy crowd Saturday (Nov. 21st), at The Reuben in Des Moines.

Deli owners, husband and wife team Mike and Debbie Rovech, were hoppin’.

“Yes! We are open!” they said. “We love our customers!”

Jerry Miller was lead guitarist for a group in the 60’s called Moby Grape. They had a great first album, and performed at the Monterey Pop Festival. Friends with Northwest native Jimi Hendrix, Jerry was selected by Rolling Stone Magazine as the 68th greatest guitarist of all time.

His buddy Jimi is #1.

Looking at friend Mike across the busy room Saturday, Jerry bantered: “Well, hello entrepreneur!”

“Don’t forget the entrepreneurette!” Debbie good-naturedly ricocheted.

Des Moines City Councilmember-elect Matt Pina, a guitarist himself, was in attendance, along with his wife, Michelle.

Never had a Reuben? Prepare to salivate, sports fans.

Here, verbatim, from Mike and Debbie’s menu is what goes into a Reuben:

“Lean corned beef, fresh sauerkraut and Swiss cheese with Thousand Island Dressing, grilled on classic light caraway rye bread.”

Come get one! And prepare to say: “Now THIS is a Reuben!”

The Reuben
21904 Marine View Drive South
Des Moines, WA 98198
(206) 824-6672

Hours:

• Monday 9:30am to 3pm
• Tuesday through Friday 9:30am to 5:30pm
• Saturday 11am to 5:30pm
• Sunday – Closed

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Slideshow of one of Jerry’s previous Reuben gigs

This Saturday (Nov. 21st), beginning at Noon, Jerry Miller, considered the #68 “greatest guitarist of all time” by Rolling Stone Magazine will return to The Reuben (which IS NOT CLOSING!) for another FREE concert.

The show starts around Noon and goes until around 2/3pm, and he’s sure to show everyone why he’s #68, as well as entertain with stories about Joplin, Hendrix, Santana, The Grateful Dead and other legends from the 60s.

There is NO COVER CHARGE, and The Reuben is located at 21904 Marine View Drive South; (206) 824-6672‎.

Jerry was the lead guitarist for “Moby Grape,” a famous 1960s rock band, was friends with another guitarist named Jimi Hendrix (considered by Rolling Stone as the #1 greatest guitarist of all time) and is a gracious and giving musician.

Advertiser E.B. Foote Winery is having a party! And not just any party, they’ve invited Wayne Miller and Friends over to the winery to entertain you and your friends with some jazz and wine tasting on Sunday, Nov. 22nd from 6pm – 8pm (doors open at 5:30) at this area’s only winery.

Wayne is the brother of E.B. Foote Winery’s owner/winemaker Sherrill Miller. A Des Moines native, Wayne plays guitar and keyboard and does the computer backup; Mike Conner plays sax and a drummer, Peter Boardway join him as his Friends.

Tickets are just $10 each and will include music, wine sampling and snacks. Advance purchase is recommended. Tickets are available by visiting or calling the winery or by clicking here. As this is a working winery, you may find it a little chilly, so dress warmly.

You can find E.B. Foote at 127-B SW 153rd St in the cellar of a retail strip mall in Burien. Call for reservations at 206-242-3852.

The winery is open for free wine tasting on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5pm to 8pm, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. Both white and red wines may be available for tasting and purchase in the winery gift shop.

Owner Sherrill Miller has a whole line up of events planned for the holiday season and beyond, so stay tuned to The Waterland Blog for further updates.

Here’s a taste of music from Wayne and Friends (website here; MySpace page here)

Now playing: The Wayne Show with Friends