The Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens’ Jazz & Wine Festivals have taken root with jazz fans, blossoming into an enchanting outing for thousands of genre enthusiasts since its inception in 2013. However, when the owners of this storybook wedding and private event venue in Fallbrook, California, partnered with The Centre in Escondido to create The REVV Summer Concert Series this year, the concept caused some confusion among jazz fans. It wasn’t easy for some people to grasp the idea of one promoter booking different concerts on different dates at two separate venues.
The lush, 18-acre, themed botanical paradise accented with waterfalls, arched stone bridges floating over soothing streams, a heart-shaped lake with a fountain in the center, along with other floral displays, water features and the Veranda Restaurant overlooking it all, still offered it’s signature jazz event. Bands perform simultaneously at three of these venues with tiered start times, from 3:30-6 p.m., followed by an opening act and headliner on the main stage adjacent to the lake.
The number of festivals was extended to three this year, featuring headliners such as The Stanley Clarke Band (June 17), The Rippingtons with Mindi Abair & The Boneshakers as the opening act (Aug. 5) and Fourplay (scheduled for Sept. 9).
The REVV Concerts partnership merely added a second venue at The Centre from which to enjoy musical entertainment on the Moonlight Veranda atop Lexus Escondido. It also features a fine dining experience at Vintana, the 2016 Gold Medallion Award winner for Best American Modern/Global Influence. The concerts are held on the same level as Vintana, outside, just beyond the vodka bar and cocktail lounge, and offers VIP seating, private cabanas and general admission options.
Although the final concert at The Centre is happening tonight, Sunday, Aug. 27, featuring John Pizzarelli with Jessica Molaskey, there is one more Jazz & Wine Festival at Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens, scheduled for Sept. 9, featuring Fourplay as the headliner (with Kirk Whalum replacing Chuck Loeb, who sadly passed away last month), and David Maldonado as the opener. Entertainment throughout the gardens includes Sinatra & Martinis in the Orchid Bar, Viva Santana in the Arbor Terrace Pavilion, Len Rainey & The Midnight Players at the Arbor Terrace Waterfall, and Charlotte Littlehales inside the Beverly Mansion (where a gourmet pre-show, all-you-can-eat dinner and dessert buffet is available in the ballroom and Veranda restaurant for an additional fee).
One of my favorite aspects of this event is that if gets too hot outside, you can purchase the buffet dinner and stay inside the air-conditioned Veranda restaurant until it cools down. And, with a cash bar nearby, there are a lot of choices for refreshing beverages to enjoy with the delicious meal and gorgeous views!
For more information about the REVV Concert series in Escondido and Fallbrook, California, or to purchase tickets to Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens’ Jazz & Wine Festival, located at 220 Grand Tradition Way, Fallbrook, California, featuring Fourplay and more, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 9, visit www.REVVConcerts.com or call 760-728-6466.
- By Melanie Maxwell