Photo by RBradburn

– M’Gee Johnston

For a different kind of music experience, you can trek to Mammoth Lakes for the Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza on August 1st & 2nd.  This sounds like a lot of fun (indeed, their website states that “Fun has always been, and continues to be, our first priority.”)  And a it’s such a beautiful background for listening to the likes of Coco Montoya.  There will be upwards of 75 microbreweries represented at this event.

Photo by Stacy Geiken

– M’Gee Johnston

The Mendocino Music Festival takes place from July 11 through July 26 and offers a wide variety of music including orchestra, chamber and jazz.  In addition to the huge tent built for this annual event, concerts are offered at various Mendocino halls and other local music venues.   To learn a little about the personality of the village of Mendocino,  you can watch our videos: Mendocino’s Beloved Protector, Mendocino’s Many Charms, and Mendocino’s Movie History.

Photo by Jason Riedy

–M’Gee Johnston

72 tons of garlic! That is the estimated amount of garlic served and sold at the annual Gilroy Garlic Festival. The Festival explores and celebrates all the traditional and non-traditional ways to use garlic (garlic ice cream?) and serves thousands of guests who come to enjoy the food and activities. The money raised at the Garlic Festival goes to the community to help fund such groups as the Gilroy Gators Swim Team, the 4-H Club, and Hope Rehabilitation, which works with disabled people. This year’s event ~ the 30th anniversary ~ will take place on July 25, 26 & 27.