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On May 9, guests gathered in the penthouse suites on the 56th floor of  The Avery luxury condominiums in San Francisco to sip fine Napa Valley wines and experience an intimate performance by Solidaire Trio. Presented by Festival Napa Valley in partnership with The Avery, the event was part of the year-round Olivia Decker Power of Music Series.

Lionel Richie performed at Festival Napa Valley’s Arts for All Gala at Nickel & Nickel on Sunday, where $4.5 million was raised for education programs, free and affordable concerts, and scholarships.

On a very special Monday morning I found myself, along with a good friend, heading to Napa to visit Festival Napa Valley. This festival extends for about two weeks, offering 100 events, and half of them are free. Jennifer Grim states, “Festival Napa Valley is a special place where artists of the highest caliber gather in a beautiful setting for incredible performances.”
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On Friday evening, in a mercifully shaded meadow at Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena, the South African soprano Pretty Yende was finishing the final notes of “É Strano,” from La traviata. If you know the aria, you know its demanding final runs and challenging final notes. And, if you were present on Friday, you also know that Yende nailed it, immediately winning over the crowd and sparking the first standing ovation of the night. Such world-class talent in a casual, accessible environment is what Festival Napa Valley, now in its 19th year, seems to do best.

Bending and blending genres was not necessarily what the classically trained string trio Time for Three (TF3) set out to do. The group’s unique and highly unconventional style evolved over a period of years, and its repertory includes everything from classical to bluegrass to roots rock to pop. On its Facebook page, TF3 describes itself as “just three dudes traveling the world playing music,” which suits its members perfectly.

Festival Napa Valley is back for the 2024 Summer Season, taking place in July at venues across Napa Valley. One of the most exciting evenings will be on July 16th with the Maria Manetti Celebrates La Dolce Vita! Honoring Sophia Loren program at Charles Krug. The concert will feature Maestro Carlo Ponti, Sophia’s son, the Los Angeles Virtuosi Orchestra, and  17-year-old pianist Vittorio Ponti, Carlo’s own son.

The wine-loving musician, who plays at this year’s Festival Napa Valley, talks about his upbringing in France, why he’s optimistic about wine’s future and more.

Imagine some of the world's most famous musicians visiting the Napa Valley to perform and educate others in vocal and instrumental academies. This month such a dream will become reality at Festival Napa Valley, a renowned musical forum that “engages audiences with innovative programs that uplift and inspire,” according to the organization’s website.

Festival Napa Valley is back for the summer. It's a weeks-long event that brings together culture, art and world-renowned wine and cuisine. Lissa Gibbs has more on this non-profit organization.