Nelson Family Vineyards & Dancing Dog Productions presents the 1st Annual Reds, Whites and The Blues at Nelson Family Vineyards Winery & Special Events Amphitheater July 4th 2009.

The 1st Annual Reds, Whites and the Blues Music Festival is sure to be an unforgettable music event in the heart of Mendocino County home to Americas Greenest Wine Region. With its exhilarating line up of Blues artists coupled with the intimate atmosphere of Nelson Family Vineyards Amphitheater, this will be an event you don’t want to miss!  Cradled between sustainably farmed vineyards and noble redwoods overlooking canola fields and natural Mendocino gardens, this site is unparalleled in its natural beauty and rustic elegance. Enjoy handcrafted estate wines while overlooking prized vineyards and relaxing under the majestic oaks. The beautifully landscaped and terraced theater will comfortably accommodate people festival style on blankets and low back chairs

The Tommy Castro Band-Tommy has wowed and won fans on every stage he's performed on, with is riveting presence growing stronger by the year. In 2000, to demonstrate Castro's remarkable charisma and ability to command a stage, Blind Pig released Live at the Fillmore, both as a long form video (on DVD and VHS) and an enhanced CD. The San Francisco Chronicle said "Castro's loose-jointed blues-rock sound is captured in all its onstage glory. He has distilled the essence of great bar bands everywhere and put his personal stamp on it at the same time." Blues Revue said the live disc "demonstrates Castro's strengths as a singer, guitarist, and bandleader. His rapport with the audience-and his sheer joy in performing-highlight this tight set."

Tommy Castro and his brilliant band have captured a hold of legions of fans and critics alike around the world with their mesmerizing blend of rock, blues and Memphis soul. On Painkiller, style and soul, they continue to explore the boundaries of American roots music. http://www.tommycastro.com/

Janiva Magness -The story of award-winning vocalist Janiva Magness’ rise to the top of the blues world and beyond is a testament to the redemptive power of music and the human spirit. Possessing a rich, soulful voice and absolute command over her material, Magness is an incredibly gifted performer who can lead her audience through a range of emotions, from the deepest sorrow to overwhelming joy. A survivor of an impossibly rough childhood, Magness’ life experience informs her music in a way that is brutally honest, emotionally moving and, above all, spiritually healing. Winner of the 2006 and 2007 Blues Music Awards for Best Contemporary Female Artist of the Year, Magness has seven solo recordings to her credit and has made guest appearances on CDs by R.L. Burnside and many others. Her presence on stage is legendary, as she performs 200 nights a year at clubs, festivals, and concert halls all over the world. And, in April 2008, she traveled to Iraq and Kuwait co-headlining Bluzapalooza, the first-ever blues concert tour to perform for American troops. The story continues with her Alligator Records debut CD, What Love Will Do. http://www.janivamagness.com/index.html

 “Janiva Magness slow-burns and romps heart-first...she never injects contrived emotion, never puts a tear in her voice where one doesn’t belong. She simply sings heartbreak, hunger and humor—sings ‘em with equally great chops and feeling—and lets that speak for itself.” –No  Depression

"Magness can belt out a song with speaker-threatening intensity."
"Magness can belt out a song as well as anyone."
"Magness sings with a smoky, savvy quality."
"Magness has a powerful sultry and smoky blues voice and has guested on numerous albums, plus toured with Jimmy Buffett." LA Times:

Don Haupt-Keeping strictly to the tradition of the self accompanied blues-singer, Don Haupt packs the sound and energy of a full band into a one man show. Whooping vocals and a hefty hand on the guitar playing backed by a right foot not just tapping but stomping the stage so hard it is felt through the floor clear into the back row.

The songs are old standards from the 20s and 30s, dusted off and polished clean again. Songs like Son House’s “Preachin Blues” and Robert Johnson’s “Traveling Riverside Blues” are performed with conviction enough to turn any venue into old-time swamps of Louisiana juke joint. http://www.donhaupt.com/home.cfm

 “Lot's of energy and a foot stomping devotion to real delta blues" - Catfish Keith, Fishtail Records

"...Haupt wrestles Delta Blues from his Martin guitar like a man with an alligator on his hands" - The Southeast Missourian

"...Don Haupt plays the blues like it's the only thing keeping him sane" - Mike Dronkers, Music Director KHUM/FM

Gates will be open at 2:00 pm and music to start at 3:00pm  

Tickets are $35.00 advance and 40.00 at the door and children under twelve free with paying adult. Nelson Family Vineyards Wine Club Members Receive $5.00 off admission tickets to winery events, there is no cost to join sign up today.   For more information go to www.nelsonfamilyvineyards.com

Blankets and Low back chairs welcome. No outside Food, drinks or pets.

Tickets available at Ukiah Natural Foods, J.D Redhouse in Willits, Tie Dye 2 in Laytonville and online at inticketing.com