Paul’s Picks for this weekend

By Paul Franson

We’re in a bit of a quiet period in Napa Valley this week, but there’s still plenty to do, and I’ve tried to pick the most promising events. Perhaps most significant is that the summer community concerts have started up again. They’re one of my favorite aspects of living in a small town or city.

National Public Radio played at a recent Calistoga’s summer concert in the park - Tim Carl Photo

• Calistoga’s summer concerts are most ambitious, every Thursday during June and July, and Yountville’s starts with singer and guitarist Chance McCauley this Sunday in Veteran’s Park. The Mercadito Food Truck will be there, so you can eat while you enjoy the music.

• Yountville is also the site of Rock the Ride with Rep. Mike Thompson on Saturday. Thompson is a Vietnam veteran and a hunter. He’s also Congress’ point man in trying to implement responsible gun controls, and this ride raises money for that cause.

• WineaPAWlooza is back in the Napa Valley this weekend to support Jameson Humane’s work with animals, but its events, both Friday night in Calistoga and Saturday night in Rutherford are sold out. (There is the option to support their worthy cause by participating in their online auction. Napa Valley Features is a proud sponsor of Jameson Humane.)

  

  Every WineaPAWlooza includes a rescued animal parade - Tim Carl Photo

• We don’t get a lot of events to highlight in American Canyon, so let’s create one: The relatively new Kob’s Lao Thai food truck parked behind the card club offers authentic and delicious treats at non-Napa prices.

• Naturally, most of the action is in Napa. “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” at Lucky Penny has been extended to this Friday and Saturday, and though it’s silly, it’s also fun.

• Singer Miki Howard is at the Blue Note Friday and Saturday. She gained attention as an R&B performer but now also channels Billie Holiday.

• OLE Health is holding a Sunday Funday for the whole family this weekend at its large clinic by the Century theater in Napa. You don’t have to be a client to take your kids (or grandkids) and enjoy the fun.

• Comedian Adam Carolla is at the Uptown on Saturday.

• Blue Note Summer Sessions presents Jake Owen at the Meritage Sunday night.

• Napa native singer-songwriter Shelby Ann (Lanterman) returns from Nashville to appear at the Hollywood Room at Napa Valley Distillery with Meli Levi on Friday.

• Going up valley once more, you can Meet the Artisans behind the produce, animals and other products from Long Meadow Ranch on Friday at a live-fire dinner at their Farmstead in St. Helena.

• And Picayune Cellars is hosting a paella dinner with Chef Brooke Garlieb on Sunday in Calistoga. And the Calistoga Inn is the only place in the valley to have live music every night during the summer.

  

  Tim Carl Photo

• Finally, it’s not this weekend, but if you’re in the wine business, note that the American Society for Enology and Viticulture will be at the Napa Valley Marriott in Napa next week from Monday to Thursday. Though Napa Valley may be the heart of the American wine business, it’s a rare treat to have the academics and experts gather here.

If you’d like to find out more about these events and many, many more, subscribe to NapaLife, a weekly newsletter that focuses on news and events about food, wine and the arts in Napa Valley – visual, literary and performing. It’s $50 a year for individuals at www.napalife.com,  where you can find a recent example.