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WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEKRODNEY STRONG VINEYARDS20th Annual Summer Concert SeriesThis year’s Rodney Strong Concert Series includes returning greatsand winery first-timers that make a stellar lineup for the winery’s 20thannual concert series. Kicking off the series is Kenny Loggins, who hasspanned three decades as a songwriter and performer. Later in theseries, the month of August heats up with three concerts including adouble billing of John Hiatt with Los Lobos and an end-of-the-monthshow by Bay Area favorite, Chris Isaak.Surrounded by acres of beautiful vineyards, guests will be treatedto some of the top performers in contemporary music whilepicnicking at the winery’s intimate concert venue, The Green.Season passes and concert tickets are available by calling (707)869-1595 ext. 4 or www.omegaevents.com/rodneystrong. Tickets canbe purchased in person at the Rodney Strong Vineyards Tasting Room.The 2010 Season Pass includes four shows (August 21st concertexcluded), and offers exclusive benefits such as the same reserved seatfor all concerts, commemorative gifts and early announcements onfuture engagements.Bring a picnic meal to enjoy with friends on The Green or purchasean assortment of prepared foods from local purveyors who will beonsite. You may also purchase any of Rodney Strong Vineyards’ winesas well as choose from an array of non-alcoholic beverages. Whitewines include Sauvignon Blanc and several Chardonnays; red winesinclude Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignons and Zinfandel.Rodney Strong Vineyards Wine Club members enjoy an exclusivereception before the shows and at intermission as well as $5 discounton each ticket price. Wine Club tickets must be purchased throughRodney Strong Vineyards by calling 1-866-779-4637.No outside alcoholic beverages will be allowed into the venue.Low-back chairs or blankets are recommended for all lawn seating. Nohigh-back chairs or umbrellas. Parking is complimentary and attendantswill point the way. The famous Russian River fog usually arrivesin the early evening, so attendees are advised to bring jackets andsweaters, or guests can purchase specially logo’d t-shirts and sweatshirtsat the show.Rodney Strong Vineyards is located at 11455 Old RedwoodHighway, off Highway 101 just south of the town of Healdsburg inSonoma County. The winery is just one hour north of the Golden GateBridge. Healdsburg is a perfect location for a romantic weekend. Visitorsto Sonoma County’s wine country will also find a number ofcharming inns and restaurants as well as an array of specialty shops.Saturday, June 5 – Kenny LogginsDuring nearly four decades as a professional singer-songwriter, Kenny Loggins has established himself as manythings to countless music lovers. Loggins & Messina were among the most popular duos of the ’70s, then Kenny wenton to solo stardom with such top hits as “Whenever I Call You Friend,” “I’m Alright,” “Footloose” and “Danger Zone.”Loggins has also reached millions of new fans as his work in the genre of Children’s music.Doors open at 4 p.m. Show starts at 5 p.m.Tickets: VIP $110; General Admission $75Saturday, July 3 – Boney James and Jesse CookMaking his saxophone sing like a human voice – that’s Boney James. Soulfuland gifted, the three million-selling saxophonist and songwriter is one oftoday’s most respected and best-selling instrumental artists and performers.With his latest album “Send One Your Love” – featuring “Don’t Let Me BeLonely Tonight,” nominated for a Grammy – Boney furthers his longstandingreputation as a major force in both the worlds of Contemporary Jazzand R&B.Seven studio albums in fifteen years is, in itself,a measure of Jesse Cook’s artistic success. And,for this latest recording he wanted to tracerumba flamenco back to its roots in Cuba. In2008, he achieved something no one before himever has. He dominated both the smooth jazzradio charts with his Top 3 single, Café Mocha,and the Billboard New Age chart with his #1album Frontiers, which to date has spent overJesse Cook70 weeks in the Top 10.Doors open at 4 p.m. Show starts at 5 p.m.Tickets: VIP $75; General Admission $50Saturday, August 7 – Dave Koz and Jonathan Butler –Together Again Tour featuring Sheila E.Boney JamesIn a career spanning two decades, Dave Koz has established himself as a platinum-selling artist, humanitarian, entrepreneur,radio host and instrumental music advocate. A six-time Grammy nominee, he was honored in September2009 by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.Gifted singer, two-time Grammy nominated songwriter, guitarist and producer, Jonathan Butler has a unique abilityto blend his roots in African music with western pop sensibilities. His self-titled debut album introduced him internationallyand scored a Grammy nomination for the pop hit “Lies.”Sheila E. is indeed a multi-faceted drummer, percussionist, vocalist and humanitarian. She has recorded and touredextensively with renowned artists such as Prince, Gloria Estefan, Stevie Nicks, Cyndi Lauper, Lionel Richie, Ringo Starr,Stevie Wonder and countless others. Her last CD release “Heaven” is an enchanting combination of adult contemporary,funk, jazz and inspirational tracks.Doors open at 4 p.m. Show starts at 5 p.mTickets: VIP $75; General Admission $50Saturday, August 21 – John Hiatt and Los LobosOver thirty-five years after the release of his debut album, John Hiatt remains one of America’s most respected andinfluential singer-songwriters. As the Los Angeles Times once wrote, “(Hiatt) writes the funniest sad songs – and thesaddest funny songs – of just about anybody alive.” His latest release, 2010’s “The Open Road,” hearkens back toHiatt’s classic, rootsy formula – the narrative of a reluctant bluesman that has made his life traveling the world toshare his musical take on life.Los Lobos, the three-time Grammy-winning band, has assembled a body of work diverse enough to cripple mostbands and to captivate press and fans worldwide since its inception in 1973. Focusing on the rich diversity of Mexico’smusic, where the vocal treatment, instrumentation and rhythm differ from region to region, and the music is sure toinvigorate the soul as only Los Lobos can.Doors open at 4 p.m. Show starts at 5 p.m.Tickets: VIP $75; General Admission $50Sunday, August 29 – Chris IsaakThroughout his impressive recording career – right from his stunning1985 debut to this latest stellar effort – Chris Isaak has tunefullyand artfully explored the good, the bad and the ugly of love, aswell as other matters of profound human interest. He has done sowith an abiding respect for popular music’s past, but at the sametime with clear and vital passion for the here and now. “Mr. Lucky”– Chris’ new masterpiece – perfectly balances the ecstasy of greatromance with the agony of pure heartbreak.Doors open at 4 p.m. Show starts at 5 p.m.Tickets: VIP $110; General Admission $75Chris Isaak26 www.WineCountryThisWeek.com