May 2016

May 2016
Chords
by Tom Plant
& Vines
A few years ago,
an idea popped into Kat
Ellis’ mind. She thought
it would be interesting
to find the perfect wine
to match the mood of
a song. Kat’s a gifted
photographer whose
passion is shooting live
music. A resident of
the Temecula Valley
for nearly two decades,
she has deep-rooted
relationships with area
musicians and wineries.
Her El-Ey Promotional business combines
her photography talents with her
background in event marketing, graphics
and publishing. Her idea evolved into an
internet radio show appropriately titled
Chords & Vines.
Chords and Vines airs each Sunday
afternoon at two on LA Talk Radio. Guy
Towe, host of Relevant Music and Muse,
is one of Kat’s two co-hosts. A singer/
songwriter/actor/producer/director/
soundman is also the engineer for the
Sunday broadcasts. Kat considers him
her mentor, teacher and best friend.
I am her other co-host and have
called the Temecula Valley my home
for nearly fifteen years. I founded WI-
NEormous in 2009, a blog devoted to
food, wine and travel and I’m a member
of the International Food Wine and
THE VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
www.TheValleyBusinessJournal.com
Pairing Music and Wine
Travel Writers Association. I also give
personalized tours of the Temecula wine
country, taking up to seven guests on a
guided wine tasting. My love of wine
runs a close second to my love of music.
In addition to her role as host of
Chords & Vines, Kat also is in a partnership
with Temecula Valley Cheese Company
owner Shawna Smoot. Together
they produce Sassy Mamas mustards
with flavors like Cheeky Cilantro-Lime,
Sassy Clove, Classy Coco, Jamaican
Mama, and Lively Lemon Basil.
This Sunday afternoon, take a listen
to Chords & Vines to see just how
much fun this show is. Check out their
Facebook page to see where their broadcast
will be. Being a part of the studio
audience is always a treat, and you may
just get to taste some wine along with
the hosts.
31
Economic Development Coalition to Hold
Annual Golf Tournament
The Economic Development Coalition of Southwest
California will host its 22nd Annual Golf Tournament
on Friday, September 30th at Temecula
Creek Inn Golf Course in Temecula. This is the
EDC’s once yearly fundraiser and the proceeds
from the event will go toward developing the
region’s economic engine. Encouraging the
retention and expansion of existing companies,
while attracting new companies to
the Southwest Riverside County region, by
capitalizing on the region’s many assets,
is the Coalition’s means of enhancing our
quality of life.
The day will begin with registration at
7:00 a.m., the shotgun start is at 8:00 a.m.
Golfing is followed by a luncheon and awards
ceremony. “We are looking forward to having
our tournament at Temecula Creek Inn this year,”
said tournament Chairman Don Hitzeman. “We
rotate the tournament to different courses in
the region each year and we are excited about
being back at TCI.” You can register by
contacting the EDC office at 951-694-9800,
or go to www.edcswca.com/edcevents.
Sponsorships are available and the EDC
is accepting donations for raffle prizes.
“We are very grateful for the support
of our sponsors, volunteers and friends
who help make this event possible,” says
Doug McAllister, The Coalition’s executive
director. “We invite you to join the
region’s premier business leaders for a great
day of golfing in Southwest California.”
This is the EDC’s once yearly fundraiser and
the proceeds from the event will go toward
developing the region’s economic engine.