Fresno Firsts: Engelmann Cellars
I had heard about Engelmann Cellars for many years, but I'd never actually been there until last week, as we were prepping some coverage for the Best of Fresno Music Festival. (Peep today's issue of 7 to see what I'm talking about).
Proprietor Bret Engelman -- yeah, only one N, not two like the place's name, I learned that thanks to Bee copy editors-- likes to tell stories about people calling and asking, "So you're in Madera?" No, he tells them, the winery is Fresno, a few miles west of the Shaw Avenue exit off Highway 99.
Driving there, I got to see a side of Fresno I don't usually see. It's almost like leaving our fair city for a country winery. I can't lie, I was a little scared that I missed some turns and was about to get lost (you gotta go south on Rolinda Avenue after going 4.7 west miles on Shaw -- check the directions and watch for the signs), but I got to Engelmann just fine.
What I found was a hidden treasure. It's this very spacious winery that's just tucked back there. There's a huge green lawn that measures an acre-and-a-half and that will host the concert. Wine barrels both decorate the property and tempt you to taste some of Engelmann's wines. I didn't, so I can't comment on those, but I hope to go back soon for that aspect of the Engelmann experience.
What I can say is this: The venue for the Best of Fresno Music Festival is going to be a cool one. Too bad I can't say the same thing about the weather.
Comments:
Aww! I wish i could go!
I'm sure its going to be a fun time despite the horrid weather.
Posted by: MsJoey at July 11, 2008 10:31 AM
If this is "The Best of Fresno," where are Poplord, Blake Jones and the Trike Shop, Sparklejet, Roger Perry, Terril Cross or The Neptune? Do they really need THREE blues acts (and I LOVE blues!)? With all due respect to the bands and Bob Pierce, it sounds like the name should be "The Best of The Crossroads." Just a thought, and many thanks anyway to Bob Pierce for putting the event together.
Posted by: rondocmorse at July 12, 2008 11:06 AM
I love ron 'doc' morse. He's not only a fierce and loyal friend (you're lucky to have such as he in your corner) but he is a rocker among rockers [I hope he's not mad that I tell on him---he was in the f'n HOSpital last weekend thinking he had a HEARTattack, but he went and did TWO gigs this week---one on this past freakin' hot Thursday night OUTside at the Sierra Vista Mall.
-----re: Bob Pierce ---DUDE (and dude-ettes.)
This guy is DOING something. Put aside the 'best of fresno'---whatever. He picked some fine and talented people. People who can play and people who can draw the folks out. MAYBE....he can even convince Joe and Josephine Fresno that there is fanTAstic music happening nearly every night/day right here in their own backyard...or at least withing a few miles (no no don't be scared if it's south of Shaw my friends...).
Take Crossroads (only slightly south of Shaw...)
--Mr. Pierce has been booking INtown and OUTTAtown bands...and gettin' DOWN with the rock/ska/blues whatever.
No talk....action. Hats off to you sir!
In a previous Beehive post...he even threw down the gauntlet...put his email address right there--said (basically) 'write me. i'll book ya. bring in the folks, and i'll give you a weekend.'
Bob: awesome. Doc: awesome. We're on the same team.
We should put a Docabilly & Friends show together at Crossroads and bring in the fun.
as Nick Lowe/Elvis Costello said....
"we gotta hang together, or we'll hang seperately..."
or was that...Ben Franklin?
Posted by: blake at July 12, 2008 6:16 PM
Blake...Thanks for the kind comments. It's very much appreciated!!
Now that the festival is behind us, here's some behind the scene things that we're still laughing/discussing:
* Although not 72degs., it wasn't 115 either. The day turned out to be really nice and not much hotter than the blues festival that we did in June. When the breeze blew..which it did most of the day, it really wasn't too bad. So, for those of you that stayed by the AC..you missed a great show.
* To Mike's point above, I've tried the wines from most of the Madera and Fresno winery's. I'll put Bret's up against the best. I'd even put his ahead of some of the crap we had in Napa a few weeks ago.
Besides being a really nice guy to work with, he's figured out how to make a really good wine, and, his place now, is on the map for a lot of folks that came to both shows. For those that didn't....I strongly suggest a 15min drive on a Saturday or Sunday....you won't be sorry!!
* Thanks to the chick that wouldn't get out of the kids dunk tank :)
* We had 10 bands...I'll still put them up against any suggestion that I've seen to date. Not to take any thing away from the other mentions....but...they do represent!! In any case....maybe next year we can get Mike to do a running contest for a popular vote!! I'm ok with whom ever...as long as folks show up to see it!
Ever been to a show with 10 bands, that started on time, ended on time, and everyone looked to be having a great time?? Even the dumbass that almost wrecked the golf cart...(we did revoke his priveleges...lol)
* Also (and most won't believe this coming from me..) I want to personally and publicly thank the Fresno County Sheriff's Dept. They have proven that music can happen in this town without all the other bad stuff we're typically used to.
My hats off to them. They were professional, friendly, helpful and genuinely interested....just what you'd like to see in our law enforcement agency's. Take care of the good guys...and wreck the bad ones!!
* The secret to a good festival...are the folks who pitch in to help. Thanks to each of them for giving up there Saturday to make this thing happen....you were each a great help..and very appreciated!!...and no Ginger...you still have to pay a cover charge at future Crossroads events!!...lol.
It was fun...thanks for the honor!!
Bob
Posted by: Bob Pierce at July 13, 2008 1:59 PM
My son comments on bob pierces professionalism and enthusiasm to gain attraction to our local music scene, yet I do concur with the BEST OF CROSSROADS comment made. There are very talented bands out there on the horizon. Six ounce, Done for good, and the hottest new band around Park Layne can be heard, I went to one of their shows and they brings people around. Hope to see these acts @ next years event, that is( if their not touring). Kudos to you bob, keep up the good work.
Posted by: mar at July 14, 2008 10:58 AM
"Ever been to a show with 10 bands, that started on time, ended on time, and everyone looked to be having a great time??"
No but Blake Jones and I put on TWO shows at the Tower, two years in a row, with 11 bands each, that started and ended on time, and everybody had a great time.
Thanks to Doc for mentioning the Neptunes.
How was attendance at the show?
Tom
Posted by: Tom Walzem at July 14, 2008 11:14 AM
This was our first time to Engelmann. Beautiful... and good festival set-up too.
Posted by: The Suppressors at July 14, 2008 2:33 PM
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