2010 Britt season kicks off, Jacksonville style

Posted Jun 18, 2010 at 05:43 PM in General, Behind The Scenes, Pictures

The Britt season officially opened June 13 with "Celebrate Jacksonville," a street festival drawing a crowd to sample local wines, art and music. A warm sunny afternoon provided the perfect backdrop for strolling down California and 3rd Streets. Britt Festivals and the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce co-sponsored the afternoon's fun events.

Linda Graham and Arlis Duffy of the J-ville Chamber sign up wine tasters.

Eleven J-ville stores hosted wine tastings from Applegate Valley wineries. Llamas and Lambs, Elan Suites, Caprice Vineyard and Jacksonville Barn, the Cotton Broker, Magnolia Inn, Quady North Vineyard, Jacksonville Inn, Pico's, the Jacksonville Company, and South Stage Cellars all opened their doors to wine samplers. Visitors lined up at the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce booth to grab an empty glass and pay the price of admission to an afternoon of the Valley's finest wines.

The line for wine tasting passes.

Members of Art Presence displayed their paintings, photographs, and sketches on 3rd Street. Even Jeff Levin, owner of MacLevin's, took time off to stand by his paintings in his chef's uniform.

Meanwhile, across S. 3rd Street, a crowd rocked to the tunes of Blind Lion and B-Wishes, both extremely
talented local bands.

Britt staff enjoyed the music in their booth, where they sold tickets and T-shirts and just sat back and took in the summer sights of Britt's hometown before hiking up the hill to begin their official concert duties.

At 5:30 p.m. the crowd drifted to Britt Gardens to sample the wines of Agate Ridge, try a little sorbet from Frozen Confections on the Member Hospitality deck, and soak in the last sunshine of the day as Ashland bands Sweetgrass and Hamfist took the stage.

Just as the sky darkened into night, Gypsy Soul appeared on stage and that 'ol Britt magic began for another season.

Member Hospitality coordinator Debra Belm opens the new Britt hospitality deck.

The ladies of Agate Ridge Winery invited Britt members to try some new AR vintages.

Britt volunteers stand ready for a busy season this summer. They may never stand still again this season!

Patrons enjoy the end of a beautiful day and the opening of the music season under the trees.

Britt executive director Jim Fredericks welcomes the audience to a new season.

Ashland-based band Hamfist combines the considerable talents of several Oregon Shakespeare Festival employees.

Gypsy Soul's Cilette Swann, Roman Morykit, and drummer Michael Forney headlined the evening concert and brought it all home to Jacksonville, which is also their hometown.

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