9th Annual Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge Returns to Southern Arizona on Labor Day Weekend8/13/2019
Attendees and Judges will Cast Votes for their Favorite Salsa, Tequila & Taco in Tucson Labor Day Weekend will set the stage for Southern Arizona's hottest largest culinary competitions as the 9th Annual Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge returns to La Encantada Shopping Center. On Sunday, September 1, over 40 of the regions most esteemed restaurants will battle for the title of best salsa, tequila and taco in Southern Arizona, as attendees and local guest judges cast their votes for their favorite bites and sips.
The 9th Annual event will welcome in over 1,000 attendees to the charming and spacious La Encantada Shopping Center to the heart of North Tucson. From tequila boba cocktails to smoked lamb tacos, attendees can expect a truly original collection of culinary samples throughout the night. Live musical and dance performances will add a cultural flair to the night with an assortment of ballet folklorico, Latin acoustic guitar, and salsa and cumbia music on the main stage to get you up and dancing. Art installations and live painting will accent the evening. This event celebrates the diversity of Southern Arizona's growing culinary community. Proceeds from the event will support the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance's creative community arts programming as well as the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona's efforts to end hunger. "81% of the Community Food Bank budget is supplied through donations which enable us to provide nearly 200,000 individuals with emergency food assistance throughout the year," said Michael McDonald, Chief Executive Officer of the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. "This event is an opportunity to build awareness and support for theincredible work that is being done in our region." Tickets for the 9th Annual Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge are on sale now. V.I.P. Admission Tickets are available for $85 and include 1 hour of early access to the event at 6 PM, as well as valet parking, a tequila toast and a commemorative shot glass. General Admission Tickets are also available for $55. Both ticket levels grant access to all of the participating restaurants and libations. New participating restaurants & exhibitors are being added daily. Current participants include:
9th Annual Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge When: Sunday, September 1, 2019 - 6 PM (VIP Admission) / 7 PM (General Admission) Where: La Encantada Shopping Center - 2905 E Skyline Dr, Tucson, AZ 85718 Tickets: $55 General Admission - $85 VIP Admission (Must be 21+ and have valid ID for entry) Online: https://www.saaca.org/salsatequilataco.html Phone: (520) 797-3959 x 107 NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available upon request Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to promote engagement in arts and culture, helping our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages. Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona The Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona responds to the root causes of hunger and seeks to restore dignity, health, opportunity and hope to people living in poverty. Our mission is to change lives in the communities we serve by feeding the hungry today, and building a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow. The Community Food Bank is a proud member of Feeding America, a nation-wide network of food banks and hunger relief organizations. Original margaritas, live musical entertainment and interactive art installations were all combined for one incredible celebration on Friday, August 2 From cherry infused margaritas to chiltepin chocolate mudslides, each of the eighteen local participating restaurants that competed at the 14th Annual World Margarita Championship brought their A-game to the Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa.
On Friday, August 2, a panel of local culinary experts, guest judges and attendees gathered to celebrate culinary creativity and crown a new Margarita Champion. All proceeds helped to benefit Tucson Originals Restaurants' efforts to raise awareness of the rich and vibrant culinary community in Tucson as well as the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance's creative community arts programming. 2019 Winners Judge's Choice for Margarita 1st Place: Cielos at the Lodge on the Desert – “Monsoon Margarita” 2nd Place: Casino Del Sol – “Fresa Rosada” 3rd Place: Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort and Spa – “Pomegranate Ginger Margarita” People's Choice for Margarita 1st Place: Benson City Grille – “Cilantro Jalapeño Lime Margarita” 2nd Place: Rigo’s Restaurant - “Grilled Pineapple Margarita” 3rd Place: Bisbee Breakfast Club – “Cherry Vanilla Margarita” Best Menu Sample Judge's Choice: Cielos at the Lodge on the Desert – “Chiltepin Chocolate Mudslide Sensation” People's Choice: Rigo’s Restaurant – “Traditional Carnitas Tacos” / Bisbee Breakfast Club – “Smoked Pork Posole” (TIE) The 14th Annual World Margarita Championship was held with the support of dedicated sponsors and partners, including: 2019 Sponsors & Partners: Tucson Original Restaurants Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resort & Spa The Town of Oro Valley T-Mobile Cazadores Tequila Tucson Lifestyle Shamrock Foods Arizona Daily Star Fox 11 Comcast Cox Yelp Tucson Foodie Lyft Photos Available at: www.saaca.org/worldmargarita Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to promote engagement in arts and culture, helping our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages. Tucson Originals Restaurants Formed in 1999, the Tucson Originals is Tucson’s premier group of independently owned, fine dining, casual and neighborhood restaurants. They promote the value of Tucson’s independent restaurants and support Tucson’s culinary diversity. Tucson Originals have been the driving force and model for similar groups all across America who are working to preserve the culinary spirit of their communities. With the rapid rise of chain eateries, this alliance has helped many of Tucson’s signature restaurants survive and thrive. Native Seeds/SEARCH and the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance collaborate to present a 2019 Summer culinary series focused on agriculture & culinary traditions of the Three Sisters (TUCSON, AZ) - Join some of Arizona's most esteemed and nationally celebrated chefs, bakers and food makers for an unforgettable culinary experience that will open your palate to new and exciting flavors, rooted in deep local traditions. The Summer Brunch, held on Saturday, August 17, will remain the final in the summer culinary series.
A unique collaboration between the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) and Native Seeds/SEARCH brings Arizona chefs together for a series of culinary events that highlight the agricultural and culinary practices of the Three Sisters — corn, beans and squash. Originating in Mexico, the Three Sisters is a traditional planting practice where corn, beans and squash are grown together in the same field: corn is tall and supportive; beans climb with vines and add nitrogen to the soil; and the third sister, squash, sprawls to retain moisture and prevent weeds and pests. Today, Native Seeds/SEARCH preserves many heirloom crop varieties grown using these environmentally sustainable methods, and some will make their way into deliciously local dishes at each event. The Lodge at Ventana Canyon will host an indoor/outdoor, movement-based brunch sampling experience for the culinary series on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 10:30 AM. The interactive sampling and foodie experience will feature a refreshing take on the late morning dining tradition, with guests having the opportunity to dive in and be a part of the creation process. Attendees will have the opportunity to create custom cocktails, including a colorful mimosa bubbles bar, as well as an over-the-top bloody mary station and donut bar, each featuring unique blends and infusions of sweet, savory, tropical and southwest flavors. Participating chefs and bakers will utilize a range of heritage ingredients into breakfast favorites like fluffy quiche, made to order omelettes, pastries, and corn and egg creations. The event is proud to partner with local chefs and bakers from Nook Downtown, Lodge at Ventana Canyon, the newly minted Tucson Iron Chef Wendy Gauthier from Chef Chic, as well as Mad Batter Custom Bakery. The event will also feature local beer tasting from Button Brew House, wine samplings from PRP Wine, coffee from Yellow Brick, and Tito's Vodka. Only 250 tickets will be made available to the community. Attendees are encouraged to purchase their tickets early, as they are expected to sell out in advance. The Lodge at Ventana Canyon is a proud local business partner, collaborating year round with over 30 nonprofit and local organizations to support community-driven events and programming which enrich our ability to thrive together. "SAACA is dedicated to maximizing our collective impact through meaningful collaborations within our community," explains the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance's Executive Director, Kate Marquez. "We learn from every project and with each collaboration draw deeper understanding of what our shared vision for our community will look like." Proceeds from the Three Sisters Culinary Series will support SAACA's creative arts programming and Native Seeds/SEARCH's efforts to conserve the rich agro-biodiversity of the arid Southwest. Event Title: The Three Sisters Culinary Series When: Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 10:30 AM Where: The Lodge at Ventana Canyon Cost: $45 Online: www.saaca.org/threesisters Phone: (520) 797-3959 x 107 NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos Available Upon Request Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to promote engagement in arts and culture, helping our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages. Learn more at www.saaca.org Native Seeds/SEARCH Native Seeds/SEARCH (NS/S) is a nonprofit seed conservation organization based in Tucson, Arizona. Our mission is to conserve and promote the arid-adapted crop diversity of the Southwest in support of sustainable farming and food security. Since its founding in 1983, Native Seeds/SEARCH has been dedicated to conserving the rich agro-biodiversity of the arid Southwest. Preserved in our seed bank today are nearly 2,000 varieties of crops adapted to arid landscapes extending from southern Colorado to central Mexico, many of them rare or endangered. The collection represents the cultural heritage and farming knowledge of over 50 indigenous communities, as well as recent immigrants like Spanish missionaries and Mormon homesteaders. We also conserve a number of crop wild relatives, wild ancestors of domesticated plants. Learn more at www.nativeseeds.org Lodge at Ventana Canyon Tucson Arizona’s Premiere Golf and Lodging Experience The Lodge at Ventana Canyon sits against the backdrop of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Nestled within this spectacular setting are a semi-private country club and Lodge with just 50 suites and 36 holes of golf. Winding through the canyons and arroyos of this 600-acre desert preserve are Tom Fazio's two 18 hole championship courses (Mountain and Canyon), which have won numerous awards as the best in the country. The Lodge has been a prestigious AAA Four Diamond property for 23 consecutive years, and our many awards showcase our commitment to the highest standards in service excellence. The Lodge reflects the spirit of warmth and comfort cherished by seasoned travelers. Learn more at https://www.thelodgeatventanacanyon.com/en-us The locally driven music series will feature diverse groups of local award-winning and Hall of Fame musicians, with a focus on jazz, blues, rock, Americana and folk music traditions (TUCSON, AZ) - The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) today announced the line-up for the 2019 PLAZA LIVE! Concert Series, presented in partnership with St. Philip’s Plaza, and local plaza restaurants Reforma, Union, and Proof.
The PLAZA LIVE! Concert Series at St. Philip’s Plaza is a series of free concerts on Tuesdays beginning August 6, from 7-10 p.m. SAACA invites the community to support local music and businesses, and to come out to shop, eat, and enjoy with live music from a mix of artists playing classic hits and new favorites in the central courtyard. The 2019 PLAZA LIVE! line-up features: August 6, 2019 - Come Back Buddy Retro Rock and Roll Come Back Buddy is a three-piece Rock-n-Roll band inspired by the legendary "Buddy Holly and the Crickets." The trio's repertoire includes the music of many artists from the '50s era including Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Ricky Nelson, and of course, Buddy Holly. http://www.comebackbuddy.com/ August 13, 2019 - Tom Walbank Blues Inducted into the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame in 2009, Englishman Tom Walbank discovered blues in his teens, beginning with harmonica, which remains to this day his main instrument. He plays guitar in the style of John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters and Lightnin' Hopkins and has toured both in North America and in Europe. Tom has recorded over 20 albums and collaborated with musicians such as Phil Wiggins, Arthur Migliazza, Asie Payton, Bad News Blues Band, Austin Counts, Howe Gelb, and Calexico. He has shared the stage with the likes of B.B. King, Charlie Musselwhite, Jimmie Vaughan, Lazy Lester, Kim Wilson, Canned Heat and many others. https://www.tomwalbank.com/ August 20, 2019 - Freddy Parish & Old Town String Band Old Time Country Freddy Parish is a singer/songwriter performing original songs and traditional tunes in a neo-traditional folk and country style. Backed by two-time Arizona State Fiddle Champion Matt Rolland on fiddle and mandolin, along with internationally touring bassist Thøger T. Lund, the trio plays dark Appalachian folk songs, sweet country ballads, and upbeat Cajun and honky tonk shuffles. https://freddyparish.bandcamp.com/ August 27, 2019 - Gus Woodrow Trio Jazz The Gus Woodrow Trio features Gus Woodrow (guitar), Angelo Versace (organ), and Casey Hadland (drums). Formed in 2016 through mutual gigs, the group has played extensively throughout Arizona. With influences ranging from Wes Montgomery and Thelonious Monk to Kurt Rosenwinkle and Herbie Hancock, the Trio always provide a listening experience that is both soothingly nostalgic and virtuosically enthralling. They perform regularly at Maynard's Kitchen every other Friday, where they bring their signature laid back hard bop atmosphere to their followers. September 3, 2019 - What's the Big Idea Progressive Piano Trio What's The Big Idea is Phoenix's funkiest jazz trio featuring David Drew (drums), Josh Kneisel (bass), and Michael Kleinschmidt (piano). With a new album "Margin + Growth" released in 2017, this innovative trio performs a traditional jazz repertoire while also bringing modern music from the likes of Radiohead & Pink Floyd into the jazz format. https://www.wtbiaz.net/ September 10, 2019 - Nancy McCallion Americana Nancy McCallion is best known as the songwriter and vocalist for original Celtic-Norteno-you-name-it folk-rock cult band The Mollys. McCallion teamed up with high school music partner Catherine Zavala to form The Mollys in 1989, racking up seven indie releases and countless rave-review shows in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand before the group disbanded in 2003. McCallion never quit writing though and resumed live performance and recording as a solo artist. Often compared to Lucinda Williams and other leading female writers, McCallion's sharp takes on life-lived-small also bring to mind Tom Wait's dark, quirky tales. Her song, On We Go, is featured on Putamayo's "Women of the World: Celtic" . http://www.nancymccallion.com September 17, 2019 - P.D. Ronstadt and the Company Southwest Americana Peter Dalton Ronstadt and the Company, led by multi-instrumentalist Peter Dalton Ronstadt, perform innovative original material combined with a fresh take on traditional Southwestern and Mexican folk songs to audiences young and seasoned discovering the treasure of roots music. This musical journey will take you from the past to the present steeped in the deep Americana vein, carrying forward a sound rooted in the Ronstadt legacy of Peter’s aunt, Linda, his father, Michael, and great grandfather Federico Jose Maria Ronstadt. Featuring a talented cadre of performers on guitars, saxophone, banjo, and accordion, Peter Dalton Ronstadt fronts a dynamic group as a writer, interpreter of song, and post-modern American songster proudly from the Southwest. https://www.peterronstadt.com/ September 24, 2019 - Diane Van Deurzen & Lisa Otey Jazz, Blues and Boogie-Woogie Diane Van Deurzen & Lisa Otey are a dynamic duo, a perfect blend of hot jazz, sultry blues and boogie-woogie. They take their act to festivals, clubs and theatres around the world and are known for creating an atmosphere of intimacy with their humor and joyful interactions with the audience. Recent performances include the Thredbo Blues Festival in Australia; Fenn Valley Vineyards and Box Factory for the Arts, Michigan; Yardbird Suite in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Blues in Bisbee and Tucson Folk Festivals, Arizona; Yoshi's in California; and the Lucerne Festival in Switzerland. Diane Van Deurzen and Lisa Otey have been inducted into the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame. Lisa has also been inducted into the Tucson Music Hall of Fame and appeared on the Grammy-nominated CD, "Ladies Man" with Pinetop Perkins. https://www.facebook.com/dianeandlisa October 1, 2019 - Peña, Carruthers, and Lund Classic Piano Trio Peña, Carruthers, and Lund are an exciting new addition to the Tucson Jazz community. All in-demand players and recording artists in their own right, the trio features Chris Peña on keys, Josh Carruthers on drums, and Thøger Lund on upright bass. With a jazz performance degree from ASU, pianist Chris Peña, is a frequent collaborator in his hometown of Tucson sharing the stage frequently with locals cats such as Brice Winston, Jason Cardner, and Crystal Stark. Drummer Joshua Carruthers, born and raised in Bridgeport Connecticut, is a relative newcomer to the Tucson area and is well-versed in a variety of genres including jazz, experimental music, Rock/Pop, and modern R&B and Hip Hop. Rounding out the trio is the Danish born Bassist and Cellist Thøger Lund, who moved to Tucson over a decade ago after joining Arizona rock band Giant Sand. https://chrispenamusic.com/ October 8, 2019 - Tom Walbank Blues Inducted into the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame in 2009, Englishman Tom Walbank discovered blues in his teens, beginning with harmonica, which remains to this day his main instrument. He plays guitar in the style of John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters and Lightnin' Hopkins and has toured both in North America and in Europe. Tom has recorded over 20 albums and collaborated with musicians such as Phil Wiggins, Arthur Migliazza, Asie Payton, Bad News Blues Band, Austin Counts, Howe Gelb, and Calexico. He has shared the stage with the likes of B.B. King, Charlie Musselwhite, Jimmie Vaughan, Lazy Lester, Kim Wilson, Canned Heat and many others. https://www.tomwalbank.com/ October 15, 2019 - Adam Townsend Pop and Soul Adam Townsend is an old soul, and draws inspiration heavily from soul, Motown, blues and folk music. Originally from Tucson, he spent six years honing his craft of songwriting, performing, and producing in San Diego. Now back in Tucson, you'll find him playing at many popular locations around Arizona and Southern California. With his debut album "All My Fires", Adam is presenting a culmination of 10 years of songwriting and inspiring stories about his life and passions. Inspired by his contemporary and classic pop and soul musical inspirations, Adam spent a month in Nashville, TN recording at the legendary Bomb Shelter Studio where he realized his lifelong dream of producing a full length album. www.adamtownsendmusic.com October 22, 2019 - Kevin Pakulis and His Band Americana and Blues Americana singer-songwriter Kevin Pakulis is a master musician and storyteller. His award-winning edgy, guitar-driven compositions, delivered with plenty of raw energy, first earned him national attention with his debut release of Yeah Yeah Yeah. No Depression Magazine described the album as the "best of a genre.” Kevin’s songwriting ranges from introspective and reflective to satirical and political, rocking blues anthems to quiet acoustic pieces. Tempered by time, Pakulis' latest record, Holliday, released summer 2018 focuses on themes of life in the Sonoran desert, love, and social disparity. Pakulis has opened for numerous major acts including Billie Joe Shaver, Willie Nelson, Leon Russell, Dwight Yoakam and Merle Haggard. https://www.kevinpakulis.com/ October 29, 2019 - Sabra Faulk Folk Rock Sabra Faulk is an award-winning bassist, vocalist and acoustic guitarist based in Tucson. She has been a staple in the southern Arizona music scene for over 25 years and is best known for her funk, rock, and blues bass playing. In recent years, Sabra has gained notoriety as a songwriter and solo artist, headlining the 2012 Tucson Folk Festival and receiving numerous nominations in the Tucson Area Music Awards (TAMMIES) for best bass player, best female vocalist and best folk artist. She has played with some of Arizona’s finest musicians including blues artist Sam Taylor and has released multiple albums. Sabra brings tremendous versatility to the stage with her smooth, passionate vocals, finesse at playing guitar and bass, and memorable songwriting. https://sabrafaulk.com/ In addition to their favorite bands, concert-goers can look forward to gourmet bites from St. Philip’s Plaza restaurants. Union, Proof, and Reforma are all offering half price bottles of wine during performances for bottles purchased in the restaurants. Seating is provided in the courtyard. These events are open to all ages. The PLAZA LIVE! Concert Series is presented by the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance, with underwriting sponsorship from the St. Philip’s Plaza. “The partnership reflects an important relationship between businesses and the arts, granting opportunity to local artists while enhancing the vibrancy, community connections, and atmosphere of one Tucson's landmark shopping and culinary destinations,” said Matt Rolland, Director of Arts Integration, Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance. The events take place in the Central Courtyard at St. Philip' s Plaza from 7 – 10 PM on Tuesdays. Admission is free and open to all ages. Event Title: PLAZA LIVE! Concert Series When: Tuesdays, 7PM-10PM Where: St. Philip's Plaza, Central Courtyard, 4280 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85718, SE Corner of Campbell Ave & River Rd Cost: Free Admission Online: https://www.saaca.org/plazaliveconcertseries.html Phone: (520) 797-3959 x 108 NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos Available Upon Request Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to promote engagement in arts and culture, helping our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages. Learn more at www.saaca.org. St. Philip's Plaza St. Philip’s Plaza is a landmark in Tucson, well known for the beauty of its fountains, tile art, rose gardens, and towering sycamore trees. The Plaza offers boutique shopping, galleries, restaurants, and professional offices. It is located in central Tucson, next to the historic St. Philip’s Church. Locally owned and operated since the early nineties, St. Philip’s Plaza has been a cherished Tucson destination for decades. St. Philip’s Plaza not only offers a unique and elegant shopping and dining experience but is also a venue for celebrations from Jazz concerts and Tango in the Plaza to weddings and Farmer’s Markets. Come celebrate authentic Tucson culture and experience St. Philip’s Plaza. Learn more at http://stphilipsplaza.com/. Arizona’s Largest Local Wine Festival Finds New Home at Kierland Commons for 11th Annual Event7/25/2019
Arizona Wine Growers Association, azcentral and the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance come together to host the largest local wine festival in the state. On Saturday, November 16, the Arizona Wine Growers Association (AWGA) will partner with azcentral, and the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) to present the Grand Wine Festival, the largest celebration of Arizona wine in the country. The Festival will feature more than 30 Arizona wineries, paired with live music and dance performances, art installations, food vendors, and other local artisans.
Kicking off the festivities is POP Charity Night: featuring the Grand Wine AwardsCeremony held on Friday, November 15 at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. The Awards Ceremony considered the “Academy Awards” of Arizona wines, will recognize the winners from the 2019 azcentral Arizona Wine Competition. The evening will also feature lively art displays and vibrant entertainment, paired with delicious culinary and libation sampling from local chefs and Arizona wineries. The Awards Ceremony, which is open to the public, offers a unique opportunity to interact directly with the winemakers and learn firsthand about the family traditions and stories behind the wines being poured. “It's always exciting to see what wines emerge as the winners of the competition,” said Richard Ruelas, azcentral reporter and head of the Arizona Wine Competition. “The list of winners serves as a guide to the best. But the festival allows visitors to determine for themselves which wine they favor.” Now in its 11th year, the Grand Festival has relocated to Kierland Commons as part of Kierland POP: Art in Unexpected Places to accommodate for growing crowds, a wine marketplace and a record number of wineries from across Arizona. In addition to sampling, the Festival will also offer attendees the opportunity to purchase full bottles of wine in preparation for the holiday season, including several Festival exclusives that are not available in stores. Attendees will also enjoy live entertainment, an open-air artisan’s marketplace featuring artists’ original works, and delectable treats from gourmet specialty food vendors. The event main stage will host live music throughout the day. Festival tickets, which include a commemorative wine glass and 8 wine tasting tickets, are available for purchase for $30 in advance of the event and $35 day-of. Additional tasting tickets can be purchased onsite. Designated Driver tickets, which include full festival access but no tasting tickets or wine glass, are available for $15. “Each of the wines poured at the Grand Wine Festival is a testament to the AWGA’s members mission to make outstanding wine, and our deep love for the region,” says Kris Pothier, President of the Arizona Wine Growers Association. “As consumers taste our wines, they’ll recognize the quality and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle and understand the great potential of Arizona as a wine growing region.” According to Kate Marquez, SAACA Executive Director, “The Festival is delighted to be moving to Kierland Commons. The move truly reflects our team’s combined efforts to better tell the story of Arizona wine as we raise the bar for local wine enthusiasts.” POP Charity Night: featuring the Grand Wine Awards When: Friday, November 15, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. Where: Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (6902 E. Greenway Parkway, Scottsdale, AZ 85254) Cost: $55/person Online: www.saaca.org/awgagrand-awards.html Arizona Wine Growers Association Grand Wine Festival When: Saturday, November 16, 2019 (11 a.m. - 8 p.m.) Where: Kierland Commons (15205 N Kierland Blvd Suite 150, Scottsdale, AZ 85254) Cost: $30 in advance, $35 day-of Online: https://www.saaca.org/awgagrandtastingfestival.html NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available upon request Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to promote engagement in arts and culture, helping our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages. Arizona Wine Growers Association The Arizona Wine Growers Association (AWGA) serves grape growers and winemakers in Arizona, allying its members for representation, promotion, and education. The association strives to advance with integrity, the sustainable growth and production of authentic Arizona-grown wines and increase awareness of the Arizona industry, which includes 104 licensed and bonded wineries throughout the state. |
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