Stix Hooper and the Universal Guild for Jazz & Progressive Music brought two days of world class jazz to the picturesque city for what City Manager Brad Vidro hoped would “create a cultural ambiance similar to what would be found on the streets of Copenhagen.”

Jazz–world greats, including internationally renowned flautist Hubert Laws, Freddie Hubbard, Patrice Rushen, Airto Moreira, Roy McCurdy and many others, played to enthusiastic audiences at the Solvang Veteran’s Hall, Royal Scandinavian Inn, Solvang Park and Solvang Festival Theater during the two day event.

A unique spin on this particular Jazz Festival was the integration of music and musicians in an educational outreach to local students and schools. A jazz concert assembly was held for the Santa Ynez Valley schools, followed by master breakout classes, and two scholarships were awarded to promising young valley musicians. www.solvangusa.com

Harvest Moon Roundup

The Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Association hosted its annual Harvest Moon Roundup on Saturday, Sept. 29, at the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Carriage House. A grass roots organization established in 1993, the association was created to promote the local wine industry and to encourage familiarity and camaraderie among neighbors who make wine.

The Roundup started with a wine reception and carriage rides, followed by a gourmet barbecue prepared by Chef JR from JR’s Catering. Guests dined among the carriages in the carriage house while the Mike Shelton Band played favorite country songs.

Wyman Winn and his wife Linda joined the festivities, not as wine makers but as supporters of the wine industry. “We moved up here from Santa Barbara four years ago and it’s another world. We love it, and we want to support the continuation of what makes Santa Ynez Valley special.”

The Association hosts four events every year. Two are called “Passport Events,” at which wine makers participate in a progressive wine tasting at their respective vineyards. A guest commented anonymously in passing, “It’s the highlight of the year!” For more membership information call 800-563-3183 or visit www.santaynezwinecountry.com

Los Alamos Old Days Celebrates 61st Year

Los Alamos blocked off Centennial Street for a three-day community celebration of western heritage over the weekend.

Friday was the kick-off with games, booths and dancing at Ferrini Park downtown. Saturday saw Western Fun Day in the Park to Benefit the Olga Reed Elementary School. Activities included a shooting gallery, buckaroo treasure hunt and a mechanical-bull riding contest.

Sunday, community members participated in a pancake breakfast and enjoyed the reenactment of a Civil War encampment, as well as a classic car and motorcycle show. At the Men’s Club, tri-tip sandwiches and a country-western dance were held for the 21-and-older set.

Los Alamos was founded in 1876 by two San Francisco natives, John Bell and James Shaw. Both designated one-half square mile from each of their adjoining ranches to build what is now known as Los Alamos.

Due to its high water table and warm climate, Los Alamos has always been ideal for all varieties of agriculture, including a recent boom in wine growing. It is also known for the sprawling ranches, where cattle and horses are raised and where visitors can catch a glimpse of the western heritage that Los Alamos still celebrates today.

www.losalamosvalley.com