Sheila E. wows crowds at Jazz and Wine Festival

The rhythm of drums and beautiful singing were heard through the hillsides of Fallbrook on Sept. 16, as Sheila E. performed some of her greatest hits as fans of jazz danced the night away as part of the Jazz and Wine Festival, hosted by the Grand Tradition.

The event, which benefited the Fallbrook Beautification Alliance, was a mixture of both food, fine wine and fantastic music. The Grand Tradition estate was filled with music lovers, each who got to enjoy a special blend of the beautiful facilities and great entertainment. There were three different venues that offered music at different times, with wine tasting and food samples from top restaurants from North County.

For VIP guests, Beverly Manor was open with a feast, including appetizers, desserts and an open bar. The veranda was open for seating for the special guests, and they were able to overlook the lake as they enjoyed their meal.

Wine and dine tasting stations were hosted by Danti Enoteca and Ravage Wines, Ballast Point Brewing and Spirits, Vintana Wine + Dine and Tom Gore Vineyards, Masters Kitchen & Cocktail and Mark West, 127 West Social House and Fallbrook Winery, and Grand Tradition Signature Wines.

However, for many the greatest delight was getting to enjoy the music, provided by Jerome Dawson & Wazabe Blue, Rebecca Jade, Martinis & Sinatra, and David Maldonado.

Mainlining the event was Sheila E., a renowned singer, songwriter, drummer and percussionist. Many have followed her career as musical director and personal friend to the late Prince. This event was her first since Prince’s passing. The music throughout the event was a combination of Latin, jazz, funk and rock.

According to Grand Tradition’s Don McDougal, this event was meant to allow guests from outside of Fallbrook to see what the community has to offer.

“This is a Southern California event,” said McDougal. “We have folks here from Huntington Beach, Riverside, East County, and San Diego. This is great exposure; it’s not just a small town event.”

Prior to the Grand Tradition taking over benefits for the Beautification Alliance, the nonprofit would host its own events, but only to the capacity its volunteers were able to work. When the Grand Tradition took over, said McDougal, it was able to take the Beautification Alliance’s event, and grow it into three signature events. In addition, those events were put on with the high quality associated with the Grand Tradition.

“We were able to raise over $30,000 a year from the events,” said McDougal.

According to Jerri Patchett, member of the Beautification Alliance, the Grand Tradition’s events have been a great benefit to both the alliance and Fallbrook.

“We are grateful for all the Grand Tradition has done,” said Patchett. “It’s been a great success, and wonderful for Fallbrook. About 80 to 90 percent of the guests to the events have been from out of Fallbrook, so it’s wonderful exposure for us.”

For upcoming events in Fallbrook, go to the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce website at www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org.