Fair Game

By TOM JOHNSON

It’s a country-themed weekend…first with the Balboa Island Parade, then with country artist Drew Baldridge kicking off the VEA’s Summer Concert Series

The VEA Newport Beach has arguably become the go-to venue for big events in town since its opening coming up on a year ago. Now they’ve added a summer feature that will certainly add to that trend.

The VEA is kicking off their inaugural monthly Summer Concert Series this Sunday (June 4) from 2-4 p.m., with live music from country artist Drew Baldridge and, if you don’t know, Baldridge is happening. This stop is part of his current The Come Back Home Tour. He’s previously shared the stage with the likes of Eric Church, Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan and is now climbing up the country charts.

Some of his top songs include “Before You,” “She’s Somebody’s Daughter,” “Dance with Ya” and “Senior Year.”

The afternoon includes food and drink specials, and ocean views from VEA’s new Sunset Lawn. If you haven’t been there, then you’ve missed out. No ticket is required and doors open at 1 p.m. (Okay, there are no doors on the lawn, but you get my point). A limited number of chairs will be available along with plenty of lawn space, and seating is first come, first served.

Valet parking will even be complimentary with validation from an F&B outlet.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of VEA/Eventbrite

Country singer Drew Baldridge kicks off the VEA Newport Beach’s new Summer Concert Series

The series will continue on July 16 with Jordan Sherman Band and August 27 with Parson James.

And, for those looking for a true VIP concert experience, VEA Newport Beach will offer a special room package that’s available for one-night stays on June 4, July 16 and August 27. Inclusive of preferred seating for two guests during the show and a $50 food and beverage credit, the offer can be booked on VEA’s website using code “ES2.”

And if those aren’t fireworks enough for you and you feel you’re wanting more, VEA Newport Beach will also be offering a way to spend your Fourth of July. You can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Newport Beach fireworks show from one of their direct oceanview rooms, or one of their Lumina rooms. The Lumina rooms, incidentally, come with their own private firepit and a s’mores kit.

Packages for all of the above can be booked on VEA’s website using code “ZE2.”

• • •

Balboa Island is going western, Island style, this Sunday, June 4 at 11 a.m. for their 28th Annual Parade down Marine Avenue. The parade theme is Horsin’ Around Island Style. So, grab your cowboy boots and hat, wear your island shorts and shirts, and bring your beach chairs.

It’s an Island tradition filled with children on bikes, Island dogs, cowboys on horses, decorated golf carts and floats, the United States Marine Band, USC Marching Band, decorated and vintage cars, Keystone Cops, drill teams, school marching bands, local dignitaries and much more.

There’s also an after-party featuring the “Fabulous Nomads” that starts immediately following the parade. Enjoy, dance and sing to the music from the stage in front of the BI Fire Station.

Important note: The bridge closes at 10:45 a.m., so get here early, or at least on time.

The day is sponsored by the Balboa Island Improvement Association.

• • •

Tennis players unite…and I know that can be difficult at times locally in this new world of pickleball. But, Sean Levin, the City of Newport Beach’s Recreation & Senior Services Director, has reported that the Grant Howald tennis courts are completely repaired following the damage that occurred in March.

If you remember, with all the rains, a huge tree fell across the tennis area damaging the facility. Despite some of the needed materials for repair on backorder, Sean and the city team finally completed everything last week.

So now, get out there and hit’ em!

Click on photo for a larger image

Submitted photo

Rains in early March brought down this tree onto the tennis courts at Grant Howald Park in Corona del Mar; repairs were completed last week

• • •

Finally, the Pacific Wine & Food Classic will return for its fifth annual epicurean event on Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort.

The event will include an extensive line-up of top chefs, restaurants and wineries.

“We look forward to seeing everyone each year at the Pacific Wine & Food Classic,” said Pamela Waitt, president of OC Restaurant Association. “It’s an iconic event with incredible food, wine and drinks along with great people, and we are very grateful for that.”

Some of the local establishments already committed are Billy’s at the Beach, Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens, Five Crowns & Side Door, Lido Bottle Works, Newport Coast Catering, Rothschild’s, Sushi Roku and The Mayor’s Table at Lido House Hotel.

Guests will indulge in bites paired with wine and refreshing libations in the Dunes’ setting.

Net proceeds from the event will benefit the Golden Rule Charity – a charity that champions restaurants, bars, hotels and wineries, delivering resources to get their employees back up and running when faced by an unexpected hardship.

For more information on the Pacific Wine & Food Classic, to view the pricing schedule and to purchase tickets, visit https://pacificwineandfood.com.