Featuring 50 California Wineries, World-Class Jazz, Local Cuisine, and More!
HALF MOON BAY, CA – APRIL 8, 2024 – The Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival is returning for its third year and is bigger and better than ever. In addition to the traditional Saturday main event, the Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival has expanded into a multi-day event with three new shows spanning Friday and Saturday nights.
The Saturday Main Event
The main event takes place on Saturday, June 1 from 12-5 p.m. on Half Moon Bay’s historic Main Street. Wine and music lovers will enjoy tastings from a wide selection of California wineries, renowned jazz artists, local food, and a craft beer & cider garden.
Taste An Extensive Array Of California Wines
With their purchase of a ticket, wine enthusiasts have the opportunity to sample a “Taste of California,” with varietals from 50 winemakers representing key appellations across the state, including Napa Valley, Sonoma, Paso Robles, Mendocino, Lodi, Santa Cruz Mountains, and more.
Listen to World-Class Jazz on the Streets
Open to the public will be the Main Stage, adjacent to historic Main Street, featuring world-class jazz artists specially curated by legendary jazz musician, bandleader, composer, and educator, Marcus Shelby.
- Jahari Stampley, a 24 year old piano prodigy from Chicago, is the winner of the Herbie Hancock Institute International Competition and is considered one of the fastest rising stars in jazz.
- Vocalist Dr. Kim Nalley has been called “legendary” and “San Francisco institution” and is a fixture of the San Francisco jazz scene with her 3½ octave range and incomparable stage presence.
- Howard Wiley is a Resident Artistic Director at SFJazz and has been heralded as “the most prodigious Bay Area saxophonist of his generation.” He has performed at jazz festivals worldwide, including the Monterey Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Fest, Cape Town Jazz Festival, Playboy Jazz Festival, and SXSW. Including the Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival’s artist in residence, tap dancer Michela Marino Lerman.
- Ayo Brame, at only 16 years old, is a talented, up-and-coming saxophonist out of Oakland, California and has been labeled “an emerging force” in jazz.
In addition, local jazz bands will perform at various points along Main Street throughout the day.
Enjoy Premier Cuisine, Beer & Ciders From Local Vendors
A multitude of top food trucks and specialty vendors will be serving delicious fare to pair with the wine & jazz. Fresh seafood, barbeque, and much more will be available for purchase. Attendees will also be able purchase a variety of craft beers and ciders from 10 different Bay Area breweries and cideries.
NEW SHOW: Celebrating “Harlem of the West”
Friday night’s celebration of “Harlem of the West” delivers a multi-faceted show that pays tribute to San Francisco’s famed Fillmore District as the Bay Area’s center for jazz in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Presented in a supper-club style, the show will feature vocalist Kenny Washington, the Marcus Shelby Quintet, tap dancer Michela Marino Lerman, vocalist Chloe Jean, poet Enid Pickett, and historian Lewis Watts, all paired with a delicious three-course culinary experience at Pasta Moon. Two seatings of the show are available, one starting at 5:30 PM and one at 8:00 PM on May 31st, as a separate ticket purchase.
NEW SHOW: Saturday Sunset Swing
For those who want to stay festive after the main event, the Saturday Sunset Swing features Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers. The Grammy-nominated jazz singer and swing revivalist leads her all-star band of musicians to close out the festival at Half Moon Bay’s historic San Benito House on Main Street. Tickets for this show, starting at 6:00 PM on June 1st, are available as a separate purchase.
Purchase Tickets
- Tickets to the Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival events can be purchased at www.hmbwineandjazzfest.com.
- Main event wine tasting tickets are $75 and come with a commemorative tasting glass.
- Celebrating “Harlem of West” tickets, including a three-course dinner at Pasta Moon and show, are $175.
- Saturday Sunset Swing tickets for the closing show are $60.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Cabrillo Education Foundation to support programs for creative arts and music and for the growth of the foundation’s education endowment.
Artists, lineups and venues are subject to change.
Sponsors
The Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival is supported by its signature sponsors—Half Moon Bay Winery, the City of Half Moon Bay, The Ritz Carlton. Community sponsors—Barterra Winery, Jupiter & Main, Ocean Blue Real Estate, PUNCH, Republic Services, Sam’s Chowder House, San Benito House. Supporting sponsors—Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce, Half Moon Bay Wine & Cheese, Garden Deli, It’s Italia, Cameron’s Pub, Cruzio Internet, SFJazz.
About The Half Moon Bay Downtown Association
The Half Moon Bay Downtown Association’s mission is to foster a lively and thriving downtown Half Moon Bay for the benefit of all the citizens and visitors to the area. As a 501(c)(3), it exists to bring awareness to Main Street and Half Moon Bay, and to create a fun and lively downtown area. Funding comes from projects such as the Downtown Map, events such as Trick or Treat on Main Street, grants, and sponsorships. For more information visit www.visithalfmoonbay.org/downtown.
