10th Punta Gorda Wine and Jazz Fest Promises to be the Biggest and Most Internationally Diverse

The other morning at the chamber breakfast at the Farr Law Firm, Punta Gorda Chamber's John Wright grimaced a bit as he told the business leaders gathered there that this coming festival on February 21 was the 10th Annual Punta Gorda Wine and Jazz event, "Can it really be that long ago that we started this," he noted saying how the Festival has grown and how now with musicians coming from all ends of the globe that it was truly international. "Sixty percent of the audience for the Festival comes from outside of Florida," he said.

The headline acts this year are:

• Singer-saxophonist Mindy Abair back for her seventh appearance.  Mindy has toured or recorded with the likes of the Backstreet Boys, Duran Duran and Josh Groban and developed a strong fan base.

•  Nick Colionne, an internationally acclaimed artist who combines jazz, R & B, blues and funk. He has won numerous awards, such as the 2007 International Instrumentalist of the Year award

• Dave Koz, saxophonist, who has played with artists such as Burt Bacharach, Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Celine Dion, Kenny Loggins, Rod Stewart and Luther Vandross. A platinum-selling artist with nine Grammy Awards nominations,  Dave has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

Although all the VIP and premium seats are long gone,  regular seats are still available at $75. Your ticket includes entry, souveniers and a wine and beer glass.

The festival takes place in Laishley Park, 100 Nesbit St., Punta Gorda,

Local wine distributor Big Crush is providing the wines, and food vendors include OPUS in the VIP area and Sandra’s Restaurant, Isles Yacht Club, Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club, Big Geroy’s Barbeque, Carmelo’s Italian Ristorante, Big Cheese, and 2 Brothers Home-style Cooking.

Attendees need to bring their own chairs, and are reminded to bring sunscreen. No pets, coolers, food or drinks allowed.

Tickets can be purchased from the chamber at www.puntagordachamber.com