Napa IPA Day Celebration to Benefit V.O.I.C.E.S.

"Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza."  (Dave Barry, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist)

On Thursday August 4th, thousands of craft beer lovers across the globe and across the social media sphere will raise pints in a collective toast to one of craft beer's most iconic styles, the India Pale Ale, during International #IPADay 2011.

And don't think that just because we're in the middle of wine country that we'd miss out on the opportunity to toast with hops instead of grapes!  What is being billed as "the largest IPA Day celebration in Northern California (and quite possibly the whole west coast)" will take place at the Marriott Napa Valley Hotel & Spa (3425 Solano Avenue, Napa) on August 4 from 5 to 8 pm.

Tickets are just $10 per person.  For that sawbuck you'll enjoy a myriad of delicious IPAs from over 10 local craft breweries.

And as if delicious beer wasn't enough, all proceeds from the festival will be donated to V.O.I.C.E.S. Napa to support their work empowering under-served youth in our community.  Tickets are available on-line at :  http://ipadaynapa.eventbrite.com/

CHEERS!

Pre and Post Porchfest Functions

It's out of the garage and onto the porch!  It's Napa Porchfest 2011!

What is Napa Porchfest?  A different group of Napa musicians will be performing on the front porches of homes throughout Downtown neighborhoods on the same day (Sunday, July 31) at the same time (2 to 5 pm).  You pick and choose the ones you want to go hear. You "bike, drive, walk, skip, roller skate, skate board, pedibike or fly from porch to porch much like you would cruise from studio to studio during the Open Studio events".  Bring beach chairs and coolers . . . and be prepared for a great afternoon of music from Alta Heights to the alphabet streets!

Here's the plan - we'll meet at Alexis Baking Company (1517 Third Street, Napa) for a delicious brunch (including Alexis' famous Huevos Rancheros and baked goods) starting at 12:30 pm.  While there we'll compare notes and create our mission plan.  Some of us may pick one artist and head toward that porch around 1:45.  Others may want to experience a potpourri of musical magic and plan a route to follow during the three hour event.

At the conclusion of Porchfest at 5 pm we'll head over to Carpe Diem Wine Bar (1001 Second Street, Napa) to compare notes, share pictures/videos and enjoy Carpe Diem's outstanding food and beverages (we'll even be there in time for Happy Hour!)

It's going to be a great afternoon of music, food, beverages and good ol' Napa Guerilla Gay Bar camaraderie.  Join us!

Wine Country Weekend for Equality

Spend a sweet summer weekend supporting equality and having a great time!  It's two fabulous events both supporting Equality California!

First, enjoy "Mental 99" as they "Rock Out"  at a private concert at the exquisite home of Jen Rainin & Frances Stevens on Diamond Mountain in Calistoga.  In addition to the music, wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served at the estate's outdoor amphitheatre.

This event is proudly sponsored by Sweet Cruises, Whole Foods, Wine Tasting Network and our friends at Out In The Vineyard.  You can register today at www.eqca.org/wineconcert

Then, on Sunday, July 24, Bardessono will host the 2nd annual "Get Wet!" Wine Country at their gorgeous rooftop pool.

At this pool party you'll enjoy "hosted bites" (we're assuming that they're talking about appetizers) and an open vodka bar.

 This event is sponsored by Bardessono, Blue Angel Vodka and the boys of Out In The Vineyard.  Register today at www.eqca.org/getwetwinecountry

You can purchase a "Wine Country Weekend" pass on either website for a $50 donation.  That'll get you into both events!

Thanks to the generous sponsors, 100% of the proceeds from these events will benefit Equality California.

Beginners and Burgers

Join the troops of the Napa Guerilla Gay Bar as we once again head to the Cameo Cinema (1340 Main Street, St. Helena) for a Ewan McGregor film.

This time Ewan is paired with Christopher Plummer and Melanie Laurent in "Beginners". The comedy/drama by Mike Mills tells the story of a young man who is rocked by two announcements from his elderly father: that he has terminal cancer, and that he has a young male lover.

Watch the trailer here:



We'll attend the 5:30 pm showing of the film on Sunday, July 10. You can buy advance tickets via the Cameo Cinema's website at:

http://www.readyticket.net/webticket/webticket2.asp?WCI=BuyTicket&WCE=BEGINNERS,071020111730,1,25954,R,0

Following the film (around 7:15 pm) we'll head down the street to Gott's Roadside Tray Gourmet (933 Main Street, St. Helena) for Bleu Cheese Burgers, Ahi Poke Crispy Taco, Sweet Potato Fries and Gott's amazing wine list!

You Can Leave Your Hat On TOO!

Hold On To Your Hats!

Get ready for a fabulous time as the Napa Guerilla Gay Bar, along with Clos Du Val Winery presents "You Can Leave Your Hat On Too!" on Friday, June 17th from 7 to 11 pm on the grounds of the beautiful Clos Du Val Winery in the Stags Leap District of the Napa Valley.

Here's what we have planned:

• Music and dancing directed by the one-and-only DJ Rotten Robbie including the amazing "human jukebox" (the more you donate, the sooner your request will be played)

• Celebrate your "vindependence" as you enjoy amazing wines from our host, Clos Du Val
• Firevine Pizza will be on hand selling a selection of their delicious hand-made pizzas cooked right before your eyes in their authentic Italian wood-fired oven
• Celebrate Napa Valley LGBTQ Pride 2011 by donning your favorite hat.  Prizes will be awarded in various categories
• Bid on terrific silent auction items donated by fabulous businesses
• Find out more about the 5 worthy organizations that will receive the net proceeds from the event based on your votes!  The beneficiaries are:
• Napa Valley Hospice & Adult Day Services
• Napa Valley Education Foundation
• CARE Network at Queen of the Valley Medical Center
• V.O.I.C.E.S.
• Napa Emergency Women's Services

Tickets are just $ 20.00 if purchased by May 31.  Prices will jump to $ 35.00 on June 1 and at the door.

Buy yours on-line today using the PayPal link at napagaybar.com

Another way to help and to vote for your favorite organization - consider making a donation of goods or services for the silent auction.  If you donate an item valued at $100 or more you'll receive a "vote" . . . and the more you donate, the more votes you'll receive!  Download the donation form at http://www.napavalleypride.com/2011%20YCLYHOT%20Donation%20Form.pdf

Fabulous Wine for the Queer Guy (and Gal)

"All Things Just Keep Gettin' Better!"

This is the fabulous Mr. Ted Allen.

You've probably seen him most recently on television shows like "Chopped", "The Best Thing I Ever Ate", "Top Chef" and "Iron Chef America".  He's also a best-selling cookbook author ("The Foods You Want To Eat - 100 Smart, Simple Recipes").

Well, we all got to know him as the Food and Wine Connoisseur on "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy".

Why are we telling you all of this?  Because Ted will be co-hosting the "Discover Wine Day" at Robert Mondavi Winery on April 16 with Margrit Mondavi herself!

Here's what's on the agenda:

• Complimentary wine tasting from 10 am to 5 pm on the lawn
• Live music and food vendors from 11 am to 4 pm on the lawn and in the vineyards
• Ted and Mrs. Mondavi will offer an official welcome and toast from noon until 12:30 pm
• Ted will sign copies of his cookbook from 12:30 to 1:00 pm

In addition, there is a multitude of special events:

• "Tasting the in Vineyard" with Matt Ashby & Mark DeVere from 10:30 to 11:30 am ($15 per person)
• Food and Wine Pairing with winery chef Jeff Mosher from 11:00 to 11:45 am and again with Chef Jeff and Ted Allen at 1:00 to 1:45 pm ($15 per person, per session)
• Reserve Tasting and Q&A with winemaker Genevieve Janssens from 1:30 to 2:30 pm ($35 per person)
• 2008 I-Block Fume Blanc Release party hosted by Margrit Mondavi & Ted Allen with food pairings from Chef Mosher from 3:00 to 5:00 pm ($50 per person)

Tickets for the paid events can be purchased in advance by visiting http://www.robertmondavi.com/discover_wine_tour/38.

There's no admission charge, except for the special events.  Let's just enjoy spring in the Napa Valley together in one of the most beautiful spots - the Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville!

Fundraiser for World Vets in Japan

Sometimes we forget about the fur-babies.

A group of folks here in Napa is sponsoring a fundraiser to support the work of World Vets in Japan.  World Vets is a "non-governmental organization providing veterinary aid around the globe in collaboration with animal advocacy groups, foreign governments, US and foreign military groups and veterinary professionals abroad."  Right now they're "on-the-ground" in Sendai - an area affected by the recent Japanese earthquake and tsunami working with a large coalition of Japanese animal welfare groups.  They were deployed just 4 days after the horrific tsunami as a first responder to the animals of the region.

The fundraiser will take place Sunday, April 10 from 2 - 8 pm at Billco's Billiards (1234 Third Street, Napa).  "Oh, for Pet's Sake" will feature:

• Martial Arts Performances
• Taiko Drumming
• Performances by Pion 2 Zion and 21 Gun Saloon
• Silent Auction & Balloon Raffle Items
• Delicious Food
• Japanese Beer
• AND FREE POOL!

100% of the net proceeds from this event will benefit World Vets International Aid for Animals - Japan Relief as well as the American Red Cross.

Admission is just $3.00!  See you there!

* The picture above is of World Vets first responder Adrien Zap scanning what used to be the city of Sendai for animals impacted, displaced or injured in the tsunami.