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Annual San Diego Spirits Festival set for Oct. 19-20 at MCASD in La Jolla
Experience the ultimate lip-smacking cocktail celebration at the 15th Annual San Diego Spirits Festival, Oct. 19-20 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego in La Jolla, 700 Prospect St.Whether you’re a novice cocktail enthusiast or a seasoned mixology professional, this festival promises an unforgettable experience. Unwind with unlimited tastings of spirits and cocktails, delectable delights from local restaurants, and eclectic entertainment, all set against the backdrop of stunning museum ocean views.General admission tickets start at $85 for Saturday, 2-6 p.m., and tickets are $75 for Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Admission includes unlimited access to a curated selection of cocktails.SDSF’s founder-director, Liz Edwards, started the festival in 2009 in Downtown San Diego. “I knew several people in the spirits industry and I just decided to do something to promote craft cocktails and the spirits industry to let people learn the background of some of these brands they wanted to test and buy,” she said noting it was a huge success from the start.Billed as “cocktails with a view,” Edwards promised the 2024 spirits festival would be special.“We want companies to promote their products and the attendees to get to know the brands in the marketplace, the typical ones they know, and those they don’t, as well as new ones that keep coming out,” said Edwards, noting the festival is taking over five specific areas within MCASD La Jolla.There is something new at the spirits festival this year. “For the first time, the museum is allowing me to have some restaurants inside, as well as those on the terrace outside and in the entrance,” Edwards said adding, “We’ll have a silent auction as flamenco dancing and guitar music.”The festival will include a special entertainer, Andrew Cole, a Canadian-born singer-songwriter who has toured globally opening for, or performing with Elton John, Radiohead, Tears for Fears, Metallica, Tom Jones, Lorde, and John Fogerty, Andrew has performed on the Oscar, Golden Globe & Grammy stages.The goal of the San Diego Spirits Festival is to advance the industry and all that it encompasses via market launches, industry advancement and exposure, product innovation, education, and directly engaging target audience.Noting the Spirits Festival is “a social event built around spirits,” Edwards added, “The event has grown over the years. I can say it’s an event where you get value for money because the ticket price includes everything.”An interesting side note, Edwards pointed out they are planning to go through 8,000 pounds of ice during the eight hours of the event spread over two days.A lot of the spirits brands at the festival will also be giving away swag. “If there is one word to describe this festival, that word is incredible,” Edwards said of her woman-owned business which she noted has, “really built something up from nothing to where it is today in an upscale venue where spirits connoisseurs can try something good in a vibrant atmosphere while also indulging in culinary delights.”SAN DIEGO SPIRITS FESTIVALWhen: Saturday, Oct. 19: 2-6 p.m., $85. Sunday, Oct. 20: 1-5 p.m., $75.Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego in La Jolla.Brands available: Hive₂O Hard Honey, Uncle Nearest Whiskeys, Flor de Canna Rums, Tanduay Rums, Boracay Rums, Adictivo Tequilas, Brown Forman – Old Forester Bourbons and Whiskeys, La Sirena Tequilas, Nardini Grappa + Liqueurs, Nàdar Vodka, Vulcanica Vodka, Arbike Vodka and Gin, Rodeo de las Aquas Tequilas, Old Hillside Bourbons, BlowFish Tequilas, Ole Smokey Whiskeys, RD1 Kentucky Straight Bourbons, Tanteo Tequilas, Tequila RG Legado, Zomoz Mezcal, Ravella Tequila, West Peak RTD, Stateside Vodka and RTD Teas, Square One Organic Spirits, Common Ground Spirits – Gins, Isle of Mann Distillery – Gin + Single Malt Whiskey, Barritts Ginger Beers, De La Torre Tequilas, Goza Tequila, Kentucky 10 Bourbon, Puerta de Indias Gin Salt Point RTD.All-inclusive tickets include:• Spirits from top-shelf brands.• Unlimited cocktails.• Guest appearance by singer-songwriter Andrew Cole.• Performers: Samba and belly dancers, DJs, flamenco guitarist Jason Jenkins.• Artisanal bites from restaurants – Beeside Balcony, Lobster West, Daybreak Island Grill, RedO Mexican, Alchemy | Choose Thy Poison, Soulful Grubz, Cajun Fusion.• 5 unique settings.• Silent auction to benefit the Center for Culinary Culture.
The Art of Fashion and Strut for Sobriety runway shows raise funds for charities
The Art of Fashion outdoor runway show and luncheon was presented at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe on Sept. 12. This year, the honorary chair was philanthropist Joan Waitt, who supports many charities such as Promises2Kids, Family Justice Center, Becky’s House, and Rady Children’s Hospital. The co-chairs of this amazing event were Tamara Lafarga-Joseph and MJ Wittman. Sandra Maas was the emcee.This year was particularly special as it marked the 70th anniversary of the event. This is a significant milestone in giving back to the community. It was the 20th year of a partnership with South Coast Plaza, renowned for its international designers and retailers. They brought their fall-winter collections to create this sensational event. After the show, the guests dined on the lawn and finished the picture-perfect day with a “Sip, Shop, and Support.”Country Friends raises funds for designated charities and operates a consignment shop led by executive director Yvette Letourneau and a team of volunteers. For a list of all their upcoming fundraising events, visit http://thecountryfriends.org/.STRUT FOR SOBRIETY!“Strut for Sobriety!” was presented by A New PATH (Parents for Addiction Treatment and Healing) on Sept. 21 at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. This recovery awareness event coincides with National Recovery Month, which promotes recovery from substance use disorder and celebrates those who have overcome it.Master of ceremonies Geni Cavitt and Rory Devine handed out the 2024 Visionary Leadership Award to Gretchen Burns Bergman, co-founder and executive director of A New PATH. For 25 years she has worked tirelessly to reduce the stigma associated with substance use. She has testified, debated, and spoken out at the state capital in Sacramento, Washington, D.C., the United Nations, and numerous other organizations.This wonderful event was co-chaired by Liz Croker and Judy Lawton. It featured a boutique, luncheon, awards ceremony, and theatrical fashion show by Gretchen Productions featuring local boutiques and Macy’s Fashion Valley. The honorary chair was Dr. Nasrin Mani and the 2024 PATH to Recovery honorees were Pierre Alexander and April Ella. Alexander created a rap song for the event about giving something back and Ella has been the director of operations for A New PATH and program manager for the Naloxone Training and Distribution Program. The afternoon had a fabulous live auction by the talented Erin Liddell. For more information, visit anewpath.org or momsunited.net.UPCOMING EVENTSSaturday, Oct. 19 – Fine Fall Fashions at Trinity Episcopal Church Parish Hall in Escondido from 2-4:30 p.m. Proceeds for this fashion show and tea go to Escondido Education Foundation. For tickets: https://bit.ly/3BcHcsR.Sunday, Oct. 20 – “Mad Hatter’s Fashionable Tea Party” at the Mission Beach Women’s Club at 2 p.m. celebrating Leana, the 2024 Make-A-Wish kid. Kenneth Barlis will be the featured fashion designer. This fashion With a passion benefits the Make-A-Wish foundation. For tickets visit: https://bit.ly/4gT6sEG.Monday, Oct. 21 – Red, White, and Blue on the Runway presented by the Women’s Museum of California. This luncheon and book talk by Dr. Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe will cover the 1968 White House fashion show and politics of American style. For tickets: https://bit.ly/4gSpVW5.Diana Cavagnaro is an internationally renowned Couture Milliner based in the Southern California area. Learn more about our hat designer, teacher, and podcaster at www.dianacavagnaro.com.
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