Mountain Winery lineup features more than 50 acts, some appearing for the first time
Country star Martina McBride, classic-rock crew Yes, R&B vocalist John Legend and former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr are among the top acts scheduled to perform this season at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga. Other big names include Motown legend Diana Ross and comedian/banjo man Steve Martin.
In all, the venue's 2010 lineup, being announced today, includes more than 50 concerts. Tickets for all shows go on sale at 10 a.m. April 26 at www.livenation.com, www.mountainwinery.com and 1-800-745-3000.
The concert season opens June 1 with a performance by the multiplatinum pop-rock troupe the Goo Goo Dolls and stretches through Oct. 8, when the forever young classic-rock band Cheap Trick plays. In between, fans will enjoy an uncommonly diverse lineup. Here's a look at some of the top offerings, by genre:
Country/bluegrass:
Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson, two of the best songwriters in the business, co-headline June 16. Comedian Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers travel the bluegrass highway June 22-23. The always-reliable Lyle Lovett brings His Large Band to the venue July 22. Martina McBride, a multifaceted entertainer who usually performs at large arenas, is set to appear July 26.
Classic rock: For a Woodstock vibe, check out Crosby, Stills and Nash on June 7, or "Hippiefest," featuring Jack Bruce, WAR and others on Aug. 20. The double-bills of Yes with Peter Frampton July 11, and REO Speedwagon with Pat Benatar on July 27 also should prove popular. And who can resist the chance to see Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band perform Aug. 3?
R&B/soul/jazz: Diana Ross, who wowed the crowd at the Paramount in Oakland a few years back, might be the most highly anticipated artist on the lineup. The former singer with the Supremes checks in June 12. Jazz fans, however, will want to circle June 13 on their calendars, when the Chick Corea Freedom Band (featuring Kenny Garrett, Christian McBride and Roy Haynes) comes to town. And it's likely that a capacity crowd will turn out to see soul crooner John Legend perform Aug. 1.
The usual and unusual suspects: Longtime winery-circuit favorites the Beach Boys (July 18), Kenny Loggins (July 29) and Michael McDonald (July 31) will check in. Also on tap are the reliable draws Chris Isaak (Aug. 27-28), Earth, Wind & Fire (Aug. 31) and Willie Nelson (Sept. 22). Making their Mountain Winery debuts will be the Black Crowes (June 30), Billy Idol (Aug. 16) and Celtic Woman (Aug. 29). And Garrison Keillor brings "A Prairie Home Companion" to the winery (Aug. 25).