LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Art and Wine Rocks Four Stages Sept. 21-22


Dave Parker from Parkmon Vineyards will pour his 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, which received "Gold Medal of Show" at the Contra Costa Wine competition. Photo Andy Scheck

Look for actual art, wine and rock next weekend, Sept. 21-22 in downtown Lafayette, not to mention craft beers, lots of tasty food and a kid zone to entertain the younger set. The weekend offers free music from 20 popular cover bands spread out over four musical stages. With bands like Fleetwood Mask, Aja Vu, Petty Theft, geeky charmers the Spazmatics and Zebop (which made a great impression recently at the Moraga concert series), Beatles cover band The Sun Kings and more - there's something for everyone. New this year is the Best of the Festival band contest, with voting via text message. "Fun, kids stuff, delicious food, adult beverages, fine art, fine music and finally more fun," said Jay Lifson, executive director of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce. "Fun is good! Have a little next weekend."

As if the 260 art and crafts booths that offer everything from unique handmade jewelry to paintings, clothes, and gifts wasn't enough, this year the festival will have the America's Cup finals on a big screen on Saturday, Sept. 21, thanks to Xfinity, which joins Lamorinda Weekly among the event's many sponsors, along with beverages for the thirsty crowd and a food truck alley that will benefit Meals on Wheels.

The music commences at noon, but the festival starts at 10 a.m. both days and runs until 7 p.m. on Saturday and until 6 p.m. on Sunday. The festival is, as usual, free - but tickets to kid zone activities cost between $1 and $5, drink tickets cost $7 for an individual ticket with a beer or wine glass costing $7. Funds raised go to support local education, the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and many other local non-profit organizations.

Go to www.lafayettefestival.com for all the details including the music schedule. Free shuttle service will be provided from BART - the festival's preferred parking location; to work off some festival induced calories, there will be secured valet bike parking behind the Art Stage at 81 Lafayette Circle in the Lamorinda Music parking lot.