by Katy Tahja
What better way to appreciate the colorful 30 year history of the Mendocino Music Festival than to take at look at its past at the Kelley House Museum, across the street from the festival tent? Opening night, Saturday July 9, there will be a Scotch Tasting and festival memorabilia exhibited at the Kelley House in the early evening before the music begins.
See how far the Mendocino Music Festival has evolved with an exhibit of photos, posters, and memorabilia, while enjoying five scotch tastings for $25. Sign up for a membership with the museum and the fee for the tasty evening is $20. This Second Saturday event is from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with entry from the Albion Street side of the museum.
Established in 1986, the Mendocino Music Festival was a dream come true for Allan Pollack, Susan Waterfall and Walter Green, the former principal bassoonist of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. In a tent that seats hundreds on the headlands the music of the world in all its varied forms is shared with thousands of music lovers. Chamber music, orchestra concerts, opera, Big Band, folk, bluegrass, contemporary and more are performed. The streets of Mendocino come alive with music!
The music is not just for adults. There are children’s programs, emerging artists, free lectures, open rehearsals and great ways to introduce children to the world of music.
On July17th, the Kelley House will host “A Sunday Afternoon With…Marcia Lotter.” An associate concertmaster and violinist with the Festival since its debut, Lotter will share “Tales of the Festival” as her presentation topic. The public is invited to share their favorite Festival memory after Lotter speaks at 4 p.m. that Sunday. A $7 donation is requested. If you bought a membership at the Scotch Tasting or already are a Kelley House Museum member, the cost is $5.