Launched in the late '60s as both fundraiser and an opportunity to wrap up the Napa Valley weekend on a musical note, Robert Mondavi Summer Music Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary this season, with a little something for everyone visiting Napa.
It all began in 1969 by Margrit Mondavi as part of the winery’s commitment to supporting the arts. In four decades, the summer festival has raised more than $2 million for the Napa Valley Symphony Orchestra and the Napa Valley school district music programs.
Smokey Robinson wraps up the 40th anniversary season in a debut performance presented in conjunction the Napa Valley Opera House. Save for founder Berry Gordy, no single figure has been more closely allied with the Detroit-based recording empire known as Motown than William "Smokey" Robinson. In addition to leading the Miracles, Robinson served as a Motown producer, songwriter, talent scout and Berry's most trusted confidant and right-hand man. Robinson is responsible for a wide range of chart toppers, including "The Tracks of My Tears", "Tears of a Clown", "Ooh Baby Baby", "I Second That Emotion", "You Really Got a Hold on Me", "Shop Around", "Being With You" and "Cruisin".
All Napa concerts take place on a Saturday and begin at 7pm, with gates opening at 5 for picnicking. There are four tiers of tickets this year - general admission lawn seating; reserved lawn seating; dinner seating with wine-paired family-style meal; premier dinner seating, which includes center lawn stage seats at concert time. For more information call: (707) 226-7372
