Listening to nationally and internationally acclaimed musicians is always a soul-stirring experience. What many San Luis Obispo county residents and visitors don't realize is that there are such regular music offerings locally. This "Mostly Music" column will appear monthly, primarily focusing on the rich, deep musical talent that is available on the Central Coast.
D'Anbino Vineyards and Cellars' tasting room is arguably the premier local venue for live music. The owners, John D'Andrea and Carmine Rubino, had many years of successful, award-winning careers in recording, film, and television before moving to the Paso Robles area.
Growing up together in an Italian neighborhood in New Jersey as brothers (even though John is actually Carmine's nephew), several years ago they purchased a vacation property in Paso Robles for their extended family to relax in what they described as the friendly, cozy small-town atmosphere, away from the workaday bustle of Los Angeles. The vineyard and tasting room were not originally part of their plans, but at the suggestion of their realtor they decided to grow grapes and make wine. They combined their last names to name their winery.
Carmine's son, Michael (a composer), and his wife, Sharon conceptualized the tasting room theme, focusing on music and displaying the many memorabilia and awards the men had acquired in their careers. The tasting bar cleverly incorporates parts of real pianos. The elevated stage with state of the art sound and acoustics was originally only intended for the "Family Band's" occasional performances for special events. Carmine related that when many people visited the tasting room they would inquire when the music was being performed and were disappointed when told that there were only occasional shows.
In the meantime, John and Carmine started live performances in conjunction with a monthly Paso Robles wine and arts event. As musicians became aware of the caliber of the tasting room's music-friendly atmosphere, they began asking to play there even though they receive little remuneration. These include local, talented musicians with impressive performance resumes, but also touring and other nationally known musicians who like to perform in this friendly, and relaxed, yet intimate, tasting room.
Upcoming January events start on Saturday January 5th with the Pam Smith Quartet. Her vocal stylings have been featured in Chicago and New York, as well as on many national television and radio commercials.
On Saturday January 12th local band, Unfinished Business, performs hits of the 1960s, including songs from the Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, and various "soul" artists.
D'Anbino is presently hosting the Central Coast Famous Jazz Artist Series while its home, the Hamlet, undergoes renovation. On Sunday January 13th, Lanny Morgan, one of America's finest be-bop alto saxophonists and his band will be performing at 4:00 p.m. and 7:15p.m. His storied history includes work on over 100 albums and stints with Maynard Ferguson, Supersax, Bill Holman and Frank Capp's Juggernaut.
This January D'Anbino will be starting Saturday afternoon entertainment, soloists or bands, from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. The Royal Garden Swing Orchestra will be performing their high energy, danceable swing-era music featuring their skilled horn section from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday January 19th. That evening The Cinders welcome listeners to their "real blues" starting with 1960s style Chicago blues, influenced by jazz, country and rock.
On Sunday January 20th, D'Anbino will have another of their "composer" concerts, with Ron McCarley, Luther Hughes and Darrell Voss featuring the great music of Jerome Kern.
On Friday January 25th, the bluegrass group Salty Sweets will play, following their recent opening for Dwight Yoakam.
Music for January 26th is yet to be announced. Keep an eye out for the performances of the D'Anbino Family Band, in which John plays the sax, Carmine's sons play keyboard and drums and son-in-law plays guitar. Enhancing the music experience at D'Anbino's is Carmine's wealth of experience as a sound engineer which he uses to actively mix the music as it is performed.
Carmine Rubino and John D'Andrea, owners of D'Anbino Cellars and
Tasting Room
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D'Anbino features their reasonably-priced seven red and rose wines crafted by Carmine from their Syrah and Cabernet grapes. Some of the wines have musical names such as Orchestration and Quadraphonic. Carmine shared a story about the Quadraphonic wine name. While working in a New York music studio, Carmine was the sound engineer for the King Biscuit Flower Hour radio show, which he did in quadraphonic sound. John Lennon, who was recording at the same studio, asked Carmine if he could remix John's music in quadraphonic sound. Thereafter, John referred to Carmine as the "Quadfather," which was around the time the movie, The Godfather, had become popular. John (D'Andrea) also has a storied history, originally being recruited to California to be the next teen idol, along with Frankie Avalon and Fabian, but when the Beetles hit the scene, young people's interests changed. Besides playing the sax, John has is an acclaimed musical arranger, composer and director.
The winery and tasting room is truly a family affair. Carmine's wife, Jo Ann, their daughter, Lori, and son-in-law provide a warm hospitality in the tasting room which feels like being a welcomed guest in their home. A wine pairing appetizer menu is available to be served at your table during the performances. At the tasting room, Carmine said his family typically spends more time answering questions about the memorabilia than trying to sell their wines, which contributes to the friendly, convivial family atmosphere. John and his wife oversee the vineyard's daily operation. In addition, John continues to play the sax for the Cuesta Night Jazz band, with a sax quartet called "Sax Appeal", and with Pat McCormick and the QuieT Knights.
The tasting room is conveniently located at the Paso Robles train station at 710 Pine Street with ample parking. Reservations are accepted for most performances and required for special events such as the Famous Jazz Artist Series. They can be reached at 227-6800. Most Friday and Saturday performances start at 8 p.m. with $10 admission for non-wine club members and $5 for wine club members. Higher fees are typically charged for the special events, and some events are free. For more details and added performances, refer to their website danbino.com, and click on events. Arrive early for a chance to browse the memorabilia on display.
