Nissley Uncorks Music in the Vineyards

Nissley Vineyards & Winery Estate, of Bainbridge, kicks off its 2008 Music in the Vineyards concert series on July 5th with the classic light rock group, Nightwind. The 2008 line-up of music groups, ranging from jazz to big band to Motown, marks the 26th season for the concert series held at Nissley Vineyards, 140 Vintage Drive, Bainbridge.

Nissley will celebrate its 30th anniversary during a July 12th concert by showing its appreciation to its fans. The evening will include door prize drawings for wine and other special gifts. Big Band Nostalgia will perform that night with their hits of the big band era as well as soft rock favorites.

This series provides a memorable evening of music, romance and relaxation in the shadow of the winery’s tall, stone arches. Concertgoers can either purchase picnic fair from Events Etc. by the Hershey Pantry or bring a picnic supper if they wish. Some concertgoers go all out to have an enjoyable meal with the music.

“We made it into a huge tailgate party,” explained Nancy Ray of Lancaster Newcomers and Neighbors.

Ray said her group brings tables, candles, flowers and balloons each year. About 20 to 30 Newcomers and Neighbors attend the concerts and always sit under the same tree. They bring dishes to pass, including Buffalo wings. Ray’s favorite memories of the series are dancing, listening to big band music and enjoying the sight of the candles when the sun goes down.

“Everyone has a great time,” Ray said.

At the wine bars in the Winery archway, visitors will find a wide selection of Nissley wines, ranging from dry to sweet. Wine staff members can assist with wine selection.

Nissley encourages concertgoers to arrive between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person and season passes are $60. Season passes can be purchased at all Nissley Wine Shops.

The line-up of concerts includes:

July 5, Nightwind will start the series with an evening of classic light rock. This year marks their 15th appearance at Nissley.

July 12, Big Band Nostalgia will return with their hits of the big band era and soft rock favorites and Nissley will celebrate its 30th Anniversary!

July 19, the Jazzberries take the stage. The 16-member group of leading area musicians performs upbeat classic big band favorites and more recent hits for a romantic evening of beautiful music.

July 26, The SilverHawks return for their seventh season at Nissley. The 12-member group from Lancaster combines classic rock with soul and Motown for a musically charged evening.

Aug. 2, The Uptown Band, featuring Erich Cawalla and Jennifer Kinder, lifts up music lovers with a rich variety of sounds from the Motown years to the present. These seven musicians, who will mark their second appearance in the vineyard series, move easily from smooth to soaring.

Aug. 9, The Roof Rockers perform rhythm and blues. They have been playing since the days when their style of music first became popular.

Aug. 16, The Headliners, a six-member group, returns for a fifth season at Nissley Vineyards. The group brings to life Top 40 hits from the 60s thru the 90s.

Aug. 23, The seven-piece JumpStreet band is back for a third season, and will play music of the 70s and 80s to give you a lively mix of funk, rock and soul.