Ricky Montijo
Gig Seeker Pro

Ricky Montijo

Paso Robles, CA | Established. Jan 01, 2015 | SELF | AFM

Paso Robles, CA | SELF | AFM
Established on Jan, 2015
Band Rock Soul

Calendar

Music

Press


"Ozomatli selects Ricky Montijo for opener performance at Fremont Theatre, SLO"

Ozomatli has selected Ricky Montijo as their opener for their performance at Fremont Theatre in San Luis Obispo, CA on January 11, 2018. Doors open at 8pm. Ricky Montijo will take the stage 9pm to 9:45pm and Ozomatli will perform until midnight. Tickets are available at www.FremontSLO.com. This lineup offers Soul, Rock, Latin, Blues, Reggae, Hip Hop, and more! You don't want to miss this show! - Ricky Montijo


"‘Sweetheart Stroll’ happening Feb. 10 in Atascadero"

Posted: 8:13 am, February 1, 2018 by News Staff

–The City of Atascadero and the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce are pleased to present the Annual Sweetheart Stroll to be held throughout Atascadero’s downtown on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 1 to 4 p.m., rain or shine.

There will be over 15 participating Atascadero merchants, ranging from boutique clothing shops to unique restaurants. Each of these merchants will offer something very special for visitors to enjoy – artists or wineries or both. Some locations will even offer a little surprise to commemorate this special Valentine’s event. Merchants include: Anna & Mom, Arlyne’s Flowers, Baby’s Babble, Century 21, Historic City Hall, Edward Jones, Farron Elizabeth, Grape Encounters Empourium, Hope Chest Emporium, Mudflat Mercantile, O’Leary & Wallace, Patterson Realty, The Carlton Hotel and Wilkins Printing. Featured brewery and wineries include Black Hand Cellars, Dead Oak Brewing, Eberle Winery, Felten Cellars, Hoyt Family Vineyards, Justin Winery, Opolo Vineyards, Ruby Cellars, Summerwood Winery and Vintage Cowboy Winery.

The event will kick off at 12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at Grape Encounters Empourium where you can enjoy the sounds of Ricky Montijo. As you stroll through the downtown and the Sunken Gardens, you will be serenaded by the Fairweather Four Barbershop Quartet and from 2 – 4 p.m., you may choose to take a complementary, docent led tour through Historic City Hall presented by the Atascadero Historical Society.

Tickets will be available starting at noon in front of Historic City Hall located at 6500 Palma Ave or at Grape Encounters Empourium located at 5816 Traffic Way in Atascadero, on Saturday, Feb. 10. The ticket price is $20 per person and includes a complementary, commemorative wine glass and a rose (roses offered one per couple while supplies last).

Cash and checks welcome; credit cards will not be accepted. For any questions regarding this event, please contact Terrie Banish at (805) 470-3490, email tbanish@atascadero.org or Liz Holman at (805) 466-2044, email Marketing@atascaderochamber.org. - A-Town Daily News


"San Francisco International Beer Festival announces its 2017 Lineup"

Ricky Montijo & The Mojitos has been selected to perform at the 34th ​San Francisco International Beer Festival on April 8, 2017! This event will sell out quickly. Get your tickets at https://www.sfbeerfest.com/tickets/

Since 1984, the San Francisco International Beer Festival has raised money for the Telegraph Hill Cooperative Nursery School. The proud parents of Tel-Hi’s preschool students plan, host, and staff the entire event. They donate their time and effort to bring you this historic festival-the oldest beer festival on the west coast.

SFIBF is the sole fundraiser for the Telegraph Hill Cooperative Nursery School. With this festival, we raise enough money to cover 90 percent of the preschool’s operating expenses, allowing us to keep tuition affordable in an increasingly expensive city.

Our families thank you and our kids thank you. For more details and information on the co-op and this fundraiser, click here. Now, join our email list and we will let you in on any news and special promotions. - SFIBF


"San Joaquin Asparagus Festival selects Ricky Montijo & The Mojitos for Main Stage 20217 Performance"

The San Joaquin Asparagus Festival has selected Ricky Montijo & The Mojitos to perform on its main stage Friday April 21, 2017. Set time TBA. The band will also be performing for the Spring Creek Golf & Country Club in Ripon, CA the same evening. This is the 3rd Festival in April that the band has booked, taking them on the road every weekend in the Month of April.

Tickets can be purchased for the San Joaquin Asparagus Festival at www.SanJoaquinAsparagusFestival.net. Get yours today!

Ricky Montijo is an artist to watch. Stay tuned for more announcements! Ricky will be traveling numerous states in 2017. Catch him next at the Santa Barbara Jazz Festival Redux on March 4th, 2017 from 7pm to 10pm at Figueroa Mountain Brewery.

www.RickyMontijo.com - Ricky Montijo & The Mojitos


"Good Old Days Celebration & Music Festival selects Ricky Montijo & The Mojitos to play its 2017 Showcase"

59th Annual Good Old Days Celebration and Music Festival in Pacific Grove!

Pacific Grove’s widely acclaimed community event, The Good Old Days Celebration and Music Festival, will be on Saturday, April 8 and Sunday, April 9, 2017 in downtown Pacific Grove. Each year this free event draws in a crowd of over 30,000 people, visitors and locals alike, to take part in this 2-day celebration!

Whether its funk, reggae, rock, jazz, blues, California Acoustic Soul, Irish folk or Gypsy jazz, pick your flavor and one of the Good Old Days Music Festival's 5 stages will have it. Last year's new entertainment line-up brought in a diversity of renowned California bands like never before and raised the bar with widely acclaimed bands from the Bay Area and Central Coast.

This is the largest gathering of arts and crafts vendors in Monterey County, (last year featured a record 250 vendors from 12 states), displaying a range of unique merchandise and variety of cuisine.

Good Old Days kicks off Saturday morning with the Pacific Grove Kiwanis Club’s Pancake Breakfast in Jewell Park followed by the old-fashioned hometown Good Old Days Parade featuring over 100 entries! Parade entries include community groups, bands, old-fashioned wagons, antique vehicles and more.

Activities included:
Quilts By The Bay Quilt Show, YMCA Kids Fair, carnival rides, inflatable jumpers, a rock climbing wall, pony rides, Monterey Fire Department Fire Muster, Classic Car Show, Mustache Competition, Pie Eating Contest, and so much more!

For more information about the event, including how to participate, contact the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce at (831) 373-3304 and visit www.pacificgrove.org - Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce Good Old Days Festival


"Santa Barbara Jazz Festival Redux announces its 2017 Lineup"

What is Santa Barbara Jazz Festival Redux all about? WA Event Management is reintroducing SBJF to the community as part of our mission to create community building events and to continue supporting the live music scene in Santa Barbara. 2 Day's. 30 bands. 8 venues. With a small splash of New Orleans!

When & Where is Santa Barbara Jazz Festival?
SBJF Redux is set for March 3 - 4, 2017 in sunny Santa Barbara, CA. This two day inclusive and inspired event will take place in multiple and unique venues, with Downtown Santa Barbara, The Funk Zone, and The Lagoon District serving as the festival backdrop. Venue locations include:
- The James Joyce
- Figueroa Mountain Brewery
- Seven Bar & Restaurant
- The Sandbox
- SB Cast
- Bobcat
- M8RX Nightclub & Lounge
- Soho Music Venue

Who will perform at Santa Barbara Jazz Festival?
First round of lineup announcements held on Friday January 6th, 2017 include Ricky Montijo & The Mojitos, Ulysses Jazz, Whesli, The Montecito Jazz Project, Well Groomed, Comfort Food, Rent Party Blues Band, Cassia Demayo, Bryan Titus Trio, The Big Whoo, Austin Sexton, Sparx, Darla Bea, and the Jazz Villians.


What will be offered at Santa Barbara Jazz Festival?
Besides a superb lineup of music SBJF Redux will also include a Second Line Procession & Fête event hosted at a SB Cast on Saturday, March 4th from 11am - 6:30pm, a Youth Jazz Showcase, Opening Night Documentary Screening of "One Note at a Time", Busker Session's throughout Santa Barbara, and more!

Who does Santa Barbara Jazz Festival support?
SBJF Redux will support local non-profit organizations including Notes for Notes, and the Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Festival. The Dos Pueblos High School Jazz Festival will be taking place over the same weekend and tickets can be purchased here: nightout.com/events/jazz-in-paradise-concert

Advance Two Day Grand Passes are now on sale! Two Day Grand Passes include the following:
- entry to select venue showcases/events*
- entry to the Second Line Procession & Fête event @ a SB Cast on Saturday March 4th, 2017
- entry to the Sandbox "Night Cap" after party featuring Well Groomed (Le Freak Dj Set)
- venue perks at select venues - WA Event Management


"City of Atascadero Announces "Dancing In The Streets" Lineup"

News from the
City of Atascadero
6500 Palma Avenue
Atascadero, CA 93422
805-461-5000
www.VisitAtascadero.com

For Immediate Release: August 3, 2017
Contact: Terrie Banish, Deputy City Manager, 805-470-3490

City of Atascadero
presents
CRUISIN’ WEEKEND
August 18 & 19th, 2017

End your summer in style by coming out to Atascadero’s Cruisin’ Weekend! The weekend kicks off with the 25th Annual Hot El Camino Cruise Nite on Friday, August 18th at 6:30 p.m., continues on Saturday with the 28th Annual Mid State Cruizers Car Show from 10 am – 3 pm at Atascadero Lake Park followed by our 2nd Annual Dancing in the Streets in the Downtown from 5-10 pm! Plan to be in Downtown Atascadero on August 18th and 19th for your favorite annual traditions and a new tradition too!

For 25 years, Hot El Camino Cruise Nite has been one of the largest, most popular annual events in Atascadero! Over 400 local cruisers from all over California come to downtown on Friday evening to showcase their beautifully, restored antique cars by taking a cruise up and down El Camino Real. Over the years, Cruise Nite has grown immensely, and now has been expanded to be an even bigger and better event for locals and tourists alike to come, stay and enjoy a full weekend of fun! Cruise Nite festivities begin at 6:30 pm on Friday, August 18th, and the Mid-State Cruisers Car Show will be at Atascadero Lake Park On Saturday, August 19th from 10 am until 3 pm, where you can come and look at the interior and exterior of a wide variety of antique cars. These cars will then cruise on over to the downtown at 5 pm and will line up on each side of the Sunken Gardens to kick off our 2nd Annual Dancing in the Streets!

On Saturday evening at 5 pm, Dancing in the Streets will kick off at City Hall! There will be five of your favorite bands, food trucks and beer vendors who will be ready to celebrate a fun evening of fun and dancing! The evening promises a full variety of music for everyone’s enjoyment and entertainment, so be sure to bring your dancing shoes!

5:00-7:30pm City Hall Stage Bleeding Harp
6:00-8:30pm Entrada Stage Martin Paris Band
7:00-9:00pm 805 Boardshop Stage Ricky Montijo & the Mojitos
8:30-10:00pm Grape Encounters Stage Bear Market Riot
7:00-10:00pm The Carlton Hotel Stage Burning James & the Funky Flames


The City Hall Stage kicks off at 5 pm with Legacy Acrobatics San Luis Obispo, Atascadero’s Recreation Services Ballroom Dancing with Sharon and Dan Davis and the A-Town Swing Dancers. The Entrada Stage kicks off at 6 pm with Dancing with Our Stars presentation by Jeanie Malik and Atascadero Recreation Services Line Dancing with Reon Monson. Special thanks to the evenings MC, David Wilson, of Grape Encounters Empourium.

Everyone is sure to work up an appetite and with all that dancing, a variety of food trucks will be available including the Grilled Cheese Incident, Javed Kabob Paradise, Hurricane Kitchen, Pizza La Nova, Micro BBQ, Marston’s 101, Taco Stand, La Luz Del Mundo Tamales, Slice of Templeton Jerky, G Brothers, Oh SLO Good Caramels, Harmony Creamery and Kona Ice. On tap we will have Central Coast Brewing, Dunbar Brewing, Tent City Brewing, Tap It Brewing and Margarita Man will all be on hand to quench your thirst! Wine will also be poured at Grape Encounters Empourium, and downtown dining favorites will of course be open to serve hungry guests as well!

This weekend would not be possible without our sponsors including H&R Block, Daylight Home, Lighting & Patio, Coastal Communities Physicians Network, Rabobank, Taco Bell, Grape Encounters Empourium, Hart Impressions, American General Media, New Times & The Tribune. Thank you to all of you for your support!

It’s FREE to attend any of the Cruisin’ Weekend events. Food, drink and souvenirs are available for purchase and a variety of local merchants will be open! For more information on the event or cost and details of car registration, please contact us at (805) 470-3360 or www.VisitAtascadero.com.


Terrie Banish
Deputy City Manager | Outreach, Promotions, Events
City of Atascadero | City Manager’s Office
6500 Palma Ave | Atascadero, CA 93422
Direct: 805.470.3490 | Fax: 805.470.3491 - City of Atascadero


"Stone Soup Music Festival Announces 2017 Lineup"

Stone Soup Music Festival and Street Faire

August 26: 10 am to 9 pm, August 27: 11 am to 5 pm

Ramona Garden Park and surrounding streets in Grover Beach

The Annual Stone Soup Music Festival and Street Faire will take place August 26 and 27 at and around Ramona Garden Park in Grover Beach. The Festival is designed to celebrate diversity though music, food, arts and crafts. World class musicians from throughout California are scheduled to perform. Two stages ensure music flows uninterrupted from 10 am to 9:30 pm on Saturday and from 11 am to 5 pm on Sunday. See the images at http://www.aggbchamber.com/stone-soup for official event schedule and full band lineup.

The Dune Run-Run and Walk, a 5 and 10k walk/race, will take place Saturday morning. Applications are available from the City of Grover Beach Parks and Recreation Department.

Headlining this year’s festival is Great White. Since 1982 the Great White sound has captivated audiences worldwide with crushing blues-based guitar riffs and swagger that invokes an emotional high for anyone that listens. Best known for their Grammy nominated Best Hard Rock Performance hit, “once Bitten, Twice Shy,” Great White has sold over 10 million albums worldwide, has six Top 100 Billboard hits, nine Top 200 Billboard albums, two platinum albums and clocked the tip of MTV video four times.

The Mardi Paws Dog Parade is scheduled for 11:30 am on Sunday. Dog owners are encouraged to dress their canine companions for a parade. All entries will receive a participation ribbon and awards will be given for Best Dressed, Most Original, Most Colorful and Dog/Owner Look-alike.

The festival will include a display of model trains in the Ramona Garden Center by the SLO Model Railroad Association. One of a kind food and craft vendors will line the adjoining streets. Activities for kids will be located in Ramona Garden Park.

More information about the Stone Soup Music Festival and Street Faire is available at AGGBChamber.com, on the Stone Soup Music Festival Facebook page or by calling (805) 489-1488. - Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce


"Vintage Vibe Festival of Palm Springs Announces 2017 Lineup"

Set in glamorous Palm Springs, California, famed getaway destination of the icons of Old Hollywood, VintageVibe FESTIVAL is a celebration of the evolution of American style and pop culture, which we consider anything pre-1999. The 60k square foot indoor (air-conditioned) marketplace will include vendors who not only represent eras gone by, but also new and innovative vendors who nod to the stylings of yesteryear in their products and design. The show will also feature several renowned headliners that have the "VintageVibe" such as Shannon and The Clams, Generationals, Nick Waterhouse, Best Coast, and others each night of the 3-day festival. See the full band announcement at https://www.vintagevibefest.com/music - Vintage Vibe Festival


"2017 County Fair Shows More-Than-Fair Increase in Attendance"

The 2017 Santa Barbara County Fair is a wrap and fair officials are reporting that a combination of special attractions, carnival rides, the concert lineup and great weather contributed to a 6.6 per cent increase in event attendance over 2016.

There were 9,854 more visits to the fair this year, adding up to a grand total of 158,652 visits.

Along with greater attendance, carnival ridership during the five-day run went up 9 percent, while food-and-beverage sales showed significant growth as well, with preliminary numbers indicating an increase of about 6 percent.

Junior livestock auction sales information is not yet available.

“We’re thrilled with the results of the 2017 Fair," said Richard Persons, Santa Maria Fairpark CEO. "It indicates the community appreciates what a great value the fair is, with strong entertainment, great food, fun rides, lots of animals, and great weather.

"The strong showing at the gate tells us that we put together the right combination of promotions and attractions to interest people, even with two large wildfires to compete with,” he said.

Ticket promotions for the 2017 fair included discounts of 20-40 percent on single-day admission and season tickets purchased in advance, along with an all-day ride wristband sold in advance for a 28 percent discount.

Promotional days during the event included a $1 admission on Thursday for those age 62 and older, and a free admission on Saturday for active duty members of the armed forces.

Attractions for 2017 included four nights of main stream musical and comedy acts presented in the Bud Light Concert Series on the KCOY main Stage, with .38 Special, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, John Michael Montgomery and Leann Rimes all appearing.

Fair officials consider the Iglesias show to be the largest crowd ever drawn to a main-stage act at the Santa Barbara County Fair, with a crowd estimated at 8,500 people.

To accommodate the large numbers, a video wall was placed on the Sun Center Stage so people arriving late could still see the show from a good vantage point.

Persons said, “We added chairs for this show, and had about $10,000 in additional expenses for the night with the chairs and the video wall, but it was worth it so that our community could see one of the hottest acts in the world right now for just the price of an admission ticket.”

Other attractions on the Sun Center Stage included Central Coast crowd favorites Steppin’ Out, Burning James and the Funky Flames, and Ricky Montijo and the Mojitos.

The fair presented full exhibit halls including nearly 5,000 competitive exhibits with blue-ribbon winners in many hundreds of categories, and about 2,000 head of livestock.

The Rabobank Discovery Pavilion featured Bug-Ology, an interactive educational exhibit all about insects in the Armory Building, while the Ag Pavilion moved to the Park Plaza building.

A full complement of slicers and dicers competed with beds, skin-care products, fancy knife sets and other wares inside the Marketplace Pavilion presented by Honda and Toyota of Santa Maria.

The Marketplace Pavilion also had the new CoastHills wine bar feature, where fairgoers could get a glass of wine and listen to acoustic guitar from a variety of local musicians.

Strolling acts could be found throughout the event making free mini-shows available at all hours. They included Sterling the Bubblesmith, who created clouds of soap bubbles for children to play in, and two princesses providing photo opportunities.

For more information about the Santa Maria Fairpark, visit www.santamariafairpark.com.

— Shelly Cone for Santa Maria Fairpark. - NoozHawk the freshest news in Santa Barbara


"Santa Barbara County Fair features local groups at the Sun Center Stage"

Santa Barbara County Fair features local groups at the Sun Center Stage
BY JOE PAYNE

The Santa Barbara County Fair is well known for the big-name acts that grace the Main Stage, and for good reason. The likes of LeAnne Rimes and John Michael Montgomery will be stars of the show on that stage, but it’s not the only one featuring live music at the fair.

The Sun Center Stage will host several local bands this year, along with performances by local dance troupes and traveling performers.


TAKING CENTER STAGE
Steppin’ Out, voted Santa Maria’s favorite band, will take the Sun Center Stage on opening day, July 12.
PHOTO COURTESY OF STEPPIN’ OUT
Opening the show at the Sun Center Stage on July 12 is Steppin’ Out, the local dance band that has won Best Band in our annual readers poll many times. Lead singer and founder Mike Ariolla said he was looking forward to seeing the crowd at the show when Steppin’ Out takes the stage.

“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “There is a big area right in front of the stage for dancing, and that’s what we like to see, is people dancing. Whether it’s a slow song or fast song, it’s just people enjoying the music.”

Other featured performers on the Sun Center Stage include Ricky Montijo and the Mojitos, based out of the five cities area, and Burnin’ James and the Funky Flames from Paso Robles.

The Sun Center Stage is accessible in the middle of the Santa Maria Fairpark among vendors, activities, and other booths. There’s seating and room for dancing, as Ariolla said, with room for many people.

“Whether it’s for a hundred people or a thousand people, we give them the same show we would either case,” Ariolla said. “And for the most part, these shows are family oriented. We have a lot of people who follow us who see us in night clubs, but in this case, it’s bring the whole family.”

The CoastHill Wine Tasting Bar will also feature live local talent at the Santa Barbara County Fair this year.

That venue is indoors, and features singer/songwriters over blasting dance bands. One such performer is Akusaa, who is used to playing her music at local wine tasting rooms.

“I really, really enjoy more of a mature audience,” Akusaa said. “I’m very picky where I play and I’m more about mature adults and elegance—I’m all about elegance.”

The wine tasting area will include a number of local wines, so elegance will definitely be a part of the experience.
Akusaa said that wine drinkers usually enjoy her style, which includes 70’s soft rock, R&B, jazz, and Spanish ballads. She said she hopes to create a “welcome retreat” at the fair from the big crowds where locals can enjoy wine paired with her music.

“My music, it takes them back to either good or bad memories, it’s sentimental,” she said. “They engage and sing along. It’s really great to see the reactions of people when you bring out that music.”

Managing Editor Joe Payne enjoys music indoors or outdoors. Contact him at jpayne@santamariasun.com. - The Santa Maria Sun


"PASO POPS: The Paderewsky Festival provides a patriotic party for Paso Robles"

PASO ROBLES — Paso Pops, the annual Paderewski Festival-sponsored concert and Independence Day celebration in Paso Robles combining wine, beer, food, family-friendly activities, live music and fireworks took place on Saturday, July 1 at the Paso Robles Horse Park. The 2017 patriotic “Pops” program was performed by The San Luis Obispo Symphony, Youth Symphony and The Swing Dolls culminating in a spectacular fireworks display.

“The feeling of American patriotism is alive and well here,” said volunteer and Paderewski Festival board member Cri Cri Solak-Eastin. ”It started when the master of ceremonies, Casey Biggs came onto the stage waving a huge American flag. At first people were quiet and then there was this groundswell of applause and people were actually wiping tears from their eyes.”

People seemed to be responding very positively to the changes in the format of the event as well. According to Solak-Eastin, planning began only one week after the last year’s event and the board made every effort to take every comment, complaint and praise into consideration. With that guests experienced two jumbotrons flanking the stage versus just one, an additional set of speakers set halfway back on the field so that those in general admission could enjoy better sound, more organized parking, picnics were allowed in addition to the food trucks and the hours were extended so people could stay for the “after party” featuring Ricky Montijo and the Mojitos instead of fighting traffic to get out. The California Highway Patrol and the Paso Robles’ Police Department helped a lot to make the traffic issues better this year, said Solak-Eastin.

Besides the San Luis Obispo Youth Orchestra enjoying the benefits and experience of having played side by side with the SLO Symphony in both rehearsal hours and regular wages, proceeds from Paso Pops goes to local, non-profit youth arts programs in conjunction with the Paderewski Festival, youth and cultural programs including the Studios on the Park Youth program, the Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation and the Paderewski Festival's Youth Piano Competition and International Cultural Exchange.

You may contact this reporter at mvail@pasoroblespress.com - Paso Robles Press


"Cruising meets dancing in Atascadero street party"

TRIBUNE STAFF

newsroom@thetribunenews.com

AUGUST 20, 2017 04:16 PM

UPDATED AUGUST 20, 2017 08:19 PM

The streets in Atascadero were packed with dancers during Crusin’ Weekend on Saturday night for Dancing in the Streets, a summer concert blowout and dance party. The second annual event went from 5 to 10 p.m., featuring “tons of food, craft beer, wine and margaritas” according to the city website. And, of course, there was plenty of music to get those feet dancing. Ricky Montijo & the Mojitos rocked 805 Boardshop Stage. - The Tribune San Luis Obispo


"Second annual Paso Pops event wows crowd"

Posted: 7:50 am, July 3, 2017 by Reporter Sadie Mae Mace

The second annual Paderewski-sponsored Independence Day celebration, Paso Pops, put on a show to 4000 guests who celebrated at the Paso Robles Horse Park on July 1.

From 5-7:30 p.m., wine enthusiasts flooded the tasting section of the park to sample wine from over 40 featured local wineries. Children were invited to explore the San Luis Obispo Symphony Musical Petting Zoo and interactive arts activities, which were put together by Studios on the Park and the Paso Robles Youth Arts Foundation.

Festival attendees settled down on the lawn and at their designated tables to enjoy meals pre-ordered from the Allegretto Vineyard Resort, visit food trucks such as Brat Shop, Kona Shaved Ice and World BBQ or unpack their own picnic.

“It’s a very fun event, great wine [and] beer… it’s our first time here,” said Bobby Bracy and Josey Hernandez, who were looking forward to the fireworks display at the end of the evening.

An exciting addition to this year’s Paso Pops was a raffle, with the grand prize being a New Year’s Eve LA experience led by former LA Rams player Dennis Harrah, including transportation from Tesla, wine and food from Cass Winery and tickets to a Rams/49ers game. Second prize will escort its winner around Paso Robles with the sponsorship of SummerWood Winery & Inn, Mistura Restaurant and Cass Winery. Third prize was a luxurious experience by the River Oaks Spa, Hotel Cheval and the Paso Robles Inn restaurant, The Steakhouse. All proceeds will benefit local non-profit youth arts programs, with individual tickets selling for $50 and a deal of three tickets for $100.


To begin the show, master of ceremonies Casey Biggs skydives his entrance. Photo by Marc Coons.
To start the performance, Paso Wine Man and emcee Casey Biggs parachuted with an American flag towards the field to cheers from the crowd.

Towards the end of the event, the San Luis Obispo Symphony and members of the Youth Symphony, led by guest conductor Christopher J. Woodruff, commenced their “Pops” program. For 90 minutes, guests enjoyed pieces such as “America the Beautiful” by Ward and Dragon, “Variations on a Shaker Melody” by Aaron Copland and a stunning finale of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture”, accompanied by cannons and fireworks.

Performers on stage at Paso Pops. Photo by Marc Coons.
Other performances included The Swing Dolls of Los Angeles with “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”, “Salute to the Armed Forces” among others, and Jack Raventos with Rachmaninoff”s “Prelude in G, Op. 23 No. 5” and Sarah Girges with Chopin/Liszt’s “The Maiden’s Wish”, the winners of the Paderewski Festival Youth Piano Competition. Alodie Ayers, the Singing Hands Children’s Choir and Paso Robles High School Advanced Choir sung the “Star-Spangled Banner”. The after party music following the fireworks show was led by Ricky Montijo and the Mojitos.

“I’m so excited it’s here… 11 months in the planning,” said Joel Peterson, who is Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Paderewski Festival, adding that traffic was not an issue and the weather was favorable.

Josey Hernandez and Bobby Bracy, of Atascadero at Paso Pops.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect this event was the second annual, not third. - Paso Robles Daily News


"Paso Robles Wine Festival set for May 20"

Posted: 1:34 pm, April 17, 2017 by News Staff

More than 70 wineries come together in the Paso Robles Downtown City Park to showcase their wines during the Paso Robles Wine Festival Grand Tasting May 20. General admission is $70 for 1-4 p.m.

Wineries at the Grand Tasting will be arranged by “regions” for a seamless and focused tasting experience: Bordeaux-style, Rhône-style, Zinfandel, Burgundian-style, Italian varieties and Other Wild Wines for your tasting pleasure. Plus, new this year, food samples and local artisan merchants, the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance report,

In the picnic area and gazebo, live music will provide the perfect atmosphere for your wine tasting experience.

Bands:
Ricky Montijo & The Mojitos will perform on the main stage. Ricky Montijo has become one of the most in-demand artists on the West Coast with vocal talent described by fans to be “it…he has it…”. Soulful, smoky, and an unmatched versatility. His sets boast unique covers and hot originals in the genres of Soul, Rock, Latin, and Funk.

Guitar Circus will perform in the gazebo. It’s an all-request guitar duo from San Luis Obispo.

Culinary participants:
Artisan, Fromagerie Sophie, Heirloom Catering, Leo Leo Gelato, Los Robles Cafe, Old San Luis BBQ, Paso Catering, Peacock Cheese, The Groves on 41, Thomas Hill Organics, Twisted & Glazed

Participating wineries:
Adelaida Vineyards & Winery, Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery, Ancient Peaks Winery, Anglim, AronHill Vineyards, Asuncion Ridge Vineyards, August Ridge Vineyards, Bodegas Paso Robles, Bon Niche Cellars, Calcareous Vineyard, Cass Winery, Castoro Cellars, Changala Winery, Chateau Margene – Morro Bay, Chronic Cellars Winery Inc., Clautiere Vineyard, CLESI, Cloak & Dagger Wines, Croma Vera Wines, Dark Star, Derby Wine Estates, Dunning Vineyards Estate Winery, Ecluse Wines, Field Recordings., Four Sisters Ranch Vineyards & Winery, Glunz Family Winery & Cellars, Grey Wolf & Barton Family Wines, Halter Ranch Vineyard, HEARST RANCH Winery- San Simeon, Hoyt Family Vineyards, Hunt Cellars, J Dusi Wines, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, Kaleidos, Le Vigne Winery, Locatelli Vineyards & Winery, Lone Madrone, Minassian-Young Vineyards, Niner Wine Estates, Opolo Vineyards, P.S. Cellars, Peachy Canyon Winery, Pear Valley Vineyard & Winery, Pianetta Winery, Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery, Powell Mountain Cellars, CONCUR Wines, Rasmussen Vineyard & Winery, Red Soles Winery, RIO SECO Vineyard & Winery, Riverstar Vineyards, Robert Hall Winery, Rotta Winery, San Antonio Winery, San Marcos Creek Vineyard, Sextant Wines, Shale Oak Winery, Still Waters Vineyards, SummerWood Winery, Tablas Creek Vineyard, Tackitt Family Vineyards, TH Estate Wines, Thacher Winery, Tooth & Nail Winery, Treana and Hope Family Wines, Victor Hugo Winery, Villa San-Juliette Winery, Vina Robles Vineyards & Winery, Vines on the Marycrest, Vino Vargas, Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards, Windward Vineyard, Zenaida Cellars - Paso Robles Daily News


"Avocado and Margarita Festival coming up in Morro Bay"

The annual Avocado and Margarita Festival will be larger and better than ever next month in Morro Bay.

Along with its popularity the past few years, the fest has been growing in the number of attractions it offers.

Last year was the first time my husband, Dan Hardesty, and I attended, and we will always be fans.

What’s better than a wine, brew, cocktail, food, music and arts and crafts event where your children are welcome, and kids under 10 get in free? There is a new “GromZone,” an entertainment section with games so your children are happy and joining the fun. Also for kids will be face painting, a mini avocado toss and Dr. Nicks’s Magic Show.

Which means you can indulge (safely, of course) in a couple of adult privileges like great Central Coast wines and brews, plus those amazing margaritas. There are plenty of great local chefs, caterers local farms providing delicious eats, and new recipes featuring avocados, the stars of the show. That’s my idea of one yummy celebration.

The food specialists provide delicious treats made with California avocados, such as crunchy avocado toast, citrusy guacamole with warm, crispy corn tortilla chips, peak of the season avocado-based salads and warm tostadas with melty cheese and guacamole, not to mention decadent desserts. Until sampling the delicious wares at this event, I never imagined I would ever say I love avocado-chocolate mousse or avocado-lemon tartlets, yet those dishes were fantastic. It may even be difficult to eat just one dessert.


Our favorite of the two major events last year was the lovely Taste of the Grove on Friday evening at the Packing Shed, which is a short drive from the Morro Bay Harbor. It was a beautiful night at the historic farm, where the treats were unending.

As we followed the circle of tables winding around the grassy lawn, we were offered refined tastes of avocado-based dishes, fines wines, craft brews and killer guacamole. Believe it or not, avocado tastes delicious whether you are drinking, red, white or Rose wine.

This year, Taste of the Grove, takes place Sept. 8 from 5 until 8 p.m. at the Packing Shed. Along with fine wines, brews, cocktails and music, a local chef will demonstrate cooking with avocados. Among the food specialists you’ll find will be Fig Good Food, Flora and Fauna, Olea Farm (an olive oil specialist), Trumpet Vine Catering, Thomas Hill Organics and Two Cooks Catering.

The main event takes place Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The $5 entry fee ($7 at the door) is a good value and includes the live music but you must purchase your food and beverages at the many booths throughout the site. Bands throughout the day include the Mighty Croon Dogs, Force “Em, Ricky Montijo, the Dork Band and Lulu & the Cowtippers. There will also be a raffle for a year's supply of avocados and other prizes.

For more information, such as the time schedule and deals on motels, visit www avomargfest.com.

Bon appetit!

Kathy Marcks Hardesty can be reached at kathy@centralcoastcritic.com. - Lompoc Record


"Terravant to celebrate blessing of the grapes"

Santa Ynez Valley wine aficionados will partake in a long-standing tradition of blessing of the grapes at Terravant Wine Co. on Thursday. The event starts at 4 p.m. and kicks off Terravant’s harvesting season.

The winery is celebrating its 10th harvest with the annual blessing of the grapes event. The celebration, held outside Terravant’s winery at 35 Industrial Way in Buellton, historically attracts a who’s who from the Valley’s winemaking community.

The event begins with prayers by local clergy of various denominations. It continues with a Champagne toast, wine and beer tasting and local cuisine. It culminates with an open-to-the-public harvest anniversary party.

Local clerical officials offering blessings at this year’s event include Rev. Randall Day, of St. Mark's in-the-Valley in Los Olivos; Rabbi Jayne Simon, of San Luis Obispo; and Father Chuck Stacy, of Solvang. Rabbi Simon and Father Stacy have participated in the event every year since it began in 2008.

“Harvest is an exciting time of year around the Valley and we’re happy to celebrate it with our dedicated employees, our amazing partners and clients, and with the surrounding community,” said Lew Eisaguirre, Terravant’s president. “Ten years is a big milestone. Terravant’s longevity is directly attributable to the hard work of our team and the loyalty of our clients. We are very proud of our safety record and the well-being of our team over the years.”


With an estimated production capacity of more than 1 million cases, Terravant touts itself as the largest wine-production facility in Santa Barbara County.

Blessing of the grapes guests will include friends and family of Terravant’s more than 120 employees and 40-plus clients, as well as local officials and neighboring businesses on Industrial Way.

Bottlest party open to public

Terravant’s 10th anniversary party, immediately following the blessing of the grapes, is open to the public. The party takes place at Bottlest Winery, Bar & Bistro, Terravant’s recently launched on-site restaurant, nightlife and entertainment venue.

The after-party will include live music by soul, rock, Latin and blues artist Ricky Montijo and an Industry Appreciation Night, featuring food and drink specials. - Santa Ynez Valley News


"Guac around the clock!"

BY HAYLEY THOMAS CAIN
Who doesn't like avocados and margaritas? This refreshing and satisfying combination of creamy and cold is pretty much the unofficial meal of "the California dream," where waves shimmer and shoes are never required. If you live on the Central Coast, ripe avocados are your birthright, OK? Claim your scoop of the dip and gather at the annual AvoMarg Festival kicking off at the Morro Bay Embarcadero this Saturday, Sept. 9. Wear your sunscreen and prepare for a delicious day filled with live music (The Mighty Croon Dogs, Ricky Montijo, Lulu and the Cowtippers, and more), kids' activities (face painting, mini avocado toss, drum line session, cornhole), and a whole area dedicated to elevating the humble avocado to new foodie heights! Most importantly, lets salute our local avocado growers who (as we can all agree) do an extremely important job.

Saturday, Sept. 9, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Morro Bay Embarcadero; avomargfest.com. Δ

Hayley Thomas Cain thinks guacamole is a meal. She can be reached at hthomas@newtimesslo.com. - New Times SLO


"Kennedy Fitness Paso Robles celebrates tenth anniversary"

Posted: 1:53 am, December 5, 2017 by News Staff

–Kennedy Club Fitness Paso Robles Adventure is celebrating their 10th Anniversary with a celebration for members, alumni members and their local guests, 21 and older on Wednesday, Dec 13 from 5:30–8 p.m. Ricky Montijo, a favorite local musician, will be providing live music. Local restaurants, wineries and breweries will be offering complimentary food and beverages during the party.

General Manager Matt McClish said, “Special recognition will be given to those who started with us in December 2007 and January 2008 and have been consistent members from then to now, and I’m happy to report, there are a lot of those folks to recognize.”

Kennedy Club Fitness is the only facility in San Luis Obispo County with multiple locations. Joining the Paso Robles Club are Atascadero, San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande.

Co-owner Kevin Kennedy said, “I’d like to think that our Paso Robles Club embodies everything great from each of our locations. Before opening Paso, a huge number of members attending our Atascadero location were from north of Atascadero. We loved bringing that fitness experience to those members, closer to their home base, and it’s been very rewarding to have received such enthusiastic support from the Paso Robles/Templeton area.”

The anniversary celebration is free and open to the public, 21 and older. For more information, call the club at (805) 239-8488 or stop by at 500 S. River Road, Paso Robles. - Paso Robles Daily News


"Ricky Montijo plays Frog & Peach, SLO!"

Ricky Montijo @ Frog & Peach, SLO!
Soul. Rock. Latin. Blues. Reggae.
www.RickyMontijo.com
Full bar. No cover charge, open to the public.
Instagram: @RickyMontijo
Facebook: Ricky Montijo (@RickyMontijoMusic)


You may also like the following events from Ricky Montijo & The Mojitos:

This Thursday, 4th January, 06:30 pm, Ricky Montijo LIVE @ Thai Villa, Nipomo in Nipomo
This Friday, 5th January, 08:30 pm, Ricky Montijo @ Cayucos Tavern in Cayucos
This Saturday, 6th January, 05:00 pm, Ricky Montijo @ Gary Kramer Guitar Cellers in Paso Robles - AllEvens.In


"Ricky Montijo LIVE at Otter Rock Cafe, Morro Bay"

Schedule
Sunday, January 7, 2018
05:00pm PST

Venue
Otter Rock Cafe
885 Embarcadero
Morro Bay, 93442
United States

Event's Details
Soul. Rock. Latin. Blues. Reggae.
www.RickyMontijo.com
Bar only (restaurant is closed).
No cover charge, open to the public.
Instagram: @RickyMontijo
Facebook: Ricky Montijo (@RickyMontijoMusic) - Signed Events


"Ricky Montijo LIVE at the Siren, Morro Bay"

Event's Details
Ricky Montijo, exceptional guitarist and notably eclectic singer, performs originals and stunning, unique covers in Soul, Rock, Latin, Blues, and Reggae. Originally from Frazier Park, California, Ricky's music career is exploding through the West Coast. He completed a tour in Hawaii September and October 2017 and will be touring the U.S. in 2018. He is also opening for numerous national/international headliners! Catch him and the band at The Siren, the premier music venue of Morro Bay, CA!

www.RickyMontijo.com
Facebook: @RickyMontijoMusic
Instagram: @RickyMontijo

Schedule
Saturday, April 21, 2018
09:00pm PDT

Venue
The Siren
900 Main St
Morro Bay, 93442
United States - Signed Events


Discography

Still working on that hot first release.

Photos

Bio

Soul. Rock. Latin. Blues. Reggae. EDM.

Ricky Montijo, exceptional guitarist and notably eclectic singer, performs originals and stunning, unique covers in Soul, Rock, Latin, Blues, Reggae, and EDM. Originally from Frazier Park, California, Ricky's music career is exploding through the West Coast. He completed a tour in Hawaii September and October 2017 and will be announcing a U.S. and Canada tour for May and June 2018. He will also be opening for Little River Band, Jefferson Starship, and Los Lonely Boys in various California venues in 2018.

His album, The Sauce Pot Sessions, is streaming everywhere and has something to offer everyone. The recording of The Sauce Pot Sessions was completed in San Luis Obispo. The album showcases Ricky's soulful, smokey voice which required no editing in the process. Ricky was passionate about recording the album live to capture the purity and raw element that fans love at his live performances.

Ricky Montijo crosses all genres and his music appeals to a wide demographic which makes this artist the one to watch!

The band can accommodate venues of all sizes with configurations ranging from solo acoustic to a full 6-piece band, including a killer sax, keys, and percussion lineup.

His new album, The Sauce Pot Sessions, is available now at www.RickyMontijo.com.

Opener Performances

  • Opening for Ozomatli at the Fremont Theatre, San Luis Obispo, CA (January 11, 2018)
  • Opening for Little River Band at the Canyon Club, Agoura Hills, CA (January 21, 2018)
  • Opening for Jefferson Starship at the Canyon Club, Agoura Hills, CA (April 6, 2018)
  • Opening for Los Lonely Boys at the Canyon Club, Santa Clarita, CA (April 19, 2018)
  • The Young Dubliners at Sea Pines Golf Resort, CA (2017)

Festivals, Car Shows, & NFP References

  • California Mid State Fair
  • Santa Barbara County Fair
  • Must! Charities
  • Paso Pops - a 4th of July celebration like no other!​ (Paderewski Festival)
  • The American Cancer Society
  • The Hispanic Business Association
  • FFA
  • Avocado & Margarita Festival 2017 of Morro Bay (over 10,000 in attendance)
  • 2017 Paso Robles Wine Festival (over 3,000 in attendance)
  • 2017 Santa Barbara Jazz Festival Redux
  • 2017 San Francisco International Beer Festival
  • 2017 Good Old Days Festival in Pacific Grove (30,000 in attendance)
  • 2017 San Joaquin Aspragus Festival Main Stage
  • 2017 Stone Soup Festival, Grover Beach, CA
  • opened for The Young Dubliners
  • 2016 & 2017 Cayucos Car Show
  • Vintage Vibe Festival, Palm Springs 2017

United States - Hawaii

  • Kona Brewing Company, Oahu, HI
  • Tiki's Bar & Grill, Oahu, HI
  • Maui Brewing Company, Oahu, HI


Radio Stations

American General Media, The Krush 92.5FM, The Rock 97.3FM, KPIG 94.9FM, Pacific Tiger Radio (Stockton's University of the Pacific).


Concerts in the Park Series

California: Atascadero, Calistoga, Grover Beach, Hanford, Paso Robles, Templeton.


Brewery References

San Francisco International Beer Festival, Kona Brewing Company, Maui Brewing Company, Tin City Cider Company, BarrelHouse Brewing Co., Figueroa Mountain Brewery, Blast 825 Taproom, the Pourhouse Brewery, Tap It Brewery, Manrock Brewery, and many more!

Winery References

  • 2017 Paso Robles Wine Festival
  • Tobin James Winery (2,400 people in attendance)
  • Eberle Winery
  • Castoro Cellars
  • Cass Winery
  • Cottonwood Canyon Winery
  • Robert Hall
  • Terra Mia Vineyards
  • Tolosa Winery
  • Halter Ranch
  • Hearst Ranch Winery and Hearst Beef
  • B.R. Cohn Winery
  • Pomar Junction, and more!

Management:
We run our band like a business. It is professionally managed on and offsite and we play with musicians who must meet and maintain qualifications in skill, professionalism, timeliness, and reliability. 

Fans
The band is highly danceable and packs seats with its fan base, affectionately known as "Mojithens". Mojithens are comprised of a diverse demographic and range in age from 17 to 72.

Band Members