Weekend At A Winery: Temecula Wine Country Concerts, Music In The Air

TEMECULA, CA — Summer has arrived in Temecula Valley Wine Country, and with it come stellar sunsets, cooling breezes from the Pacific Ocean and a plethora of summer concerts, thanks to local producer Robert Walker and Heyday Productions.

A Murrieta resident, business owner and musician, Walker has gathered another stellar selection of tribute bands to bring back those 80s feelings against the backdrop of some of the most picturesque wine country views at three separate locations.

Each winery and tribute band is perfectly paired to create an experience that will linger in memory and entice you to return.

Each of the three wineries, which serves as the backdrop to the tribute bands, offers something special to concert-goers. Temecula's rolling hills and sunsets of Mount Palomar Winery and Bel Vino Winery bring expansive flavor while the intimate western setting of Longshadow Ranch Winery creates an inviting and cozy feel.

What To Know About Each Show:

The VIP tables at each show are front and center of the dance floor. They regularly sell out as the authentic tribute bands have gained a steady following.

When you go, food is available, and wine and beer are typically available for purchase at each event. Feel free to pack a basket with your favorite snacks and perhaps tote a blanket along if the night turns chilly.

Purchase tickets online early for two-for-one discounts and visit all shows for an excellent sampling of both live music, views and excellent local wines. (Times and ticket information is below).

The Allure Of Tribute Bands:

Why tribute bands?

Tribute bands, or performers who stay true to original artists, are a wine country staple. Residents and visitors head to wine country on weekends all summer long to drink in a bit from the fountain of youth: sounds of live performances from familiar tribute artists, helping us all rekindle a bit of our past.

The artists are true to their roots, to the songs and to the original artists who performed them.

Each artist attempts to recreate the visual and auditory stylings and draw concert-goers into their performances, opening the door to the past by paying homage in the present.

2022 Heyday Summer Concert Series:

On Friday, the series launches at Bel Vino Winery with three classic 80s New Wave favorites: tributes to The Cure, Duran Duran and The Smiths.

Awesome 80’s! – New Wave Fest kicks off the summer with tribute bands to The Cure, Duran

Duran, and The Smiths. "The Cured" tribute band is one of the nation’s top Cure tribute bands. Their playlist includes some of their biggest hits like "Pictures of You," "Friday I’m in Love," "A Forest," "Just Like Heaven," and many more. The Cured has played more than 250 shows across the U.S. and internationally.

The Arena is the premier Duran Duran tribute band touring the U.S. and abroad, bring an authentic Duran Duran experience to concertgoers. The band plays hits like "Save A Prayer," "Ordinary World," "The Reflex," "Rio" and more.

Headmasters: Tribute to The Smiths celebrates the music made by one of England’s greatest rock bands playing hits like "How Soon Is Now," "Big Mouth Strikes Again," "Ask," and "This Charming Man,' to name a few. This live concert will pay homage to these iconic and influential bands of the 80’s on Friday, June 17 at Bel Vino Winery, 33515 Rancho California Road, Temecula.

How to get tickets to the Awesome 80s show at Mount Palomar.

Next, the series moves to Longshadow Ranch Winery on June 24. Come for the stylings of Desperado, a tribute to the Eagles. Longshadow Ranch Winery is located at 39847 Calle Contento, Temecula.

Desperado, the ultimate Eagles tribute concert, features five lead vocalists and instrumentalists. This group includes members who have performed with Eagles Don Felder, J.D. Souther, and Chris Farmer who is currently the keyboardist/bassist/vocalist for Eagle Timothy B. Schmit's solo project. Desperado performs the Billboard #1 songs, "Heartache Tonight," "Hotel California," "New Kid in Town," "One of These Nights," "Best of My Love," while executing the guitar parts and rhythm track to perfection. Desperado challenges listeners to tell the difference.

How to get tickets to Desperado concert at www.heyday.com online.

The third concert in the summer series heads back to Mount Palomar on Friday, July 15, 33820 Rancho California Road.

If you love the Stray Cats, you'll fall head over heels for Slim Jim Phantom with special guests The Forty Nineteens.

Slim Jim Phantom has secured his place as a true rock ‘n’ roll icon. From legendary Stray Cats with hits like "Rock This Town,' "Stray Cat Strut," "Sexy and 17," and "Runaway Boys," they share their love of the 50s rockabilly movement.

The Forty Nineteens, a local favorite, perform a good mix of popular covers and their own radio-prov en originals to round out the evening.

Get tickets to the Slim Jim Phantom show at Mount Palomar Winery in advance.

If you love the series, Murrieta is getting in on the game with a tribute to the Beatles as 4 Lads From Liverpool perform in a free concert in the park on July 23. This is a free concert at Town Square Park in Murrieta - see for details about what to bring, including chairs and blankets.

The Wine Country Concert Series continues Friday, August 5, at Mount Palomar Winery to capture both those amazing sunset views and Journey USA, a tribute to the 70s and 80s favorite, Journey. A true tribute band is seamless and unrecognizable from the original, and the band claims that Steve Perry hired their lead singer to do vocal work on his solo album.

They will be playing classic hits such as "Don’t Stop Believing," "Open Arms," "Separate Ways," "Any Way You Want it."

Here's how to get your tickets to the Journey USA show at Mount Palomar Winery early.

It's back to Bel Vino Winery on Friday, August 26 with Stevie Nicks Illusion has been referred to as the most authentic-sounding tribute to Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac to date.

The band showcases the Best of Fleetwood Mac plus specially selected songs from Stevie Nicks’ solo career. Songs include "The Chain," "Go Your Own Way," "Landslide," "Rhiannon," and other great hits. Purchase your VIP table or general admission tickets

General admission and VIP tickets to Stevie Nicks Illusion are available at the Heyday.com website.

Concert-goers may also get the treat of hearing Walker perform, a recording artist himself.

Walker regularly plays at Teakwoods and look for his hits on Spotify, including such hits as "Nowhere Girl" and "She's Only Happy In The Sun."

If you've fallen in love with the tribute series by the end of summer, not to worry. The Heyday Concert Series continues into the fall season to see tributes to Bruno Mars, Selena, Queen, and more.

What to know about each show:

Doors open at 6 p.m., and performances end at 10 p.m.

Ticket prices are $35 per person if pre-purchased online or $40 at the door.

Bring your own chairs. Food is available for purchase0. VIP seating and tables are available for purchase online.

Find a complete list of upcoming concerts and purchase tickets at www.heyday.com, or for questions, call or text (760) 716-6295.