South County Beat: Heritage events benefit Dana Adobe

By Nick Wilson & Dawn White

Visitors are asked to don to their Western wear with family and friends at the ninth annual Heritage Day on May 17 at the historic Dana Adobe at 671 S. Oakglen Ave. in Nipomo.

Admission is free, and activities are set to run from 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. This year’s events include a step back in time to the 1850s, with activities such as panning for gold and brick making, as well as professional actors portraying figures from California history.

The day’s entertainment will include music from the New World Baroque Orchestra from Paso Robles. At 11:30 a. m. the main stage will feature a special program with state schools Superintendent Jack O’Connell, accompanied by PCPA resident artists and local child actors.

Food available at the event is set to include fresh fruit bowls from La Chiquita; tacos and pulled pork sandwiches from Rancho Nipomo; and the roasting of a whole pig at the event by Tanner Jacks—available as a meal including corn on the cob, beans and bread. Costs of the foods will depend on the vendors.

A special concert and barbecue starting at 6 p. m. (requiring advanced ticket purchases) will help support the ongoing operation of the Dana Adobe. Singer and guitarist Dave Stamey— who was awarded the 2000 Male Performer of the Year by the Western Music Association —will perform, accompanied by cowboy poet and musician Ken Graydon. Ticket prices are $35 each or $65 per pair and can be ordered by calling 929-5679.

The Dana Adobe was constructed about 1839 on what used to be the sprawling 37,888-acre land grant called Rancho Nipomo. The Dana Adobe is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated a California state historic landmark.

For more information about the Dana Adobe, visit www.danaadobe.org or call 929-5679. Summer concerts set The Grover Beach Parks and Recreation Department and the Chamber of Commerce are proud to announce the following lineup for the fifth annual Sizzlin’ Summer Concert Series:

• June 15— Soulamente (mix of soul, Motown, jazz and Latin);

• June 29— The Crisp-

tones Band (country rock);

• July 6— The Cinder’s Blues Band (blues);

• July 20— Dave Crimmen Band (rockabilly);

• August 17— Impromptu (jazz, reggae and country);

• August 31— Pureheart (country rock);

• September 14— Up in the Air (Latin); and

• September 28— Critical Mass (rock).

All concerts will be held Sunday afternoons from 3 to 6:30 p. m. at the Ramona Garden Park, 993 Ramona Ave.

Sponsorships are still available; to sign up, or for more information, contact Nora O’Donnell of the Grover Beach Parks and Recreation Department at 473-4580.