At a glance: Celebrate America

Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776. Have fun celebrating America’s birthday and remember there are always great things to do and to celebrate in El Dorado County.

 

Independent task

Charles B. Mitchell Vineyards, 8221 Stoney Creek Road in fair Play, is giving everyone a chance to toast America with a lovely wine. The winery is having a “Bottle Your Own Wine Event” on July 4, 7 and 8 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Come for a true hands on independent experience in bottling wine. Bring bottles or buy new ones and have fun filling and corking merlot, cabernet franc and petite sirah. There will be Endless Pizza for $10 and a chance to win a ride in a T28 Warbird. For more information call 530- 620-3467.

 

Fun Fourth

Comedy Showcase at Wedgewood Wedding and Banquet Center at Sequoia is featuring Rick D’Elia on Wednesday, July 4. Originally from Boston, D’Elia has been a recurring sketch performer on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” He has appeared on TV shows such as “Comedy Central’s Stand-up Standing-up,” “Comedians Unleashed,” UPN’s “Grand Slam Comedy Jam” and GSN/National Lampoon’s “Funny Money.” He has headlined numerous clubs all across the country and entertained the troops in Japan, Korea, Bahrain and Germany. Doors open at 7 p.m. with music by Tamra Godey and guests and the comedy start sat 8 p.m. in the Empire Ballroom in the restored Victorian, 643 Bee St. in Placerville. Tickets are $15 by reservation and $20 at the door or $40 with dinner. Comedy Night is a Chad Stalzer Production. To make reservations call 530-622-5222.

 

Experience dance

El Dorado Dance Academy is presenting “Summer Dance Experience 2012″ Monday through Thursday, July 9 to 12 from 8:45 to 11:45 a.m. The experience is open to dancers ages 5 to 11 years old and will offer hip-hop/jazz, lyrical/ballet and musical theater classes. The classes will culminate in an exciting “In House Performance” on Thursday, July 12 from noon to 12:30 p.m. Light snacks will be served. For more information and registration call El Dorado Dance Academy at 916-933-0034 or contact info@eldoradodance.com.

 

Costa in Coloma

The Sierra Nevada House, 835 Lotus Road in the Coloma Valley, has a fabulous summer menu and is a great place to celebrate any occasion plus there is wonderful entertainment on Friday and Saturday in the outside café area. On Friday, July 6 Greg Costa is singing covers and his thought provoking originals. The music starts at 7:30 p.m. There is no cover charge. For more information call 530-626-8096.

 

Delightful lunch

Miraflores Winery, 2120 Four Springs Trail, is serving a four course luncheon in the serene vineyard pavilion. Pairings is a very special experience matching a chef’s creativity with the beautify crafted Miraflores wines. The whole dining and wining happens at the table with a chance to talk food and wine with the chef du jour. There is often a sommelier present to describe the wines and give you tips on how to pair them at home or in a restaurant. These four-course pairing full luncheons are spectacular. On Saturday, July 7 and Sunday, July 8 Damon Barham is the chef. For reservations call 530-647-8505.

 

Fine wine and song

There will be a good pairing of wine and song at Synapse Wines, 304 Main St. in Placerville, when Tamra Godey sings on Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. Her multi-octive range is a perfect match with Synapse wines. Stop by to hear upbeat Americana, light blues and soulful musical story telling. There is no cover charge. For more information call 530-626-9463.