6 Memorable Moments From Live in the Vineyard

The Live in the Vineyard staff wasn’t exaggerating when they said guests would be spoiled during the 2018 event. True to their word, the 10th annual event was packed with incredible live music, delectable dishes and savory wine, all taking place at a handful of stunning vineyards in the Napa Valley region. The milestone weekend highlighted singer-songwriters when the likes of Jason Mraz, Jewel and Matt Nathanson converged with country stars Cassadee Pope, LOCASH, Clare Dunn, Maggie Rose and more for stripped down versions of their most notable songs, all set amongst the eloquent scenery of Napa Valley. Here are six of the most memorable moments we experienced at the 10th installment of Live in the Vineyard.

Maggie Rose; Photo Credit: Will Bucquoy-Live In The Vineyard

Maggie Rose

The party got started long before we landed in Napa, thanks to Maggie Rose and Southwest’s Live at 35 program. Rose turned the 175-seat aircraft into an intimate concert venue with her solid acoustic production. The 35,000-foot altitude didn’t inhibit her remarkable voice, which left quite an impression on her fellow passengers as she belted out “Pull You Through” and “I’m Yours” off her new album Change the Whole Thing. She’s got soul running through her veins and her voice captures that like no other in country music.

LOCASH; Photo Credit: Will Bucquoy-Live In The Vineyard

Country Music Meets Napa

It was a singer-songwriter edition after all, and country music artists are among the best. LOCASH, Clare Dunn and Lucas Hoge all used their showcases at Brasswood Cellars to create a personal atmosphere with their best cuts and covers. LOCASH shared a smooth rendition of TLC’s “Waterfalls” along with a new song off their upcoming album titled “Beers to Catch Up On.” Dunn enthralled the crowd with her interpretation of Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love,” and Hoge really brought the country feel with “Dirty South.” Less than 24 hours later, Tegan Marie, Haley & Michaels and Tyler Rich brought their spirits to the beautiful meadow of Chappellet Winery. The crowd was enamored by Marie’s youthful charm, while the husband and wife duo of Shannon Haley and Ryan Michaels were glowing with their original wedding song “Giving It All (To You),” before Rich blended his California pride and country sound with songs “California Grown” and rising hit “The Difference.”

Michael Franti; Photo Credit: Will Bucquoy-Live In The Vineyard

Michael Franti

You know his radio hit “Say Hey (I Love You),” but Franti’s soul goes even deeper than that. From the moment he took the stage at Vista Collina, Franti brought all the feel-good vibes. Between his “Stay Human” conviction and uplifting songs like “The Sound of Sunshine,” Franti was a positive force of energy that permeated into the crowd. He took this one step further by going into the crowd on multiple occasions, engaging with attendees and making them feel like a part of the show. He left his soul on the stage with a duet with Victoria Canal on “Flower in the Gun,” a hopeful message in response to gun violence in America. “May optimism always win,” he said. It’s a notion we can all stand behind.

Jewel; Photo credit: Will Bucquoy-Live In The Vineyard

Jewel

While each performer was noteworthy, Jewel provided one of the most captivating performances of the four-day event. The singer balanced a well-rounded set of signature hits like “Standing Still” and “You Were Meant For Me” with powerful new songs she penned after being inspired by her family and the young people struggling with mental health that she works with through her Never Broken Foundation. Between sharing the harrowing story of how her grandmother emigrated to the United States and traveled more than 200 miles on foot with a baby on her back, to showcasing her wide-ranging voice (which sounds like three singers in one), Jewel left the audience mesmerized and wanting more.

Patrick Droney; Photo Credit: Will Bucquoy-Live In The Vineyard

New talent

Live in the Vineyard offers ample opportunity to see promising up and coming stars, and there were several on display in Napa. Ingrid Andress is a star in the making, one country music fans are bound to be invigorated by when they hear “More Hearts Than Mine,” a moving ballad that left many broken hearts at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. William Prince also had listeners in awe of his stunning songwriting, while Andreas Moss inspired the Lincoln Theatre with his striking voice and honest storytelling. Nashville-based Patrick Droney also proved to be an undeniable talent on guitar, paired with mystifying vocals.

Rachel Reinert; Photo Credit: Will Bucquoy-Live In The Vineyard

The view

There’s nothing quite like the beauty of Napa Valley. The sweeping landscapes and awe-inspiring mountains that surround the vineyards made for a truly remarkable backdrop. Watching the artists interpret their songs amidst such a serene atmosphere gave new them new meaning – and the divine wine wasn’t a bad touch either.