Pablo Cruise and an all-star band led by Michael Paulo and Patrice Rushen headline the
May 25 event benefiting Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County
For over forty years, saxophonist Michael Paulo has made a living making records and performing with some of the brightest stars in pop, R&B, and jazz, but when he produces events like next month’s Temecula Wine & Music Festival, it’s personal. He’s not only a longtime Murrieta resident but the festival’s beneficiary, Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County, directly impacts his own family.
“A few years ago, my youngest daughter, Natasha, volunteered to help out the Club. She came home and said they don't even have supplies for the kids she was working with. We are close friends with one of the founding members who said that they needed help. This is the fifth year that the festival will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Riverside County,” said Paulo, whose Apaulo Productions produces the festival that will mark its 15th edition this Memorial Day Weekend.
Taking place on Saturday, May 25 from 12-6pm at Hawk Ranch, Paulo has assembled a diverse international musical lineup along with world-class winemakers. Topping the marquee is platinum-selling pop-rockers Pablo Cruise who are certain to include hits “Love Will Find A Way,” “What You Gonna Do” and “A Place in the Sun” in their set list. Paulo’s relationship with the group dates back many decades.
“Pablo Cruise toured the same circuit I was on during my stint with the Hawaiian rock band Kalapana in the 1970s and 80s,” said the Hawaii native who injects the generous and joyous aloha spirit into everything he does.
Paulo will team with Grammy-nominated jazz/R&B keyboardist-vocalist Patrice Rushen who returns to the festival for an all-star performance that will feature members of contemporary jazz band Hiroshima, Japanese sax man Kanzaki, and some of the finest sidemen in music including bassist Freddie Washington, drummer Michael White, and guitarist Fred Schreuders. Paulo’s father, Rene Paulo, will sit in with the ensemble on piano. The first to take the stage will be regal jazz singer Barbara Morrison, who will be accompanied by Japanese guitarist Yu Ooka, keyboardist Kimo Cornwell, trumpeter Ron King, bassist JV Collier, percussionist Arno Lucas, and drummer Land Richards.
Festivalgoers will have the opportunity to partake in some of the region’s finest vintners such as Wilson Creek Winery, Falkner Winery, San Antonio Winery, 14 Hands Winery, Domaine Ste. Michelle, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Crest, BWSB, Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Drumheller and Murder Ridge.
This year’s festival is the second consecutive to take place at Hawk Ranch. “The venue sets the mood for the festival with its scenic park setting nestled among trees and a quaint pond,” said Paulo.
Tickets are on sale now at Tix.com priced at $40 for general admission lawn seats, $55 gold reserved seats, $85 reserved table seating, $95 premium seating up front that provides entrance to an exclusive artist meet & greet reception. Sponsor seating is available for $250 that includes the reception along with complimentary wine and food.
Paulo’s professional career spans more than forty years and includes playing alongside Al Jarreau, James Ingram, Patti Austin, Jeffrey Osborne, Kenny Loggins, Johnny Mathis, Peter White, Bobby Caldwell, and Rick Braun. Producing and performing at the Temecula Wine & Music Festival is a way he gives back to his community.
“Every year, with the help and support of our friends, family and the community, we are able to host our festival. After moving to the Temecula Valley 16 years ago, we are so fortunate to continue this wonderful community event now in its 15th year. Last year, we raised over $14,000 from the festival for the Boys & Girls Club. We are hoping to surpass that this year. We hope everyone will come out and support the festival.”
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