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World’s greatest tribute to the music of the ‘80s! – Jessie’s Girl plays Penn’s Peak Friday December 1, 2023

Penn’s Peak is proud to announce Jessie’s Girl, Friday, December 1, 2023 at 8pm.

Back To The Eighties Show with Jessie’s Girl is the world’s greatest tribute to the music of the ‘80s!

Jessie’s Girl’s primary line-up includes a team of NYC’s top rock and pop vocalists: Jenna O’Gara, Chris Hall, and Mark Rinzel. They are backed by one of the tightest bands in the city comprised of 20+ year veterans of the NYC music scene: Eric Presti on guitar, Drew Mortali on bass, Michael Maenza on drums, and Karlee Bloom on keys and keytar.

Each with dozens of credits performing with authentic ‘80s icons who made the music famous to begin with!

In fact, Bret Michaels, MC Hammer, Colin Hay from Men at Work, Tiffany, Debbie Gibson, Taylor Dane, Mike Score from A Flock of Seagulls, Tone Loc, Rob Base, and many more have all performed at the Back To The Eighties Show.

Their calendar is filled with high-profile appearances and private events around the U.S., bringing the Back To The Eighties Show to The Theater at Madison Square Garden for the I Want My ‘80s Concert, ABC / NY Magazine’s launch party for The Goldbergs, a Halloween bash with Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx, a private birthday party for ‘80s icon Neil Patrick Harris and Coca Cola / Buffalo Wild Wings’ massive “Tablegate” event in Tempe, AZ, opening for Smash Mouth!

The band has continuously sold out nights at prestigious regional venues such as The Capitol Theatre in Westchester, NY, The Paramount on Long Island, the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, NJ, Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe, PA, and many other venues. They are the only band to play every year on The ‘80s Cruise and have firmed a deal to continue performing through 2024.

There is no decade like the ‘80s and no party like The Back To The Eighties Show with Jessie’s Girl. So throw on your best neon, use extra hair spray on that hair and head to the Back To The Eighties Show – because it’s time to party like it’s 1989!

Tickets on sale Thursday, August 3rd at 10:00AM at all Ticketmaster outlets, the Penn’s Peak Box Office and Roadies Restaurant and Bar.  Penn’s Peak Box Office and Roadies Restaurant ticket sales are walk-up only, no phone orders.

General Admission

Advance: $29

Day of Show: $35

About Penn’s Peak

Penn’s Peak, a beautiful mountaintop entertainment venue located in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, can comfortably host 1,800 concertgoers.  Enjoy a spacious dance floor, lofty ceilings, concert bar/concession area and a full service restaurant and bar aptly named Roadie’s. Complete with a broad open-air deck for summertime revelry, Penn’s Peak patrons enjoy a breathtaking overlook of nearby Beltzville Lake, plus a commanding, picturesque 50-mile panoramic view of northeastern Pennsylvania’s Appalachian Mountains. Choose Penn’s Peak for your next wedding, banquet or special event and treat your guests to an event truly “Above the Rest”.

Geographically convenient to residents of major population zones in Hazleton, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Stroudsburg, the Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia and New York City, Penn’s Peak is an ideal location for any event.  It is located only four miles from Exit 74 of the northeast extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.  For more information on Penn’s Peak, go to www.pennspeak.com or call 866-605-7325.

Southern Rock 38 Special plays Penn’s Peak Friday November 3, 2023

Penn’s Peak is proud to announce 38 Special, Friday, November 3, 2023 at 8pm.

After more than four decades, 38 SPECIAL continues to bring their signature blast of Southern Rock to over 100 cities a year. At each and every show, thousands of audience members are amazed by the explosive power of the band’s performance.

Their many Gold and Platinum album awards stand in testament to the endurance of a legendary powerhouse.

Southern Rock 38 Special plays Penn’s Peak

With sales in excess of 20 million, most associate the band with their arena-rock pop smashes, “Hold On Loosely,” “Rockin’ Into the Night,” “Caught Up in You,” “Fantasy Girl,” “If I’d Been the One,” “Back Where You Belong,” “Chain Lightnin’,” “Second Chance,” and more – Timeless hits that remain a staple at radio, immediately recognizable from the first opening chord, and paving the way to their present-day touring regimen.

Guitarist/vocalist DON BARNES says it’s all about maintaining that intensity in their live shows.

“We never wanted to be one of those bands that had maybe gotten a little soft or complacent over the years.

We’re a team, and it’s always been kind of an unspoken rule that we don’t slack up, we stack up. We go out there every night to win.”

Completing the team is bassist BARRY DUNAWAY, drummer GARY MOFFATT and keyboardist/vocalist BOBBY CAPPS. The most recent addition to the band is legendary virtuoso guitarist and vocalist JERRY RIGGS.

For 38 Special onstage, it is a celebration of camaraderie and brotherhood, a precision unit bringing the dedication and honesty to a long history of classic songs, as well as surprisingly fresh new material.

Since 1976, the band has released more than 15 albums. And from the start, they’ve toured relentlessly, bringing their signature brand of ‘muscle and melody’ to fans worldwide.

It is that steely determination that lives on in the hearts of these ‘Wild-Eyed Southern Boys.’

Barnes adds, “This music keeps our wheels on the road. We’re a band that’s tried to stay honest with what has driven us over the years. We started out with nothing but bold determination to make our own history and to endure. Looking back now, it has been our greatest pride to have persevered and attained that level of success and longevity. For us, it’s the ultimate validation.”

“The magic’s still there,”

adds Barnes.

“It’s an emotional high for us to keep ‘bringing it’ after all these years. When those lights go down and we all walk up those steps to the stage and hear that crowd roar, it’s a real rush to the head. It feels like we’re getting ready to strap ourselves in and it just takes off from there.”

www.38Special.com

Tickets on sale Thursday, August 3rd at 10:00AM at all Ticketmaster outlets, the Penn’s Peak Box Office and Roadies Restaurant and Bar.  Penn’s Peak Box Office and Roadies Restaurant ticket sales are walk-up only, no phone orders.

Reserved Seating with Pit

Standing Pit @ Stage: $52

Regular Reserved: $45

About Penn’s Peak

Penn’s Peak, a beautiful mountaintop entertainment venue located in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, can comfortably host 1,800 concertgoers.  Enjoy a spacious dance floor, lofty ceilings, concert bar/concession area and a full service restaurant and bar aptly named Roadie’s. Complete with a broad open-air deck for summertime revelry, Penn’s Peak patrons enjoy a breathtaking overlook of nearby Beltzville Lake, plus a commanding, picturesque 50-mile panoramic view of northeastern Pennsylvania’s Appalachian Mountains. Choose Penn’s Peak for your next wedding, banquet or special event and treat your guests to an event truly “Above the Rest”.

Geographically convenient to residents of major population zones in Hazleton, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Stroudsburg, the Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia and New York City, Penn’s Peak is an ideal location for any event.  It is located only four miles from Exit 74 of the northeast extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.  For more information on Penn’s Peak, go to www.pennspeak.com or call 866-605-7325.

The Four Horsemen – Metallica Tribute at Penn’s Peak Friday, December 15

Penn’s Peak is proud to announce The Four Horsemen- Metallica Tribute, Friday, December 15, 2023 at 8pm.

Dedication to excellence is what separates U.S. metal heroes THE FOUR HORSEMEN from the ocean of ‘tribute’ bands.

The only album-quality Metallica tribute band on the planet

They deliver the unforgettable, note-for-note perfect experience that is guaranteed to surpass even the wildest dreams of Metallica aficionados.

The speed, the precision, the signature riffs, and the look – THE FOUR HORSEMEN are the real deal!

The Four Horsemen - Metallica Tribute at Penn’s Peak Friday, December 15

They have the talent to deliver the sonic authenticity of the vintage thrash songs with high caliber execution – including the blistering vocals of the albums like no one else. No gimmicks on the stage. Just sheer energy, chest-pounding, crowd-pleasing power.  The very same intensity that drew millions to Metallica in the 80’s. Guitarist/vocalist Sean Perry explains; “Fans deserve the highest quality reproduction of Metallica’s records and shows. That’s why we’re here.”

The Four Horsemen - Metallica Tribute at Penn’s Peak Friday, December 15

 Guided by his vision and determination, the band have become heroes to their ever-growing fan base in the U.S. and are now spreading their wings to take over the globe.

 “I saw Metallica on the Black Album tour in 1991 and that experience changed me forever…”

The sound, the energy between band and audience – from that moment on I knew what I was put on earth to do. Music is my life!” says Sean.  Little did he know that his thrasher heroes would play an even bigger part in his artistic future when he was approached by a Metallica tribute band looking for a new, charismatic front man in late 2006.

 Every live performance they have done has received widespread acclaim; the band have taken the art of paying tribute to a new level of potency. Focusing on Metallica’s first four, classic albums – Kill ‘Em All, Ride The Lightning, Master of Puppets, and …And Justice For All – with a smattering of anthems from the all-conquering Metallica/Black Album they deliver a show metal fans dream of.

The Four Horsemen have now taken global management by Jeff Hair, legendary sound engineer for MANOWAR.

 Be warned: They are primed and ready to bring their high-energy show to stages around the world!

Tickets on sale Thursday, August 3rd at 10:00AM at all Ticketmaster outlets, the Penn’s Peak Box Office and Roadies Restaurant and Bar.  Penn’s Peak Box Office and Roadies Restaurant ticket sales are walk-up only, no phone orders.

General Admission

Advance: $22

Day of Show: $27

About Penn’s Peak

Penn’s Peak, a beautiful mountaintop entertainment venue located in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, can comfortably host 1,800 concertgoers.  Enjoy a spacious dance floor, lofty ceilings, concert bar/concession area and a full service restaurant and bar aptly named Roadie’s. Complete with a broad open-air deck for summertime revelry, Penn’s Peak patrons enjoy a breathtaking overlook of nearby Beltzville Lake, plus a commanding, picturesque 50-mile panoramic view of northeastern Pennsylvania’s Appalachian Mountains. Choose Penn’s Peak for your next wedding, banquet or special event and treat your guests to an event truly “Above the Rest”.

Geographically convenient to residents of major population zones in Hazleton, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Stroudsburg, the Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia and New York City, Penn’s Peak is an ideal location for any event.  It is located only four miles from Exit 74 of the northeast extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.  For more information on Penn’s Peak, go to www.pennspeak.com or call 866-605-7325.

For Ukraine: A Concert of Remembrance and Hope at Miller Symphony Hall August 20

For Ukraine: A Concert of Remembrance and Hope at Miller Symphony Hall on Sunday, August 20

Miller Symphony Hall announces a very special concert, coming up on Sunday, August 20.  For Ukraine: A Concert of Remembrance and Hope will unite everyone in support of Ukraine in her time of need and is presented by Miller Symphony Hall and The Allentown Band, just in time to celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day (August 24).

Allentown Band Conductor Ronald Demkee notes:

“I am so looking forward to conducting this concert, which is special in so many ways.

Lots of wonderful music, some familiar, some new, and an internationally acclaimed composer conducting his own symphony that features a world class soloist and an outstanding youth chorus; this will surely result in a memorable and rewarding experience for all. Add to that the fact that net proceeds will support Ukrainian humanitarian efforts, which makes the event even more meaningful.”

The concert includes a video greeting from Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova, speaking on behalf of the people of her country. Allentown Symphony/Miller Symphony Hall Executive Director Al Jacobsen notes, “Ron and the Allentown Band approached us about co-presenting this concert and we were moved by the idea. As the atrocities in Ukraine continue, we will speak through music and raise funds to support those who need it most in this war.”

The performance features soloist Patricia Risley, mezzo-soprano, and a special appearance by The Bel Canto Youth Chorus of The Bach Choir of Bethlehem. Guest Conductor Johan de Meij will lead his Symphony # 4 Symphony of Songs, with movements that express both loss and hope. Opening the concert are two pieces by Ukrainian composer Mykola Lysenko, newly transcribed for band: Taras Bulba Overture and A Prayer for Ukraine. The chosen repertoire will also evoke feelings of optimism (A Plea for Ukraine by Ronald DeGranis), support and hope (A Tribute to Ukraine by Lawrence Kursar), introspection and resilience (Symphony No. 3, 6th Movement by Gustav Mahler), hope and victory (Symphony No. 5, 4th Movement by Ludwig van Beethoven) and the passion and spirit found in the Ukrainian National Anthem.

All net proceeds from the concert will go directly toward helping the people of Ukraine who continue to face enormous challenges and hardships.  As always, the power of music to connect and inspire us will be shared by everyone who attends and supports this outreach to those in need.

For those wishing to make an extra donation to the effort, a donation through Ukraine’s official website is recommended: https://war.ukraine.ua/support-ukraine/

For Ukraine: A Concert of Remembrance and Hope

Sunday, August 20 at 3 pm
Miller Symphony Hall
23 N 6th Street, Allentown PA
610-432-6715
Tickets: MillerSymphonyHall.org  $15 – $45

Please note: The Allentown Symphony Orchestra will not appear during this performance.

 

Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt at Easton’s State Theatre Sunday, October 22nd

Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt at Easton State Theatre Sunday, October 22nd

John Hiatt is one of America’s most respected and influential singer-songwriters.

In total, John has released 26 critically embraced solo albums and his esteemed career has earned him 10 GRAMMY award nominations. Since the release of his 1974 debut, “Hangin’ Around the Observatory,” rarely has more than a year or two passed without a new Hiatt collection hitting the shelves. He has his own star on Nashville’s Walk of Fame, has been inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and was saluted at the Indiana Governor’s Arts Awards.

A singer, composer, and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel, and blues in a convention-defying manner that breaks down barriers. Since his self-titled debut in 1986, Lyle Lovett has evolved into one of music’s most vibrant and iconic performers. Among his many accolades, in addition to four GRAMMY Awards, he was awarded the Americana Music Association’s inaugural Trailblazer Award and has been named Texas State Musician.

Yelwolf Live at the Sherman Theater on September 26

Yelwolf Live at the Sherman Theater on September 26

American rapper, Yelawolf is coming to the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg, PA on September 26 with support from Caskey and Cowboy Killer.
Yelawolf, born Michael Wayne Atha in Gadsden, AL, made his major label debut with Eminem’s Shady Records (Interscope) in 2011 after building a rabid fanbase that caught the attention of critics and label execs alike. The rapper, songwriter, performer and entrepreneur has released new music relentlessly and travelled around the world performing sold out shows across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
Yelawolf’s first five full-length albums and various side projects have featured collaborations with a wide variety of top artists including Eminem, Ed Sheeran, Travis Barker, Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Gucci Mane, Kendrick Lamar, Diplo, A$AP Rocky, 3.6 Mafia, Big Boi, Wynonna Judd, among others.
With his faithful and ever-expanding following, Yelawolf has cultivated a global community with his lifestyle brand Slumerican. His sixth studio album Ghetto Cowboy was released via his own imprint, Slumerican Records and has included extensive touring in both the US and internationally in its support.
Yelawolf released 4 projects in April, 2021 leading up to his full-length studio album titled “MudMouth” on April 30th, 2021, followed by a rock n roll album titled “Sometimes Y” which was released March 11th, 2022. Yelawolf is set to release a double album titled War Story in March 2024.
Tickets available at shermantheater.com or at the Sherman Theater Box Office at 570-420-2808.
 
Show: Yelawolf with Caskey and Cowboy Killer
Date: September 26, 2023
Time: Door at 7:00 PM; Show at 7:30 PM
The Sherman Theater is Monroe County’s only nationally ranked, non-profit theater and performing arts center.  Located in downtown Stroudsburg, PA, the Sherman Theater has proudly served the Pocono region for 90 years.
The Theater and Performing Arts Center is committed to strengthening the community by producing culturally-diverse, nationally-known professional acts and festivals at the theater and at satellite locations throughout Monroe County for people of all ages, by providing an opportunity for local artists to perform, and by creating economic development in the region. The Sherman Theater projects and events attract over 100,000 visitors to the Pocono Region annually.
For more information call 570-420-2808 or visit www.shermantheater.com.

Lettuce Plays Penn’s Peak Thursday, November 2, 2023

Penn’s Peak is proud to announce Lettuce, Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 8pm.

Unify.  The eighth studio album from Lettuce, it’s also a third consecutive record made at Denver’s Colorado Sound Studios, completing a loose trilogy starting with 2019’s Grammy-nominated Elevate, and continuing with 2020’s Resonate. 

“Dealing with the pandemic, being in separate places, trying to survive without our best friends, without touring, not to mention the political divide in this country,”

says Lettuce drummer

Adam Deitch. 

“We really needed to unify.” 

Reunited with Colorado Sound’s esteemed engineer, Jesse O’Brien, Unify is a totally collaborative effort full of the highest of highlights, including its centerpiece track “Keep That Funk Alive,” inspired by the venerable Parliament-Funkadelic bassist, Bootsy Collins, and featuring Collins on bass and vocals. 

It’s, as well, a benchmark moment for the sextet- Adam Deitch (drums), Ryan Zoidis (saxophone), Adam Smirnoff (guitar), Erick Coomes (bass), Nigel Hall (keyboards/vocals), Eric ‘Benny’ Bloom (trumpet)- approaching thirty years since its humble Boston beginnings.

“We’re just getting tighter and tighter,” says Coomes.  “Really, these are the first records made with the six of us as a team, and it’s the best the band has ever been: live and in the studio; the funkiest and the most fun.”

16 songs.  Pure Lettuce.  Unify will teleport you to a funky galaxy far, far away, where all life coexists as one in peace, love, harmony, and music!

Tickets on sale Friday, July 14th at 10:00AM at all Ticketmaster outlets, the Penn’s Peak Box Office and Roadies Restaurant and Bar.

Penn’s Peak Box Office and Roadies Restaurant ticket sales are walk-up only, no phone orders.

General Admission

Advance: $35.00

Day of Show: $40.00

About Penn’s Peak

Penn’s Peak, a beautiful mountaintop entertainment venue located in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, can comfortably host 1,800 concertgoers.  Enjoy a spacious dance floor, lofty ceilings, concert bar/concession area and a full service restaurant and bar aptly named Roadie’s. Complete with a broad open-air deck for summertime revelry, Penn’s Peak patrons enjoy a breathtaking overlook of nearby Beltzville Lake, plus a commanding, picturesque 50-mile panoramic view of northeastern Pennsylvania’s Appalachian Mountains. Choose Penn’s Peak for your next wedding, banquet or special event and treat your guests to an event truly “Above the Rest”.

Geographically convenient to residents of major population zones in Hazleton, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Stroudsburg, the Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia and New York City, Penn’s Peak is an ideal location for any event.  It is located only four miles from Exit 74 of the northeast extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. 

For more information on Penn’s Peak, go to www.pennspeak.com or call 866-605-7325.

Phillipsburg Summer Concert Series at Shappell Park July 13 – Sept 28

Phillipsburg Summer Concert Series at Shappell Park July 13 – Sept 28

The Phillipsburg Chamber of Commerce is, once again, hosting their free summer concert series every Thursday night from 6-9pm in Shappell Park, this year presented by Unity Bank.

Each week will feature a different incredible band or musician. We invite the community to what is sure to be a night full of great music!

“Unity Bank is happy to again sponsor the Phillipsburg Summer Concert Series”,

said Susan Worobec,

Relationship Manager of Unity Bank.

“Our partnership with the Phillipsburg Chamber and supporting the Town of Phillipsburg is very important to us.”

Bring a lawn chair and sit back and relax with us, as we jam along to these amazing bands listed below each week.

July 13th– The Wonton Soups

July 20th– TimeWhys

July 27th– Kendal Conrad

August 3rd– Little Red Rooster Band

August 10th– Video Daze 80s Band

August 17th– The Weekenders

August 24th– Zaire

August 31st– Chuck Schubert

September 7th– Dr Dick

September 14th– Total Soul

September 21st– DMC DUO

September 28th– Castaway Band

This event is made possible by all our generous supporters. The Phillipsburg Area Chamber would like to extend gratitude to Unity Bank for being our presenting sponsor for this series. Furthermore, we would like to thank our concert sponsors, First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union, IRCO Community Federal Credit Union, The Chelsea at Brookfield, and Coe Insurance for helping us bring great acts to the gazebo in Downtown Phillipsburg!

 

When: July 13 – September 28, 2023 every Thursday night 6-9pm.

 

Where: Shappell Park: 353 S. Main St., Phillipsburg, NJ 08865

Pricing Information: The event is FREE to the public!

Sponsors: Unity Bank, First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union, IRCO Community Federal Credit Union, and The Chelsea at Brookfield.

Magician and Comedian Justin Willman Takes the Sherman Theater Stage August 12

Magician and comedian Justin Willman is bringing his Magic For Humans In Person Tour to the Sherman Theater on August 12.

Justin Willman wants to melt your brain while making you laugh.

 

He’s best known as the star and creator of the hit Netflix series Magic For Humans. But you may recognize him from one of his many television appearances (The Tonight Show, The Today Show, Ellen, Conan…). Or maybe you know his work as a host (Baking Impossible; Cupcake Wars; Win, Lose or Draw…). Or maybe he’s the child magician you hired in suburban St. Louis in the ‘90s.

Magician and comedian Justin Willman is bringing his Magic For Humans In Person Tour

Magician and comedian Justin Willman is bringing his Magic For Humans In Person Tour

If you don’t know Justin, he’s a magician and comedian who’s mastered the art of turning cynics into believers (or at least getting them to laugh). His live show is simultaneously mind-blowing and hilarious, and will likely keep you up at night wondering how the heck any of it was possible.

Justin is also a proud father, a loving husband, and has zero experience as a licensed boat mechanic (that’s a different Justin Willman).

Tickets for the show and the Meet and Greet are available at shermantheater.com or at the Sherman Theater Box Office at 570-420-2808.

Show: Justin Willman

Date: August 12, 2023

Time: Door at 7:00 PM; Show at 8:00 PM

The Sherman Theater is Monroe County’s only nationally ranked, non-profit theater and performing arts center.  Located in downtown Stroudsburg, PA, the Sherman Theater has proudly served the Pocono region for 90 years. 

The Theater and Performing Arts Center is committed to strengthening the community by producing culturally-diverse, nationally-known professional acts and festivals at the theater and at satellite locations throughout Monroe County for people of all ages, by providing an opportunity for local artists to perform, and by creating economic development in the region.

The Sherman Theater projects and events attract over 100,000 visitors to the Pocono Region annually.  

For more information call 570-420-2808 or visit www.shermantheater.com.

 

Lehigh Celebrates with Rose’: NBA Hall of Famer Tony Parker shares his Dinner Party Secrets, Summer Escapes and the Rose’ Revolution

NBA Hall of Famer Tony Parker shares his dinner party secrets, favorite french summer escapes and the future of the Rose’ Revolution.

In his incredible basketball career, Tony Parker earned four NBA Championships with the San Antonio Spurs, was selected for six All-Star teams and named MVP of the 2007 Finals.

But these days, his passion for food and wine is keeping him even more inspired.

Starting as a boy growing up in France, the memorable dinner parties he hosted during his NBA days, his summer escapes to French Vineyards during the off-season. 

It’s no surprise that now he diving into the French wine world, buying Château La Mascaronne in Provence with legendary business partner Michel Reybier.

A magnificent adventure for the next vintage of his life’s journey.

Château La Mascaronne Rose' COURTESY OF CHÂTEAU LA MASCARONNE

Château La Mascaronne Rose’ COURTESY OF CHÂTEAU LA MASCARONNE

Today I sat down with Tony Parker (over audio-only speakerphone) for a conversation about dinner parties, french vacation, getting busy in vineyards, and the future of Rose’ wine. 

The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.  The full conversation can be found on our YouTube channel.

Also, the podcast version is here:

 

 

You’ve been diving into the world of winemaking with Michel Reybier and his team. Can you talk a little bit about the adventure, any surprises or lessons?

 

It’s been amazing. I always wanted to invest in a project like that. The first time I tried wine was when I was 17 years old. I wanted to keep learning about it and get my knowledge better around the wine world. And so when I was 19, I finally made enough money to afford all those great wines.

I was lucky enough to play for a coach who loved wine, had a huge collection, was reading wine magazines every trip. And so that’s how we bonded. As I got better, in my knowledge of wine, I started to invite all the best [people] in San Antonio to come to do a nice dinner at my house with Coach Popovich, and then the next day I would invite them to a Spurs game.

Château La Mascaronne COURTESY OF CHÂTEAU LA MASCARONNE

Château La Mascaronne COURTESY OF CHÂTEAU LA MASCARONNE

Then during the summer I started making trips to the vineyard. I started to know them better. Because in the wine world, obviously, you have great families. They’re super passionate. And that’s how I started; working on my allocation and the good bottles, the Reserves. 

Tony Parker and Michel Reybier - SEBASTIEN CLAVEL

Tony Parker and Michel Reybier – SEBASTIEN CLAVEL

When I retired I wanted to be more involved. But it’s very hard to invest in the wine business because it’s either in the family for generations and generations.  Those big companies buy everything. And so I was very lucky, through mutual friends I met Mr. Reybier and after talking for six or eight months, we decided to become partners. Now I’m a proud Owner / Ambassador / Everything.

 

You mentioned the wine dinners you had in San Antonio. Just for us massive foodies, can you help us fantasize for a moment?

What kind of food was served? What kind of wines were poured? Can you take us back to those nights?

 

I had a private chef. My private chef would work with the vineyard. We tell them who’s coming, how many people, which bottles and what year they will send us. 

Then they will work with my staff to make sure we make a menu accordingly, to make sure that everything is matched with what we are drinking.

So when the [dinner party] came to my house, we tried [the vintages] 1969, 1982, 2000 and 2009. It was unbelievable. Great bottles, great vintages. 

And for me, I’m very lucky too because I’m born in 1982 and it’s one of the best years for wine, especially in Bordeaux. So every time I visit a castle in Bordeaux, the employees are always super happy because it’s a good opportunity for them, as the owner, to open an ‘82 [vintage]. 

Most of the time, they’ll come and say thank you to me, saying it’s [their] first time trying an ‘82 [vintage]. Because nowadays, they don’t open those 82’s a lot.

 

 

You’ve hinted at your sports background, obviously you have become a master. Is there any lesson that you mastered in sports that you’ve brought into the wine world with you?

 

The passion and the work ethic. Obviously in the wine world I will never try to be and talk like a Sommelier, they studied for that. Even if I have good knowledge and I’ve been working with vineyards.  And I’m learning all the time, especially since I’ve been owning vineyards. I did Harvest. I did the assemblage.  Which is when you try all the possible [options], and you decide what the wine is going to be.

Tony Parker and Michel Reybier - SEBASTIEN CLAVEL

Tony Parker and Michel Reybier – SEBASTIEN CLAVEL

I’ve been working with great directors.  Our director is unbelievable. The director at La Mascaronne, she’s great too. And so for me, it’s been great knowledge, and a great learning process to learn even more about wine.

What inspired you to choose the partner with Chateau La Mascaronne?

 

When I met him, I knew he was huge in the wine business and obviously it brings a lot of credibility when you work with somebody like Michel Reybier because he’s been at this for so long and he’s the owner of one of the best wines in the world with Château Cos d’Estournel.

That’s how I knew him and that was big time. When he talked about La Mascaronne, he bought it from Tom Bove.

Back in 2006, when I started going on vacation every summer, I started drinking Rose’ with my brothers and my friends. We love rose’ in the summer. 

That’s when Miraval took off.  Brad Pitt bought it with Angelina [Jolie]. He bought Miraval from Tom Bove.

Tony Parker at Château La Mascaronne COURTESY OF CHÂTEAU LA MASCARONNE

Tony Parker at Château La Mascaronne COURTESY OF CHÂTEAU LA MASCARONNE

So [I thought] if Tom Bove hit that property perfectly with Miraval, for sure [it can happen] with La Mascaronne, it’s just a matter of time before we can do something amazing.

What’s next for you as far as the wine world goes?

 

Our premium rosé just came out from La Mascaronne.  Only 3,000 bottles.

We’re working on more premium one’s now.  I think that’s where things are going with rose’s.  All these big companies and all the knowledge that they get from the red wines is coming into the Rosé world, where the Rosé is going to get better and better.

For more information on Tony Parker and La Mascaronne:

La Mascaronne’s website

La Mascaronne’s Instagram

Tony Parker’s Instagram

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