A Taste of the Valley

Town Square will be filled with the aroma and tastes of area restaurateurs this Sunday to benefit band programs in the Murrieta Valley Unified School District.

Murrieta Mesa and Vista Murrieta high schools, Shivela, Warm Springs and Dorothy McElhinney middle schools, along with several generous sponsors are hosting “A Taste of the Valley” from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 5, at Town Square Park (Kalmia/Jefferson/Adams/Juniper) in  Murrieta.

Several area restaurants and caterers have already signed up and will donate tasting portions to this event. In addition to the tastings, there will be a craft market for local vendors, crafters and artisans.

On stage there will be live music from recording artists’ singer/song writers Kiki Ebsen, Debra Davis, and recording artist Tim Moyer, who have donated their time and talents to support these schools’ music programs. Student musicians will have the privilege of performing with seasoned veterans of the jazz world  trumpet player Barry Trop, and saxophonist Lucky Wright. Production is being provided by Mike Ruiz of Viberent, Complete Entertainment Solutions.

Some of the restaurants that are participating in A Taste of the Valley include: Albertson’s Bakery, Applebee's, Backyard BBQ & Catering, Calhoun's Texas BBQ, China Panda, Jamba Juice, Lazy Dog, Mama Colletti’s, Panda Express, Rubio’s, Spelly’s, Sweet Layers Cakes, Taste of Havana, The Bank Mexican Food and TJ’s Pizza.

A book of 10 Tastings is $20 per person presale and $25 on the day of the event. All proceeds will benefit the instrumental music programs of the participating schools.

Discount tickets are still at MLD Graphics, 25695 Jefferson Suite 12, and Mary's Hats & Things at 25285 Madison Ave. Suite 111, as well as at the Golden Alliance's Spring Concert, set for 7 p.m. Friday at Vista Murrieta.

"Music programs in our schools are in jeopardy. Budgets and teachers are being cut. Marching bands may no longer exist. It is up to us as a community to support these programs if we want to keep them going," said Christy Reichenbach of the Golden Alliance Band Boosters.

Event coordinators are still adding restaurants and vendors at this time and can be contacted at thevmhsga@gmail.com.