When Pacifican Beth Lemke, proprietress, A Grape in the Fog, had her wine bar’s official grand opening in October of 2010, world-renowned saxophonist Johnnie Bamont was right there to lay down some welcoming notes. Bamont, who is a member of Huey Lewis and the News and East Bay Soul, has additionally gigged with such folks as Boz Scaggs, Ben E. King, Elvin Bishop, Sly & the Family Stone, Frankie Valli, Tower of Power, Oscar D’León — and the list of legends goes on. And since A Grape in the Fog’s opening, Bamont has continued to swing those saxophone notes at Lemke’s Pacifica locale. He’ll be there Friday the 6th, 8-10 p.m.
Who else is playing A Grape in the Fog the weekend following the 4th of July? On Saturday night, from 8-10 p.m., Mighty Mississippi will strut their acoustic “front porch” blues. This is the stuff honed right out of the American South back in the ’30s and ’40s. The band, on guitar, upright bass and harmonica, are also known for their acoustic take on the Memphis and Chicago electric blues sound of the ’40s and ’50s. Regulars at AGITF, Mighty Mississippi plays the first Saturday of each month.
Rockabilly favorite Dave Crimmen is bringing his “Church of Rock ‘N’ Roll” acoustic show to the Grape on Sunday the 8th, from 4-6 p.m. Crimmen who performs at the venue, the second Sunday of every month, has got a little something extra up his sleeve for this Sunday’s performance. The composer, guitarist and singer is celebrating the release of the first Elvis record with a Sun Recordstribute show. Something else to sweeten the journey, proprietress Lemke never charges a cover.
Lemke loves the Rockaway Beach neighborhood where her business resides.
“I love the synergy,” Lemke said. “The hotels compliment the restaurants and the wine bar. The boutiques keep folks circulating around the development.
There’s plenty of parking and there’s something to do all day long at Rockaway Beach — breakfast, then a hike, then a massage, then lunch, then another walk, then some wine and appetizers, then dinner and later, dancing at Nick’s! You can see friends and neighbors every step of the way!”
Located right around the corner and a few blocks up from Nick’s, Lemke shared her thoughts on the long-time Pacifica treasure in honor of their 85th year.
“Thank you for being the cornerstone of our community,” Lemke said to the Gust family.
“Pacifica has grown up around Nick’s. It’s a delight to see multiple generations of Nick’s customers who still frequent the restaurant and who are now supporting newer businesses like Moonraker and A Grape in the Fog. Nick’s is so much more than a restaurant, bar, and special events venue — it treats staff and customers like family. I truly respect how the Gust family has supported the community, and its’ people over the past 85 years. Nick’s is a role model for the small business done right.”
Since opening A Grape in the Fog in the spring of 2010, Lemke has established her business as a community hub.
“I have seen many friendships establish and evolve from a chance visit,” Lemke said also noting with pride that staff and regular customers have become extended family. She loves it when a tourist stops in and one of the local customers chimes in with sight-seeing information.
Many of her performers and artists reside in Pacifica or along the Coast and her walls are a showcase for local photographers and painters.
“We build community by featuring local wine, beer and food purveyors and showcasing local talent such as comedians, musicians, artists and chefs,” Lemke said. “Essentially we think of A Grape in the Fog as an extension of the living room!”
Friday, July 6, 8-10 p.m., Johnnie Bamont & Westwind. Saturday, July 7, 8-10 p.m., Mighty Mississippi. Sunday, July 8, 4-6 p.m., Dave Crimmen. Per always, no cover. A Grape in the Fog, 400 Old County Road, Pacifica. http://agitf.com/.