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Community Corner

Menlo Park Connoisseurs' Marketplace, "The Bay Area's Premier Summer Festival"

Connoisseurs' Marketplace, Menlo Park's venerable festival of the arts marks its 28th year saluting the best of summer in supreme style … with live jazz, rhythm and blues, rock 'n roll, dance and party music on stage and street throughout downtown with headliners Aja Vu, California Blues Machine and The Megatones, a juried show with contemporary fine art and one-of-a-kind crafts by 250 of America's best artists, chefs' demos under a giant tent, artisan specialty food purveyors, health and wellness displays, a green products showcase, home and garden exhibits, festive food and drink with premium wine, microbrews, champagne and margaritas, a world-class collector car showcase, and captivating amusements, fun and games in the action-packed kids' fun zone. Admission is free. Presented by the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce.

Live Music ... an eclectic, fun-filled mix of classic rock ‘n roll, rhythm and blues, contemporary jazz, dance and party music on stage and street. The free “Saturday Twilight Concert” will feature Steely Dan/Chicago tribute band Aja Vu, from 5:30-8 p.m. in Fremont Park. The music lineup includes The Megatones, California Blues Machine, Long Train Runnin’, SF Bay Jazz, HeartStrings Music, Oscar Reynolds, and Emerson & The GroWiser Band.

Contemporary Fine Art, Unique Crafts ... 250 of America’s finest artists and craftmakers present their latest handcrafted work in ceramics, glass, fine art, photography, sculpture, jewelry, leather, textiles, metal and wood. 

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Chefs’ Demonstrations ... a festival favorite, talented chefs from top local restaurants put on a fabulous and engaging show, preparing dishes that reflect their imagination and style, while offering festivalgoers creative ideas and tips to try in the kitchen at home. 

Festive Food & Drink ... fresh roasted corn-on-the-cob; paella; chicken, lamb and vegetarian tandoori; spit-roasted gyros, falafel, spanakopita, Greek salad; barbecued oysters, crab cakes, smoked turkey legs, tri-tip and portobello mushroom sandwiches, garlic fries; smoked bratwurst and Polish dogs; tamales, tacos, quesadillas; garlic chicken, beef and pork kebobs; spicy Peking chicken wraps; fish and chips; teriyaki chicken and rice; naan wraps, chicken and lamb curry, organic vegan curry; beef, turkey, salmon and veggie burgers; foot-long corn dogs; funnel cake, kettle corn, exotic dark chocolate, strawberry lemonade and aprium popsicles, soft serve yogurt, fresh-squeezed lemonade, Italian ice and more … complemented by premium wine, champagne, microbrews and refreshing margaritas.

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Artisan Specialty Food ... sample and savor artisan-produced edibles –– almond toffee, dark chocolate truffles, peanut brittle, heirloom vegetables, gourmet pomegranate products, olive oil, mustard blends, curds and scone mixes, marinades and finishing sauces, exotic jams and jellies, honey, butters and chutneys, vinaigrettes and dressings, flavored almonds, cashews, pistachios and pecans, dessert sauces, spices, herbs, and salts and more.

Kids’ Fun Zone … thrilling bungee jumping, Mobile Rock’s 24’ climbing wall, the fantastic Fit Kids obstacle course, Phillips Brooks School kids art zone, whimsical feather hair extensions, super cool face painting and temporary henna tattoos are among the exciting attractions.

WHEN:  July 19-20, 2014. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The free “Saturday Twilight Concert” featuring Steely Dan/Chicago tribute band Aja Vu runs from 5:30-8 p.m. on Saturday, July 19 in Fremont Park.

WHERE: On Santa Cruz Avenue between El Camino Real and Johnson Street in Menlo Park CA.

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