Taste of Newport a little Sugar Ray

June Casagrande

Sugar Ray, the chart-topping quintet that hails from Newport, will

headline this year’s Taste of Newport festival.

“We’re very excited that they’re coming,” said Richard Luehrs,

president of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, presenter of the

annual food, drink and live music festival.

The signing of a contract with the internationally renowned music

group has been a dream of Taste of Newport promoters since last year,

Luehrs said.

“This started last year when we were talking with some of the band

members trying to make it happen. We wanted to make it happen, but

logistically, it wasn’t possible last year,” Luehrs said. “This year,

they’ll be here.”

The band, described as a mix of metal, pop, punk and hip hop, will

take the Taste of Newport stage for the Saturday night show as part

of a three-day lineup from Sept. 19 to 21. Friday’s act is “Forever

Diamond,” a Neil Diamond tribute band, and Sunday’s musical act will

be the Beach Boys.

The festival, now in its 15th year, is also introducing a new way

to pay for food and drink. Instead of the “scrip” that has been used

in past years and that works like tickets for food and drinks, this

year, patrons will purchase a “smart card” for a preset amount.

Merchants at the event will swipe the card like a credit card, and

the cost of each purchase will be automatically deducted.

“We hope this will be even more convenient,” Luehrs said.

More than 30 restaurants and 15 wineries will take part in this

year’s festival, offering a wide sampling of local restaurants’

cuisine, wines and beers. The volunteer-driven event helps raise

funds for a number of area charities.

Last year, the chamber gave out $15,000 in grants from money

raised at the Taste of Newport. Recipients included Human Options

Inc., Leadership Tomorrow, the Newport Mesa Schools Foundation and

Youth Employment Service. About 70,000 people attended last year’s

Taste of Newport.

For details, including show times, tickets and directions, visit

www.tasteofnewport.com or call the chamber at (949) 729-4400.

* JUNE CASAGRANDE covers Newport Beach and John Wayne Airport. She

may be reached at (949) 574-4232 or by e-mail at

[email protected].