THIS WEEKEND: Elenowen, Maggie Chapman to Headline Sandestin Wine Fest

From L to R: Chris Alvarado, Elenowen & Maggie Chapman

This year’s Sandestin Wine Festival will feature some critically acclaimed up-and-comers from across the region.

The festival runs April 16-19, 2015. On Friday, Nashville’s own Maggie Chapman and local favs Free Monica will take the stage. Saturday will feature the Chris Alvarado Trio and former Voice sweethearts Elenowen. Elenowen and Maggie Chapman will also perform an intimate songwriter’s round at the exclusive VIP party on Saturday.

“We are excited to welcome two Nashville rising and buzz-worthy stars, as well as keep the local feel in place with South Walton musicians in an effort to continuously add to the mystique of this event as the ‘Kentucky Derby of wine festivals’,” said special event manager Julie Stuckey. “I know the Sandestin Wine Festival patrons will be impressed with the songwriting talent and charisma of these extremely talented performers. If they aren’t already household names, they will be.”

Most fans of Elenowen fell in love with the duo during their appearances on the inaugural season of NBC’s The Voice. Rolling Stone says their sophomore album, For The Taking, “bridges the gap between seventies folk and rock, modern Americana.” Elenowen also had success with their single ‘Honey Come Home’ which reached #1 on the iTunes singer-songwriter charts.

Check out Elenowen’s song “Desert Days”:

Maggie Chapman returns to the Village of Baytowne Wharf for an encore performance after her successful debut on the Emerald Coast last fall. The Florida native’s debut album, Vignette, garnered attention from RollingStone.com, USA Today and American Songwriter.

Check out Maggie Chapman’s song, recently featured on the TV show Pretty Little Liars:

Chris Alvarado, a 30A local, was named a finalist in the Nashville Music City Songwriting Competition and the 2014 American Songwriting Awards and was a semi-finalist in the Unsigned Only Music Competition.

Hear Chris Alvarado perform “Sweet Pea”:

Local singer-songwriters Kyle LaMonica and Ben Friedman will kick off Friday night with their duo ‘Free Monica.’ LaMonica was nominated for 30A Hotspot Awards ‘Hottest Local Musicians/Bands’ category, 2012 Beachcomber Musician of the Year and a 2013 Beachcomber Best Solo Artist. Friedman works as a solo artist and on projects such as Von Brain, plus records and produces in his spare time.

Check out Kyle LaMonica performing at Baytowne Wharf:

Packages combining discounted accommodations and tickets are available with savings up to 25% off (use code: WINE15).

For more info, visit Sandestin Wine Festival or call 866-91-BEACH.