In a celebratory mood embracing everything from new weekend performances to in-demand, star-power artists for both classical and pops concerts, the Napa Valley Symphony Orchestra has unveiled a stellar lineup for its diamond jubilee season.

Imagine a Napa where a morning stroll for a cup of coffee, a quick drive to a meeting downtown or a shopping trip to a local store also means a deep, rich, engaging arts experience.

If there is one thing that characterizes “The Golden Road: French Wine or Moonshine?” it is fun. If there is one thing that radiates from this novel, it is the joy of a great friendship.

Auditions for the Napa Valley Youth Chorus take place Thursday, Sept. 6, at Harvest Middle School, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in room M2.

Slowly but surely, jazz lovers are discovering just how talented pianist Taylor Eigsti is. But it’s taken some time.

Annabelle Huffman, 13, Napa, won Honorable Mention for her entry in the California State Fair Poster Contest, sponsored by the Friends of the California State Fair.

Education

From Register Staff

After experiencing the vicissitudes of downtown Napa business for nearly two years, chef/restaurateur Peter Halikas closed his n.v. restaurant last Friday night.

Americans love to invite friends over for a barbecue — but when they do, they’re almost surely grilling, not barbecuing. True barbecuing is a demanding process of slow smoking requiring a special cooker or a great deal of attention to heat management.

With Labor Day barbecues looming, we decided it was the right time to ask chef Greg Cole for a few pointers on grilling great steaks.

The concrete creations of Calistoga artists Emily and Quinn Scheibal are hot.

PHAN — William vs. Catherine Lapidario, Aug. 17, 2007.

ALEMAN-DOMINGUEZ — Aristides Antonio Aleman, 28, Severus Drive, Vallejo to Michelle Dominguez, 27, Winedale Lane, Napa.

QUEEN OF THE VALLEY

Nickname: Pudder’s

Nickname: The Mauinator

Readers have something to crow about with this month’s “Where in the Napa Valley.” This month’s mystery rooster is joined by a couple of historic buildings.

The harvest is well under way and our correspondents are reporting excellent quality for the white grapes that they’ve harvested. Most expect some reds to be ready for picking in a week or two.

As the Hess Collection Winery celebrated its blessing of the grapes Tuesday, winemaker Dave Guffy said, “I don’t want to jinx anything but this year has the look of what could be a nearly perfect year.”

You. True!

The four founding brothers of Buoncristiani Family Winery present their portfolio of limited production wines at the Napa Valley Opera House Sunday, Sept. 2, 1 to 5 p.m. The afternoon event will feature music and food pairings with Buoncristiani wines.

The lights were so bright they dimmed the full moon. The crew waited restively for the call to action. The cast was assembled. The cameras were ready to roll. The occasion?

Try to imagine visiting every winery tasting room in Napa Valley over the period of a growing season, from bud break to harvest. The very thought of going from tasting room to tasting room, sipping, spitting, battling the crowds — it’s more than one person’s constitution can handle.

Kicking off California Wine Month, the 15th Annual Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction Weekend is scheduled for Labor Day weekend in neighboring Sonoma.