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.

Education

Ben and Debbie Vigil of Napa sent in this photo of their flourishing tomato garden.

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.

Napa resident Dennis Martin is a big picture thinker. Actually, he thinks globally. He co-founded and is president of the non-profit organization Carpenters Without Borders.

In a lecture earlier this year updating information about Sudden Oak Death, University of California researcher Matteo Garbelotto said the disease has not slowed down — it is increasing within infested areas.

Everyone is talking about the “green” wave: green building, green energy and green everything else. Around my house we call it greenspeak. Like any other language, greenspeak has its own vocabulary.

Every year around this time, destructive wildfires are burning out of control in western states, once again highlighting facts that we would prefer to ignore.

Do you like the fair?

It’s that time of year again when fans are getting excited about football season. And for the first time in a few years, there are three football video games to choose from.

QUEEN OF THE VALLEY

AQUIRRE — Norma vs. Jimmy, Aug. 24, 2007

Nickname: Pudder’s

Nickname: The Mauinator

Making tacos began as a hobby for Pablo Chavez.

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.