Say Goodbye To The Polar Vortex And Hello To Long Island Winterfest

Just as the polar vortex leaves the East End, Winterfest Live on the Vine is moving on in to heat up over 40 local venues with more than 80 concerts and wine events. The 9th annual winter music and wine festival will take place from Friday, February 19th through Sunday, March 20th. The festivities will debut during an opening night soiree at the Suffolk Theater.

“The Winterfest Kickoff is our annual party to thank our sponsors and supporters that have made the fest a possibility,” shared Jim Faith. “We are excited to present three of the areas most popular and talented artists, performing in one of the islands most treasured historic theaters.”

Throughout the five-week festival, 30 up-and-coming artists and notable Grammy-winning headliners will showcase a wide array of musical offerings including jazz, rock, country, world, singer-songwriter and more. “In our 9th year, we are pleased to say that the fest has accomplished what it was created to do: Nurture the East End economy and give work to artists during slower, mid-winter months,” added Faith. “Expanding our scope of events to include not only top name headliners, but the addition of non-musical events over five weeks makes the fest the place to be for music and event lovers looking for something to do during this time period.” This year’s highlights include The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Judy Collins, jazz trumpet legend Randy Brecker quartet featuring Ada Rovatti, Amy Helm, Bryan Carter and his Trio, Ray Anderson with Steve Salerno, Paul Simon bassist Bakithi Kumalo & Friends, and the Late Night Gospel Choir.

Winterfest has teamed up with the Long Island Wine Council for “Art of Wine” events, where attendees can sip through and learn more about our local treasure. “As part of our series of non-music events, we have added the “Art of Wine,” an exciting and hands on series of wine-focused events, giving visitors exclusive access to rare wines, LI’s award winning wine makers, and progressive winemaking techniques,” shared Faith.

Dirty Dozen Brass Band is among this year’s Winterfest headliners. (Courtesy Photo)

Toby Walker and Miles to Dayton with special guest Andrew Fortier will headline the Winterfest Kickoff Party on Friday, February 19th at the Suffolk Theater. The Closing Party and grand finale concert on Saturday, March 19th at the Suffolk Theater will feature classic rockers Jefferson Starship.

For more information, visit liwinterfest.com.