A Bacchanalia Ushers in Spring Music

Sid Wainer's groaning table

Not since ancient Rome……

The revel at the 3rd annual “ Food & Wine Expo” at Oceancliff , Newport, drew a preposterous overflow crowd of nearly 600 people to taste wines from local vineyards and to sample foods from local restaurants and food purveyors. The event, which benefits the music departments of Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth schools, was created by former Mayor Richard Sardella and Patrick Golden, and the music has been donated by the Dick Lupino Band, this year abetted by gifted student musicians playing both rock and classical selections.

The line for the gourmet burgers, served obscured the musicians stand, where Jeff Fountain, Dennis Cook, Mac Chrupcala and Mr. Lupino were playing light jazz. The line for the fabulous seafood buffet stretched into adjoining rooms, and the "groaning board" of Sid Wainer foods reminded Newport Seen of Henry VIII's fabled appetites.

Chris Young & Kim Sherman of Nikolas Pizza

Meanwhile, a lively silent auction went on, and back massages were offered by the Spa Terre at The Viking Hotel.

Vineyards offering tastings included Newport Vineyards, Greenvale Vineyards, , M.S. Walker Fine Wine & Spirits, with the Wachusetts Brewing Co. offering selected beers (others), Restaurants serving their specialties were Nikolas Pizza,(others) The U.S. Food Service was there, as well.

The rollicking benefit prefaced "Spring into Art", presented by the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Newport County, a week long event offering gallery talks, theater, art classes, comedy and…..lots of music.

Newport Seen caught the final event of the week jazz at Greenvale Vineyards, featuring Newport's own Mike Renzi on keyboard, Shawn Monteiro, vocals, and Dick Lupino on bass, spelled by Dave Zinno. The musicians declined a request for "Spring Will be a Little Late This Year."

-L.P.