By Brett Callwood
The 14th annual Food, Wine and Brew Fest takes place on Saturday, September 28 at the Gardena City Hall complex.
As always, the best eateries in the city will be on hand with delicious samples, including Guilianos’s, Pollo Inka, Burnt Tortilla, Borjstar, Lomelis, Auntie’s Cafe, and many more.
There will also be drinks and a silent auction. Entertainment will come courtesy of musical groups DW3, Elemental Funk and tribute band the Eagles Ronstadt Experience.
“DW3 has been together for almost 20 years,” that band told us before their performance at the same event in 2022. “Our major highlights include being nominated for a Grammy, and performing at the Hollywood Bowl. As well as performing with amazing artists like George Duke, Marcus Miller, Richard Elliot, Boney James, Brian Culbertson, and Gerald Albright.”
With a sound that they describe as “a mix between contemporary R&B and old school funk,” DW3 said that Food, Wine and Brew Fest is always a good time.
Meanwhile, Elemental Funk lead singer and frontman Brian Yamamoto told the GVN in 2022 that, “Elemental Funk was formed around 2005, [when] we got together to play for one of the Japanese American Youth Basketball Tournament parent-social.”
He said Elemental Funk is a cover band that is known for its emphasis on old-school R&B and soul dance music.
“But we also do pop, rock, and standards. I loved the great bands of the ‘60s and ’70s, Beach Boys, Beatles, etc.,” Yamamoto, 58, said. “Since we have a muliti-piece horn section, we do Chicago, Tower of Power, Average White Band and Earth Wind & Fire,” he added.
“Come and enjoy a sunny day on City Hall Lawn,” reads a post on the City’s event page. “During the festival you can visit local foods, wine, beer, and retail vendors throughout the day. We will also be hosting a Cigar Lounge for our cigar enthusiasts that will be open for all to enjoy.”
Stephany Santin, director of recreation and human services for the City of Gardena, told the GVN that they raised $10,000 last year, and have a goal of $13,000 this year.
For more information, visit cityofgardena.org/food-wine-brew-festival.
