Avery, CA…The Avery Hotel is the place to be on Saturday, September 17 from 4-9 pm when Manzanita Writers Press breaks in this newly revitalized historic landmark with ArtsHarvest, a Dinner Dance Party featuring the high-energy, genre-bending Americana music of Mumbo Gumbo. Those who have enjoyed music and camaraderie at the hotel over the years will appreciate the artful facelift it has received in the last nine months under the direction of Fred Baker of Sheep Ranch and his partners Jimmy Sedge and Andy McCardi. They have been working diligently to bring the 1850s treasure back to life. Fred’s vision is to create the Avery Social Club, where local groups and private parties can hold events. History is important to Baker, and he was instrumental in the resurrection of the Pioneer Hotel and the Dance Hall in Sheep Ranch, as well as other notable estates.

The Sacramento-based SAMMIES Award winning Mumbo Gumbo band is a Northern California favorite. They have performed at prestigious music events, including the beloved Strawberry Music Festival. The woodsy backyard setting of the Avery, with a lush garden area and “artsy” stage, make this a winning combination for Manzanita’s celebration. There will be a delicious gourmet lasagne dinner with harvest veggies, a no-host bar and a silent auction of art, experiences and other delights. Tour the hotel, schmooze with Manzanita artists and writers and get on your groove with the big musical stew of the Mumbo Gumbo band. This seven-member, high-energy, genre-bending band brings elements of soul, zydeco, folk, blues, rock, cajun, Caribbean and country to the party. If you’ve never had the pleasure of seeing them, you won’t want to miss this.

Manzanita Writers Press has been a vital element of the Calaveras arts community for over 30 years. As a writer support and publishing organization, it has been part of the Calaveras County Arts Council since 1984, and now has expanded to include an amazing Art Gallery and Creative Community Center, Manzanita Arts Emporium in historic Angels Camp. The Emporium offers educational lectures, writing and art workshops, cultural and writers meetings, music classes, storytelling, and conferences. This fundraiser will help Manzanita to keep these community programs and services flowing. Purchase ArtsHarvest tickets at $45 online at www.manzapress.com, or better yet, visit 1211 South Main Street (corner of Main and Rasberry) in historic downtown Angels Camp.