Aside from the great performances this weekend by Rachel Wearsch on Friday and Yonder Blue on Saturday, the festival is coming to town!

Do not miss the biggest festival of the year! Saturday, July 3 from 10 am to 5 pm, celebrate your Independent Spirit with dozens of local merchants and indie vendors of kitsch and collectibles. This is a street fair with flair!

ANTIQUES FAIR

The dozen or so antique dealers on Larchmere will be open for business. Plus, the Shaker Heights parking lot (12737 Larchmere) will be dedicated to antiques. Vendors include KLM Antiques, Swope Antiques, Ann Douglas Antiques, Lakewood Antiques Mall, Maria Antiques, Jaxdec

o and BoomModern and more.

GALLERIES GALORE

Nothing says summer festival quite like a collection of artists. Galleries Galore will be in the parking lot at the far east end (formerly American Crafts Gallery) at 13010 Larchmere.

FLEA MARKET

Everyone loves a flea market. Scads of used but useful stuff will be available for sale by friends, neighbors, and residents.

BAZAAR BIZARRE

After a successful debut at last year’s Holiday Stroll, The Bazaar Bizarre – “NOT your granny’s craft show” returns to Larchmere. Organizer Shannon Okey, owner of  fiber arts/craft paradise Knitgrrl Studio, and her crew of 50 irreverent and indie artists and crafters will be back in the former Sedlak’s headquarters at the intersection of Larchmere and East 127th Street. www.bazaarbizarre.org

AUTHOR ALLEY

45… count ‘em… 45 local authors from the famous and mainstream to grassroots to self-published will be in Loganberry Book’s driveway at 13015 Larchmere. Authors include J.T. Dutton, Sharon Gregor, Charles Mintz, Carolyn Nilson, Susan Petrone, James Renner, Les Roberts, Sarah Willis, Loung Ung and Carlo Wolff. The Lit, the non-profit center that supports writers and sponsors workshops, will also be on hand with their list of upcoming events. www.loganberrybooks.com

LARCHMERE UNCORKED

Larchmere Merchants Association and Summit Charitable Events Foundation present the first annual Larchmere Uncorked, a benefit for the Larchmere Beautification Fund. Larchmere Uncorcked kicks off at 12 noon in the courtyard in front of Shaker Quality Auto Body (12916 Larchmere).

A “Festival-within-the-Festival,” guests will be able to sip and sample over 100 wines from local, national and international producers. Delectable food will be featured, prepared by local restaurants. Tickets are $20 in advance, or $25 at the door, and include 10 wine tastings and a souvenir wine glass. Designated Driver tickets and additional drink tickets are also available. www.LarchmereUncorked.com

FOOD COURT
In addition to the nine eateries on the street, there will be several sidewalk vendors, plentiful food at Larchmere Uncorked, and a Food Court at Community Housing Solutions at 12114 Larchmere. This is festival food: fudge puppies, PizzaBogo, Just Like Mom’s soul cooking, Belgian hot dogs, tacos, ice cream, gyros and fried dough.

CHALK DRAWING

Artists Robin VanLear and Jesse Rhinehart will create a three-dimensional chalk drawing on the sidewalk of the LifeSkills building (12201 Larchmere). Check back throughout the day to see their progress! Robin is a sculptor, costume designer and performance artist who has served as the Artistic Director of The Cleveland Museum of Art‘s Parade the Circle throughout its 20 year history. Jesse is a painter, muralist and educator.

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Dennis Mastrangelo's photographs will be on display throughout March 2010

Join us as we take in the natural beauty of Dennis Mastrangelo’s photographs – getting us ready for spring! Mr. Mastrangelo will be on hand to answer questions about his photographs and techniques.

Dennis Mastrangelo attended Cooper School of Art and graduated in 1972 with a major in painting and printmaking. Dennis currently works as a full time gardener and finds inspiration for his photography in the flowers he grows and the natural world around him. He has displayed his photographs in juried shows at the Cleveland Botanical Garden, Lake Metroparks, Gates Mills, and the Fairmount Center. He has had one man shows at High Peaks Coffee Shop in Chesterland, Geauga Lyric Theater, Donald Meyer Nature Center, Lucky’s Cafe in Tremont and Bellasano Cafe in Concord.

The walls of Vine and Bean Cafe look like a beautiful spring day already.

Friday, March 5th, 8PM: The Tumbleweed Trio

Following up the art show, we’re excited to present The Tumbleweed Trio, featuring local merry-maker James Kelley on fiddle and a few of his more notoriously fun and proficient friends.

Mr. Kelley has played at V&B before with our good friends Gene’s Jazz Hot. He promises that there will be “Sweet songs and Hot Licks. Western and Western Swing, some Swing standards too.”

We can’t wait!

Saturday, March 6th, 8PM: 2Men and a Campfire

Two men, two harmonizing voices, two guitars, and a metaphorical campfire make for a very fun evening. Last time these gents came by everyone was blown away by their talent and charm. We’re expecting no less this time.

We have the fireplace, so we're assuming they won't bring the campfire.

Rain

Meditation

Rebecca Carey has been developed an immediately recognizable style while communicating a broad, sensual range of emotions with her exquisitely rendered trees. Each painting offers rewards for those who glance and treasures for those willing to bear witness to the intricate details and layers of realism and whimsy. Ms. Carey’s trees will be hanging at Vine and Bean Cafe through the end of February, 2010.

Thanks to David Farkas and the Plain Dealer for the lovely article.

Both Kathy and Alan are up for a second attempt this Satuday, 1/17.

First we welcome Chelsea Ryan to the V&B Parlor for the first time. I was introduced to her by our great friend Corissa (when you comin’ to play, girl?) I expect she’ll warm and steal hearts.  Alan Madej returns to the V&B on Saturday as one more stop on his road to stardom. See him while you can.

Artist Kathy Bakshi will present her work on the walls of Vine and Bean on Saturday before and during the Alan Madej show.

Sea of Softness by Kathy Bakhashi

Chelsea Ryan warms up the Parlor at V&B

Alan Madej live on WRUW 11/27/08

All are welcome to the art opening!