Feeling the (musical) heat in Paso Robles

Head for the North County hills this weekend for wine, music and fun.
The Winery Music Awards returns on Saturday, July 14, for a five-hour concert hosted by “Bachelor” heartthrob Andrew Firestone.
Two Central Coast bands — Templeton’s Machine and San Luis Obispo indie rockers Dominic Castillo and the Rock Savants — will compete against artists from California and Arizona.
Also competing in July’s elimination round are: Amber Norgaard of Tuscon, Ariz.; Delaney Gibson of Los Angeles; and Andy Hill, Renee Safier and Hard Rain from Los Angeles.
The Winery Music Awards officially kicked off June 9. Sacramento pianist Shannon Curtis beat out an all-female line-up from as far away as Portland.
As the contest continues, musicians will compete in August and September to earn a slot at the final showdown on Oct. 7. Musicians are graded on their originality, skill and marketability to the ever-expanding demographic of wine drinkers.
Top acts will take home prizes including cash, studio time and a record contract with RNB Entertainment Group of Los Angeles.
Arroyo Grande acoustic rock trio Threes and Nines won the grand prize in 2005.
The group, which plans to release its debut album later this year, performs this Sunday at Downtown Brewing Co. in San Luis Obispo.

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Producer Kathy Kelly created the Winery Music Awards, which highlights independent, unsigned bands and musicians, in 2005.
Saturday’s concert starts at 4 p.m. at Stacked Stone Cellars, 1525 Peachy Canyon Rd. in Paso Robles. Tickets are $40.
For more information, visit the Winery Music Awards Web site.

-- Sarah L.