Smitty's Notes

Greetings, Smittyheads;

First of all: Sorry for the delay in getting the first-half edition out. I had a little mishap last week and fractured my left ankle. All is good, and I'm lucky it wasn't a bad break. However, I'm having to adjust to new ways of doing things and getting around. I finally got back to a normal routine this week.

I have lots of news for the last part of spring to tell you about. The Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership Blog has been on fire with the latest developments. A new non-profit is hosting a meet-and-greet along with a fundraiser to help a disadvantaged group learn to dress for success. And...its time for Twin City Ribfest, which is taking place at a new and larger location. A little Ice. Ice. Baby has been added to the music lineup to get you revved up for Ribfest.

Now to the business at hand...

News from Around the Scene

Fifth Annual Texas Pete Twin City Ribfest - June 11-14 @ Dixie Classic Fairgrounds

The Texas Pete Twin City RibFest, a four-day food festival at the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds in Winston-Salem will be held Thursday, June 11 through Sunday, June 14. Last year's event attracted approximately 30,000 people. There will be 11 nationally known ribbers at the event, including Pigfoot (OH), Sgt. Oink's (OH), Checkered Pig (VA), Carolina Rib King (SC) Willingham's World Champion BBQ ( MN), Smokin' Joe's Ribs (OH), Big Boned BBQ (TN), My Happy Place BBQ (OH), Smokin Rednecks BBQ (FL), and Winston-Salem's own Dr. Brownstone's BBQ, and Bibs Downtown.

The festival will also include performance stages with regional and national music acts such as The Mantra's, Money B and DJ NutsyLez of Digital Underground, The Solos Unit, Vanilla Ice, Dave Desmelik, The Pranksters, Freeport, Hal Ketchum, Hillbilly Delux and Possum Jenkins.

Admission is only $6 for adults ($4 if you buy tickets in advance at Lowes Foods, or bring a can of food for the Northwest NC Food Bank), children 12 and under are admitted free. Parking is $3 per car. For more information visit http://www.twincityribfest.com.

News coming from the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership (DWSP) Blog

There is a ton of news coming from the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership. Since launching its blog this winter the Partnership is able to post in real time the latest developments going on in the Central Business District. Or as I like to call it, The CBD. Most recent postings have included the following: the expansion of the Downtown Elementary School; the showdown of the downtown rib kings at the Twin City Ribfest; the latest retail shop openings; future plans and other tidbits you will not find anywhere else in the CBD. Trust me. There is a lot. Be in-the-know and find out yourself what's going on by going to http://downtownwinstonsalem.blogspot.com The blog is updated weekly. Sometimes daily. Bookmark it and visit it often.

Jazz, Poetry, and Wine June 13, 2009

Poet Joseph Mills joins Triad jazz musicians for evening of music and spoken word featuring North Carolina wines

Jazz, Poetry, and Wine will celebrate wine and the coolness of beatnik culture through words, music, and wine samplings on June 13 at 8 p.m. in Old Salem. Bassist Matt Kendrick and other Triad jazz musicians will perform bebop classics as well as standards such as The Days of Wine and Roses. Poet Joseph Mills will accompany the music by reading from his work, including selections from his Press 53 book, Angels, Thieves, and Winemakers. The event is co-sponsored by the Carolina Chamber Symphony Players, Press 53, Hanover Park Vineyard, and Old Salem Museums and Gardens.

The evening begins at 7:30 p.m. with a cash bar in the lobby of the James A. Gray Auditorium at the Old Salem Visitors Center, featuring wines from Hanover Park Vineyard, a noted Yadkinville winery. The concert portion of Jazz, Poetry, and Wine begins at 8 p.m. Tickets: $15 general admission; $10 for seniors; $5 for students. Tickets are available in advance from the Old Salem Visitors Center Box Office and at the door one hour prior to the event. Box Office and information: 336-721-7350 or http://www.carolinachambersymphony.org

Dress for Success Winston-Salem event Wednesday, June 25, 2009 5:00 p.m. at Finnegan's Wake

Bring your friends and co-workers to Finnigan's Wake Irish Pub & Grill for an enjoyable evening of light refreshments. Enjoy an easygoing atmosphere, learn more about Dress for Success Winston-Salem and sample a variety of wines. Your contribution is essential to help raise funds to file for non- profit status. This will enable the non-profit to start providing essential services to those who need it most in our community.

Dress for Success Winston-Salem is a non-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Cash and checks will be accepted at the door. For more information, please visit us at http://www.dressforsuccess.org or call 336-816-3058. Finnigan's Wake Pub & Grill is located at 620 North Trade Street.

The Annual Smitty's Notes "Best of Winston-Salem" Contest Continues...

You can still vote for your Winston-Salem favorites in the Annual Smitty's Notes "Best of Winston-Salem" contest. Participation has been phenomenal so far and has already outpaced last years survey.

So, here's the deal: Just click on the link below (cut and paste in your browser, if necessary). Take your time. Fill out the survey.

Comments supporting your choices are encouraged. The contest will run until midnight, June 30, 2009. Results will be announced after July 2, 2009 in the Smitty's Notes e-newsletter and on SmittysNotes.com, which will also feature a special section on all the good things you recommended.

Submissions are anonymous; however, if you wish to share your contact information, Smitty's Notes will randomly select one person to receive a Southern Community Bank $50 Visa gift card. I've learned that you folks always need a little incentive!

Forward this e-mail to all of your friends, colleagues and crew.

Bombard your address book.

"Best of Winston-Salem" Contest Link -
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ZIo4GS95DoRmQYRp_2fbFCbQ_3d_3d