{the b-side] Here's to Vinology, A2's swankiest new wine bar Thursday, September 14, 2006 - The Michigan Daily - 5B By Andrew Sargus Klein Associate Arts Editor The ambiance of Vinol- ogy, one of Main Street's lat- est accoutrements, looks like a stripped-down version of a '50s diner. But the interior boasts a rich atmosphere suitable for any displaced Manhattanite to find cultured respite. Ashley's, hands down the most diverse (in terms of beer and whiskey selec- tion) bar in Ann Arbor, now has ALEX a step- DZIADOSZ/ sister in Daly Vinology. Both watering holes anni- hilate the naive patron with an exten- sive drink list. Whereas beer taps over- whelm patrons at Ashley's, I theupstairs bar at Vinology has no vis- ible taps - instead, as the name mightsuggest, the restau- rant is stocked with extensive shelves of wine. My visit to Vinology, though, did not include the upstairs. Instead, I had the pleasure of experiencing the Tuesday night wine tasting - and two hours later left slightly buzzed and completely enamored with the place. At $35 a head (plus tax and gratuity), the venture seems a bit steep. But wine director Paul Hannah makes sure every cent, second and sip of your two hours is well spent. In the almost too-cozy basement confines, Hannah takes you through 10 or so wines. Always featuring a theme, Vinology showcased the wines of South Africa on my particular night. Whether you hold your glass by the stem or the body, make use of the spit buckets located on every table, enjoy the flinty textures of African soil or just want a damn good glass of wine, this is the place to go. Hannah deftly mixes tongue- in-cheek humor with legitimate "geeky wine things" to present a breadth of knowledge accessi- ble to both the beginner and the connoisseur. He described our first wine, a Chenin Blanc, as a "patio pounder." His mission is to present the art of wine as "easy to understand, rather than snobby and imposing." And he succeeds. I don't feel ridiculous for knowing it takes 25 years to make the cork for a bottle of wine. Nor will I hang my head in embarrassment for ordering an LH Gewrtztramin- er with my shrimp curry. As we opened the tasting - complete with hors d'oeuvre, including oysters and guacamo- le-smothered chicken - Han- nah immediately launched into how apartheid played a signifi- cant role in the development of South Africa as an international wine market. With such heady historical background, I was expecting a trite, upturned-nose conversation. To my pleasant surprise, this was not the case. The information was presented in such a down-to-earth fash- ion, and it was impossible not to engage in the tasting whole- heartedly. You don't go to Vinology to become a connoisseur (well, you could, easily). You go to Vinology to better appreciate wine as one of mankind's most unbelievably diverse beverages. The atmosphere invites all lev- els of knowledge, and Hannah answered all innocent, curi- ous questions with warmth and geniality. The two couples at my table had as little knowledge of wine as I did. But eight or so rounds into the evening and everyone was rosy-cheeked, chatting, laughing and comparing wines like experts. And oh yeah: Each person goes home with an individual bottle of wine. Now the steep price isn't quite so steep - and the experience makes up for it. This might not be the perfect spot for a first date, but expect major bonus points from your significant other if you bring him/her to the Tuesday wine tasting for a special occasion. PETER ScHOTTENFELS/Daly Main Street wine bar and restaurant Vinology offers themed wine tastings each week. $35 pro- vides comprehensive tasting of half a dozen to a dozen wines, specially paired with appetizers, as well as as bottle of your own to take home. Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival draws music legends each year By Catherine Smyka Daily Arts Writer Against a backdrop of Sept. I1 photos, soul singer Alberta Adams proclaimed a powerful message to her Sept. 11 audience at the Ann Arbor District Library Tuesday night. Adams is one of the many jazz perform- ers featured in the annual Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival, which began Monday and continues through tomorrow. "The way the world's going today," Adams said to her captive audience, "there ain't nothing but the blues." Dubbed "Queen of the Blues" by her fans, Adams joined jazz legends Charlie Gabriel and George Benson for a night of music and discussion in the basement of the Ann Arbor District Library. The three musicians renminisced about getting started in the music business, recalling past performances and the timeless stories of the careers they have enjoyed. Adams in particular has been singing the blues on stage since 1947. "There's something very casual about this business," Adams said. "I do what I gotta do. And that's it" Saxophone gods Gabriel and Benson have performed with an impressive list of music's marvels, including Aretha Franklin. On Tuesday, the trio played alongside drummer RJ Spangler and his Rhythm Rockers. The three, paired with a string bassist and pianist, accompa- nied Adams's vocals, playing her original tunes "Please Remember Me" and "Born with the Blues" Besides Adams, Gabriel and Benson, this year's fes- tival features names like Thornetta Davis, who plays tomorrow at the Cavern Club, as well as high school bands that perform Monday through today at Whole Foods Market. Peter Andrews, president of the nonprofit Blues and Jazz Festival, can't say enough about the festival he helped found in 1972 and has been a part of ever since. "We're getting (the festival) back to that quality level that it once was," Andrews said. "That's very exciting." This festival has been a huge focus in Andrews's life. In the past 34 years, he has had the privilege of experiencing what he calls "the classics": headliners Ray Charles, Miles Davis, Al Green, Bonnie Raitt and James Brown. Andrews believes in the festival, even as it changes from year to year. And while it has been successful, Andrews would like to see it return to its original form. "It needs to have a vision," he said, "(but) it's going back in that direction. In its first few years, the festival was especially popu- lar, with the second installment featuring a Ray Charles performance broadcast live to 96 radio stations. In previous years,the festivaloffered meet-and-greets with performers, children's activities and an outdoor daytime street party, which was cancelled this year but will continue in 2007 at the festival's new venue, Hill Auditorium. Those who join the festivities can look forward to grainy voices, saxophones.and an enthusiastic crowd. Now in its third decade, the festival attracts residents and students from all over the city who come to witness the therapeutic melodies that embody blues and jazz at their best. "There's no business like show business," Adams said to her audience. "And we love it." The festival runs through tomorrow. Local high school bands will play at Whole Foods Market on Washtenaw from 6-7 p.m. on tonight. Thornetta Davis and others will be playing two shows at the Cavern Club tomorrow at 9 and 11 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.