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Eat Real Festival 2009

It was a street-foodie’s paradise at Jack London Square August 27-29 as the inaugural “Eat Real Festival” attracted more than 30,000 people to stroll down the waterfront while experiencing organic foods, locally-brewed beers and live music. Their mission of “Putting the food back in fast” was apparent in the offerings of the approximately 110 food vendors & farmers participating in the event, with scrumptious items ranging from organic fruits and vegetables to BBQ, clam chowder, ice cream, and beer. The common thread was that each item had to contain at least one, locally-grown, organic and sustainable ingredient. In addition to food, the attendees were treated to demonstrations of cooking and canning, a butchering contest, film screenings, and a parade of performers, all of whom donated their time for the event. A percentage of the proceeds will benefit the Eat Real Festival’s non-profit partners who promote access to healthy and affordable food, entrepreneurship and economic development. www.eatrealfest.com

The Crucible - Fire and Light Soiree 2009

The bidding was fast and furious at The Crucible’s Fire & Light Soirée on July 18 where fire-arts lovers could ogle fine art and dine on fine food. The Saturday night event was one of the many highlights of the ninth Annual Fire Arts Festival, a four days celebration of the industrial and fire arts. This yea’s event drew 12,000 pyro fans who could witness dozens of combustible fire arts installations and fiery performing groups and troupes. thecrucible.org

Blue and Gold Rush Cal Band Benefit

The sounds of a 230-strong marching band rang out through the Danville and Alamo hills as the Cal Berkeley Marching Band performed at Round Hill Country Club on Sept. 11 for its annual fund-raiser. Close to 300 guests attended the event, which included both live and silent auctions. Auction items included Cal memorabilia, books signed by illustrious alums and vacation getaways. Proceeds from the event will benefit the marching band. Food and wine was provided by the Cal Alumni Association, Rutherford Wine Company and Young’s Market Company. After dinner, guests could dance to the big band sounds of — you guessed it — the Cal Marching Band. www.calband.berkeley.edu

Urban Wine Experience 2009

Fourteen local wineries — from Adams Point and Andrew Lane to Urban Legend and Urbano Cellars — poured 50 varietals at the Aug. 8 fourth annual Urban Wine Experience, an East Bay Vitner’s Alliance event, at the Jack London Square meadow. East Bay restaurants and food purveyors — from Adagia Restaurant and Bellanico to Whole Foods and Zza’s Trattoria, Enoteca and Catering —joined forces with the vintners for sensational taste sensation. Guest could jam to the sounds of Pan Extasy. eastbayvintners.com

Airport Area Business Association 40th Anniversary

More than 120 members and guests of the Airport Area Business Association mingled amongst F-14 Tomcats and P-51 Mustangs at the Oakland Aviation Museum in celebration of their 40th anniversary on Sept. 10. Food and wines were provided by several Bay Area vintners and catering companies. Geri Whitmore, accompanied by Bay Area Music Awards–nominated Ricardo Scales, provided the musical entertainment, and guests could partake in a raffle featuring getaways to Seattle and the wine country. Proceeds from the fund-raiser will benefit the Oakland Aviation High School at North Field. www.aaba.org

The Art of Living 2009

The Oakland Museum of California was the site for the Jewish Family & Children’s Services of the East Bay’s third annual fund-raiser, The Art of Living. More than 200 guests attended the Sept. 13 food and wine event, the proceeds of which fund mental health and social services. The highlight of the evening was a discussion between humorist Josh Kornbluth and David Biale, professor of Jewish history at UC Davis. www.jfcs-eastbay.org