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SHORTCUTS EVENTS 72 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 4 West End Celebration Brings Sand City to the Streets P int-sized, quirky Sand City (population 342) is a hotbed of the arts. All manner of artists live and work here, snuggled between the town of Seaside and the ocean. For one week in August, they strut their stuff during the West End Celebration. A "celebration of the arts of every genre," the festival honestly offers something for everyone. Many resident artists open their doors, affording a rare glimpse of the creative process. Others display their work in booth after booth sited amid food, beer, wine and beverage kiosks. Music is a big part of the mix as well. One part of longtime Monterey County music impresario Steve Vagnini's job as event manag- er is programming the entertainment. "West End is the best free music event in the area," he says. This year's lineup is topped by two pre-eminent blues guitarists, Chris Cain and "the King of Slydeco," Sonny Landreth. Both perform Saturday on the Independent stage. On Sunday, bands Moses Nose and Everest will rock the Reel to Reel Stage. But the focus is still firmly on the ar t. "This thing started in 2001," says Sand City council member and sculptor Todd Kruper. "Fifty people showed up. Now, this year we have more than 150 artists participating." For the first time, West End will include fash- ion. The "Imagine, Recreate" Fashion Show teams 20 entrants and artists to create gar- ments that reinterpret the work of the artist with which they are paired. "This is a real community event," Vagnini says. "That's why we've chosen Guitars Not Guns music program as a beneficiar y." Guitars Not Guns' mission is "to help prevent vio- lence in schools and on the streets by pro- viding foster kids and at-risk youth with focus and self-actualization." All proceeds from the West End Wine Tasting Pavilion will go to that organization. The 13th Annual West End Celebration launches Friday, August 22nd with a Kick-Off Party featuring singer-songwriter Nina Story and continues through Sunday the 24th. Visit www.westendcelebration.com for a complete schedule. —Michael Chatfield Sonny Landreth is known as a "slide wizard from Louisiana." He performs at the 13th Annual West End Celebration in Sand City on Saturday, August 23rd. Photo: Brian C. Miller Richard