When Edwin McCain and Carl Sobocinski combine their respective masteries of skill in music and the restaurant industry together the result is Euphoria 2015. This is the ultimate festival for those who enjoy sampling great food and wine with the backdrop of tremendous live music. Not only will you be able to sample, but there are seminars and classes so you can improve your knowledge of cooking, music and wine. Euphoria lasts an entire weekend and features events in different locations around Greenville with most events in walking distance from the downtown hotels. Greenville is the perfect location for this type of festival. The picture perfect backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains is accented by the rich culture of the vibrant downtown area. Euphoria is a wonderful way for the city to showcase its booming art and culinary communities. Events linked to Euphoria can be enjoyed on an individual basis by purchasing single tickets or your can go with different ticket packages. A VIP pass is a great way to go because it gives you access to a wide variety of events. I was given the opportunity to interview the Event Director Allie Maietta about the event.
RAL: Tell me about Euphoria 2015?
AM: Euphoria is a four-day food, wine and music festival that takes place September 17th through 20th. We are actually celebrating our 10th Anniversary this year, which is a huge milestone that we are very excited about! With more than 30 events over the course of four days, we bring in 5,000+ attendees coming from over 25 states. All the events at Euphoria are 21-plus except for our family friendly Jazz Brunch on Sunday of the festival weekend. The music is definitely what makes Euphoria different than other festivals - whether it's at a Cooking Demonstration while a Chef is sauteing and a Musician is strumming on a guitar, or at an intimate songwriter's event hearing stories from these highly acclaimed writers, music is spread throughout every event here.
RAL: As a prospective attendee, what can I expect to experience in a typical day at the event?
AM: The best part about Euphoria is that every ticket is all-inclusive. So when you walk in the door, you don't have to worry about a thing! You can eat, drink and listen all day long and not even have to bring your wallet (except for your ID, of course!). Attendees can expect a fun, intimate environment where all of the talent (chefs, musicians, beverage professionals) are accessible and not "behind the velvet rope" per se. Many of our local and visiting talent attend events throughout the weekend and are enjoying themselves too! Events range from large performances out at the Peace Center Amphitheater, a food truck event, cooking demos, Guest Chef dinners, wine seminars, a craft beer garden and much more! There's something for everyone at Euphoria - it's food, wine and music, what's not to love?!
RAL: What is the local lodging situation during the event? Is there any location that you have a partnership with for the event?
AM: The Hyatt Regency in downtown Greenville is our official hotel partner for the festival. What makes the Hyatt truly unique is it's restaurant Roost, which is not at all your typical hotel restaurant. It features a farm-to-table concept highlighting local ingredients and it is definitely worth trying when staying at the Hyatt. In addition to the Hyatt, the Westin Poinsett, the Courtyard Marriott and the Hampton Inn & Suites are all offering hotel/ticket packages for Euphoria which is something new to the 2015 festival.
RAL: How does Euphoria affect the community?
AM: Euphoria seeks to present a first-class, multi-day event for food, wine, and music lovers that raises significant funds for charities while also promoting tourism and enhancing the reputation of Greenville, South Carolina as a premiere culinary and performing arts destination. While Euphoria exposes local, national, and international visitors to the high quality of music and culinary arts being performed in Greenville, South Carolina, it also exists for charities.
Euphoria is organized and presented by Local Boys Do Good (“LBDG”), 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. All net proceeds from Euphoria are distributed by LBDG through direct grants to other charities, mostly in upstate South Carolina. They focus on providing sustenance to those in need (food, hunger, and health), educating (through music, performing arts, or otherwise), or supporting children.
These areas of focus are consistent with the charitable interests of LBDG’s Founding Directors and Board. Since its inception in 2006, LBDG has received more than 150 grant applications and requests. Since that time, Euphoria (and LBDG) have distributed more than $200,000 in cash and in-kind donations to deserving charitable organizations. Euphoria seeks to highlight Greenville and the upstate area by enhancing the community’s reputation as a leading culinary and arts destination.
This Year's Charitable Partners include: Pleasant Valley Connections, Project HOST, United Ministries and the Greenville Youth Orchestra.
For more information please visit the event website.