The 15th annual (can you believe it?) Chefs Market begins May 21 at   5 p.m. on First Street in Napa. The market gets tweaked every year, sometimes a little, such as a change in vendors, and sometimes a lot, like last year’s move to Thursday nights.

One of the changes this year is a big effort to go green. Recycling, and for the first time, composting containers, will be spread throughout the market. If you’re not sure what can be composted and what can’t, don’t worry. Student volunteers from New Tech High will be on hand to show the way. Eventually, all plates, cups and serving utensils used will be compostable. Admittedly, this isn’t the sexiest change the market has seen, but it’s important.

In the “they’ll really like this” category is the addition of wine sampling with the chefs demonstrations. Each night, a featured downtown tasting room will pair a wine with the food being prepared. Samples of the food will again be available for all who watch the demos, as well as wine for everyone 21 or older.

Miss Jenny will be a weekly fixture in the children’s area this year, which should be a huge hit with the younger set. She is a story teller par excellence. She will also singing, providing kids with instruments so they can play along as well as sing along. Scientopia will be on hand opening night, as well as face painters and balloon artists. Kids can climb a rock wall or spend time in the jump house.

Opening night bands include the Time Bandits, Napa’s own Nuclear Blonde, Kurt Ribak, the Michael LaMacchia Trio and Jamie Enrique. And of course, the farmers market, food vendors and artists you love will all be on hand. If you’ve never been to a Chefs Market, make this the year you check it out. Admission is free. Visit www.napadowntown.com for all the details.

If you like

good music …

Headfeathers, at 1330 Third St. (next to the Uptown Theater) probably has the best, and least known, music venue in town. The courtyard behind Headfeathers is a magical, intimate setting that is the perfect place to enjoy music. They have just announced the 10th season of “Music in the Courtyard.”  Opening with Cajun/zydeco and ending with swamp gospel, there will be plenty of great blues in the middle. Visit www.headfeathers.com and listen to and watch the bands perform. Tickets may be purchased at Headfeathers. Cash or checks, please.

That girl can sing!

Kellie “Kellie in the Morning” Fuller will appear at Silo’s, Napa’s hottest new downtown nightclub, performing cabaret-style jazz and R&B with acclaimed jazz pianist Mike Greensill. She may be just another pretty face, rather, voice in the morning, but — Kellie can sing. Wednesday, 7 to 9 p.m. at Silo’s. Cover charge is $5. Wednesday also kicks off the new “Locals’ Night” with two-for-one entry (cover) and $5 glasses of wine. Silo’s is at 500 Main St. near the Napa River Inn at the historic Napa Mill.

See you downtown!

Smith is the executive director of the Napa Downtown Association. He can be reached at 257-0322 or craig@napadowntown.com.