Monthly wine event set to focus on Black brands

Flint-based creative Jeff Skigh is known for many things, especially if you are talking about the music scene. But in Flint, he is also known for hosting events that bring together some of the city’s most-known artists.

While finalizing plans for his upcoming event, Wine & Rhymes (W&R), and preparing for a flight to a show, Flint Beat contributor Lewis Clay caught up with Skigh for a quick Q&A. 

Flint Beat: What can we look forward to at W&R? 

Skigh: For this version of Wine and Rhymes, we are focusing on one or two artists as opposed to five [or] six, making it more of a small concert vibe. 

Flint Beat: How is W&R different from all the other events you have done? 

Skigh: Wine and Rhymes is more intimate. It’s a small space where all eyes are on you. It really helps hone your stage presence. 

Flint Beat: You’ve been putting on W & R for three years. What is something different about this year? 

Skigh: Wine and Rhymes has been going on for over a year now lol. Almost monthly. But now we are just switching it up, making it about black-owned wine companies and black art. 

Flint Beat: Where did the idea for W&R come from? Where did you get the aspiration from? 

Skigh: The idea came from a need for different events in the city honestly. Me and the host, Alpha Drew, were just throwing names around and that one stuck. 

Flint Beat: Do you have any surprises that might shock people when they attend W&R? 

Skigh: I don’t think they’ll be surprised by anything. Maybe the talent that we bring in and the fact that a lot of people have never had wine from black-owned wine companies. 

Flint Beat: We know you work with a lot of Flint artists. Who can we expect to see at W&R? 

Skigh: I can’t really say who to expect. You’ll just have to come and find out. Like I said, we are pivoting to focus on one [to] two artists. So, there will be a lot of really good talent in the months to come.

Flint Beat: What are some of the black-owned wine companies that will be present for W&R?

Skigh: For this particular one, we will be trying Black Fire Peachie, Black Fire Nectafarious, House of Brown Rosé [and] House of Brown Red Blend.

There are others we will have available that people can try but these are the ones that come with the ticket.

Flint Beat: What is something you want to say to the people who will be attending W&R for the first time?

Skigh: I hope it’s something they can enjoy and want to continue to support.

Wine & Rhymes tasting will be Saturday, Nov.16, 2024, at Queen’s Provisions. There will be two sessions, one from  6 -7:30 p.m. and a second session from  8 – 9:30 p.m. Click here for tickets.