From the waves to the redwoods, it's all happening here.

Hey Fishhook Fans, We will be rocking the Free Santa Cruz Wharf Summer Tuesday Night Live at the Wharf Commons stage on Tuesday, August 11th! This outdoor festival is free and open to all ages! If you have never been there, then expect a treat! It's an absolutely beautiful location with panoramic views of Monterey Bay, and the sunsets are not to be missed! Don't miss it! As you may know, we are the band that does not let up on the gas! Hear all your favorite songs "leveled up" the FISHHOOK way! You know we deliver the best Rock and Roll in town. Location: 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA Let's Party! And bring your friends too. The show starts at 6:00 PM and ends at 8:00 PM.

Henry Kaiser, Bob Bralove, John Hanrahan, Jennifer Burnes, Nathan Moore

Gaw Vang Williams is a vocalist and educator from Sacramento, California. She became the director of the vocal jazz program at Sacramento State University in 2014, where she earned her Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies and Master of Music in Voice Performance. She began teaching in 2004, serving as a music instructor at various high schools and music organizations. In Dynamics & Tone for Vocal Storytelling, Williams will lead participants through the exploration of different vocal tones, and demonstrate how storytelling naturally shapes vocal dynamics. Williams is a sought-after clinician and adjudicator for festivals and workshops throughout the United States. She currently serves as the President of the California Alliance for Jazz and is the vocal jazz traveling clinician for the Monterey Jazz Festival. Can’t make it in-person? You can stream it! Click here to register.

Free live music every Tuesday night with the Del Mar Trio at Callahan's in Santa Cruz.

Dance for Parkinson’s at Motion Pacific is a class for people with Parkinson’s Disease and their caretakers. The class is based on the innovative and internationally renowned Dance for PD® program designed by the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group. Trained Dance for Parkinson’s teachers use prompts and multiple dance styles to inspire movement, creative expression, and community. Dancers may sit in a chair, use a barre, or stand. Dance for Parkinson’s at Motion Pacific is open and free to the public. Classes are appropriate for anyone with Parkinson’s, no matter how advanced. Movement modifications will be made available and there is no dance experience required. Dance for Parkinson’s is offered every Wednesday from 1:00pm to 2:15pm, with the exception of the first Wednesday of the month, during which class is not held. Classes are offered in-person, in the Lobby at The 418 Project.

A weekly beginning hip hop house dance class. Participants will learn foundational movements, rhythms, and combinations in a structured, studio setting.

Sometimes, musical prodigies pop up in unlikely places. John-Roberts made his first TV appearance at 13-years-old on The Ellen Show. The last two years have been locked in at warped speed and John-Robert is traveling the stages of the world. Playing traditional folk and Appalachian country and peppering it with the vernacular of the 21st Century, the songs range from stripped down ballads into sonic explorations. This isn’t the Cosmic Cowboy of The Burrito Brothers, but more the cool Lyle Lovett of younger years. John-Roberts makes it all his own with vocals that crackle and sparkle. With Maryland singer/songwriter MyKey. -DNA; Good Times Santa Cruz

Angelo De Augustine returns with Angel in Plainclothes, his fifth album and most inspired work yet—a deeply felt rendering of his multi-year journey of healing and renewal. The record showcases De Augustine’s powerful melodies and poignant lyrics across tracks like the haunting elegy “Empty Shell,” the hopeful “Spirit of the Unknown,” and standout psychedelic country piece “Mirror Mirror.” Themes explore life’s fragility, second chances, and picking up the pieces after an undiagnosed illness forced him to re-learn basic abilities: “I’m trying to figure out who I am now,” De Augustine says. “I feel like I may have been given a second chance at life, and I’d like to live it.” Angelo De Augustine Website (((folkYEAH!))) Website info/tickets/questions: [email protected]

Moes Alley presents the versatile and formidable bluesman, Davy Knowles! Wednesday, August 12, 2026Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm$30 in advance / $35 day of the show21+* No Refunds | All sales are final* Avoid scammers! Only purchase tickets from moesalley.com or ticketweb.com* Tickets requested by email will be delivered 3 days prior to the event* Will Call tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event====DAVY KNOWLESWhether playing acoustic, mandolin, national steel, or screaming electric guitar, Davy Knowles has an unmistakable style.Since bursting on to the scene with his band Back Door Slams critically acclaimed album Roll Away in 2007 (I heard the spirit of Jimi Hendrix Patrick McDonald - Seattle Times), Davys star has only risen. His sophomore release Coming Up For Air was produced by the legendary Peter Frampton (Davy already has a recognizable style. Hes definitely the gunslinger guitarist of the 21st century,- Peter Frampton), with subsequent tours seeing him supporting and sharing the stage with acts such as Jeff Beck, The Who, Joe Bonamassa, Kid Rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd, George Thorogood, Brian Setzer, the Sammy Hagar-fronted supergroup Chickenfoot, and guitar hero Joe Satriani who called Davy My favorite modern Bluesman. Knowles has several top-5 Billboard Blues charting albums under his belt, high profile TV appearances (Jimmy Kimmel Live and CBS Good Morning America among others), and has been praised with high accolades from heroes and press alike - but its not just the music industry who has taken note. Knowles was also the very first artist in history to perform live to the International Space Station directly from mission control in Houston TX, and has had his music taken to the Space Station by two astronauts, Nicole Stott and Ron Garan, on their missions orbiting Earth.Never one to be satisfied or to sit still, Knowles has explored multiple genres and styles, from the hard-hitting 70s classic rock influenced album Three Miles From Avalon, to

5:30-7:30pm Northern California songwriter Aaron Blyth is a little bit everything. Raised on the beaches of Hawaii and in the Mountains of the Pacific Northwest, his music is as diverse and eclectic as his background. Pulling from strong influences of Folk, Rock, Blues and Funk, this singer/songwriter blends his favorite flavors into a uniquely energetic sound. From his days of playing Tom Petty covers at bonfire parties in high school, to playing with his band Soul Plain in college, Aaron has been spreading his music around California for the last 12 years. The music has a positive message and energy that is both sonically simple yet lyrically deep.

Join us at Bargetto Winery in Soquel on Thursday evenings for Live Music and Wine! 6-8PM No cover charge. Wine by-the-glass for purchase. Food will be available for purchase. Open seating, no reservations required. No outside food is permitted. For more info please call: (831) 475-2258

We are a 5-piece group led by LA-based guitarist and vocalist Ladi Oyediran, with the rest of us in Dallas: myself, Kayla Scales on keyboard and vocals, backed by Jelen Farrow on drums, Aaron Payton on bass, and Rafael Powell on saxophone. Our set can be an hour of originals up to two hours, including covers from SZA and Rex Orange County. We make R&B, Rock, and Soul for fans of The Internet and Steve Lacy.

Free jazz nights every other Thursday at Abbott Square Market. All ages welcome to enjoy local jazz artists in an outdoor plaza setting.

To say that singer Marina Crouse is a jazz musician is technically true. However, it’s also a vast understatement of her talents. This Bay Area musician can sing the poetry of jazz, the emotions of the blues and the romance of traditional Mexican boleros. Her 2022 album Canto de Mi Corazon (Song of my Heart) is a testament to that. It’s her first all-Spanish album and it dares anyone with ears not to shed a tear at least once while listening. It’s beautiful, sad, ecstatic, and timeless, much like the artist herself. This evening, be prepared for a true Bay Area gem. -Mat Weir; Good Times Santa Cruz

Friday, 3:30 PM - with Pattie Gilbert

Free summer block party in Midtown Santa Cruz featuring live music, food trucks, local artists, makers, and family fun.

5:30-7:30pm Harpin' and Clark are Jon Troutner and Peter Clark. They are a guitar and harmonica duo playing Americana, jazz, blues, ragtime, country and folk. Mixing carefully selected traditional and popular tunes with original songs, their combination of chromatic and blues harmonica and fingerstyle guitar provides a uniquely listenable musical experience. Jon and Peter have been developing their craft and entertaining Santa Cruz audiences for over forty years.

Brian Fitzgerald Jazz Trio

Rebecca Coupe Franks / Trumpet Nancy Heth / Vocals and Piano

When it comes to the underground hip hop greats, there are several lists one can compile, but all would include Atmosphere. Formed in 1996 by rapper Slug and DJ Ant in Minneapolis, Atmosphere has been dropping bars, knowledge and beats to hip hop lovers throughout the world. They were part of the original collective that would later form Rhymesayers record label, which would later sign acts like Living Legends, Murs, Aesop Rock, Brother Ali, Evidence, and Dilated Peoples. To see them is a blessing, but to see Atmosphere with the Bay’s The Pharcyde, DJ Abilities, Abstract Rude, and Plain Ole Bill is one night people will be talking about for years to come. -Mat Weir; Good Times Santa Cruz

Stax Johnson is an independent rock and blues artist based out of California's Central Coast. With B3 hammond organs coupled with smooth guitar licks and deep rooted back beats, he transcends musical genres while incorporating pieces of the blues, rock and roll, and soul into a style all his own. Stax Johnson and his band have performed at various festivals and venues across the U.S. with artists that include Robbie Krieger of The Doors, Chris Isaak, Leon Russell, The Pointer Sisters, The Guess Who, John Mayall, Charlie Musselwhite, Ratt, Greg Kihn, Blues Traveler, Y&T, and The Blue Oyster Cult. Stax Johnson & Company includes Manny Castro(bass guitar and vocals), Robbie Bohn (lead guitar and vocals), Brad Burchell (drums), and Stax Johnson(guitar, keys, vocals, and harmonica).

Death & Saxes is Santa Cruz’s premier straight-ahead jazz quartet. Founded by saxophonist John Bouwsma, a Santa Cruz native and Kuumbwa education program alum, Death & Saxes interprets standards and classic jazz compositions as well as original songs and arrangements. Behind Bouwsma’s tenor is a rhythm section of Alameda’s own Harrison Brand on guitar, as well as longtime Santa Cruz jazz veterans Jamie Brudnick on upright bass, and Ben Sibley on drums. Together, Death & Saxes consistently creates exciting performances with dynamic solos, creative musical conversations, and incorporating a wide variety of musical styles. Full Court Press is a “nuclear fusion band” formed in Santa Cruz, mixing jazz with rock, funk, and beyond for their electrifying sets. Death & Saxes Full Court Press (Ticket Includes 5% City of Santa Cruz Admission Tax)

A concert from the John Michael Band.

Moes Alley presents Bay Area funk-fusion collective Afrolicious!Friday, August 14, 2026Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm$20 in advance / $25 day of the show21+ * No Refunds | All sales are final* Avoid scammers! Only purchase tickets from moesalley.com or ticketweb.com* Tickets requested by email will be delivered 3 days prior to the event* Will Call tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event====AFROLICIOUSThe Afrolicious live experience is, in a nutshell, a joyous and raucous celebration of life. The Afrolicious sound combines inspiring lyrics, funky bass lines, and a powerful horn section while retaining the soul and feel of classic funk, disco, Latin, and Afrobeat melodies. Audiences looking to dance, be inspired, or celebrate life have found Afrolicious as their perfect conduit.Afrolicious is a band custom fit for this moment when joy and unity are needed more than ever. The genuine passion, love, funk and energy at an Afrolicious event is something folks feel long after the event is over. It is a kind of feeling one wants to go out and spread around because it feels so good! Afrolicious is ready to be a part of that healing and uplifting energy the people need as we all emerge from a truly difficult and challenging time.

Zen Meditation. Open to all. Free of charge.

Adults need playtime, too! Come play some new or old favorite tabletop games. Bring your favorite board game or play some of Lancelot's games. No prior gaming experience is necessary. This program is for adults 18+. We will meet every first and third Saturday of the month in the Barbara Gorson Multipurpose Room at the Capitola Branch Library.

2:00-4:00pm Special Afternoon Show! Based out of New Orleans, LA, The Silver Lining Serenaders play traditional jazz and swing as well as Western swing and jug band music. Bringing harmonies and fresh arrangements to tunes from the first half of the 20th century.

5:30-7:30pm Live music in the Beer Garden from local singer/songwriter & surfboard crafter, Ashley Lloyd + Special Guests - every 3rd Saturday!

Somewhere in-between the tropical lounges of 1930s Los Angeles and the honky tonk beer joints of rural 1950s California, you'll find Poi Rogers. Hailing from Santa Cruz, CA, the duo performs vintage country & cowboy music, Hawaiian steel guitar ballads and trail songs. Gerard Egan and Carolyn Sills are both inductees into the Sacramento Western Swing Hall of Fame, and Carolyn is the current Academy of Western Artists Western Swing Female Vocalist of the Year. They front the award winning five piece band, The Carolyn Sills Combo, which has released three albums to date. Poi Rogers features Gerard doubling on standard guitar and his 1954 Fender triple neck steel guitar with Carolyn on standup bass, their timeless harmonies anchoring the show.

Ani DiFranco was indie before it was cool. The New York-born singer-songwriter was an independent artist before it was practical for most. But DiFranco has always done things her way, with artistic principle rather than profit as a foundational goal. She’s a hero to her legion of fans both for her outside-the-machinery approach to her art as well as her dedicated activism, and of course her emotionally direct lyrics. With two dozen studio albums (and even more live releases) to her credit, DiFranco has a deep catalog from which to draw at her lively, engaging shows. Valerie June opens. -Bill Kopp; Good Times Santa Cruz

The Musers are the rascal Megan McLaughlin, bass sage Tom Kuhn, and lilting Leslie Jackson. Together they provide a safe space to get goofy. The Musers harken back to The Banana Slug String Band and even farther back to The New Zoo Revue. But instead of Freddie, Henrietta and Charlie, it’s Megan, Tom and Leslie. The Musers intentionally seek a playful level of songwriting and engagement with the audience. The Musers are a great palate cleanser, like a mouthful of lime sorbet to replace the banter of monkey chatter that takes up our days. Time to expand your joy with music. -DNA; Good Times Santa Cruz

The Musers (self)

Pull up a bar stool for 3rd Saturday evenings in the Beer Garden with local singer/songwriter & surfboard shaper Ashley Lloyd + special guests!

The RIO Theatre Hosts a live concert performance featuring SNAIL on Saturday August 15th 2026. 8 PM. Doors open at 7:00 PM.

Penny & Sparrow at Felton Music Hall Saturday, August 15th 2026 21+ / 7pm Doors / 8pm Show Tickets: www.prekindle.com/promo/id/-2852527949150809829

Moes Alley Presents El Sol - Salsa and Latin Music Dance Night! Show date: Saturday, August 15, 20268pm doors / 8:30pm dance lesson / 9pm show$15 in advance / $20 day of the show21+* No Refunds | All sales are final* Avoid scammers! Only purchase tickets from moesalley.com or ticketweb.com* Tickets requested by email will be delivered 3 days prior to the event* Will Call tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event====EL SOLEl Sol is a 10-piece band devoted to Salsa music - especially Salsa Dura NY-style. We play original arrangements of classic 70s songs from Eddie Palmieri, Ray Barretto, and Willie Colon as well as Latin standards. Our two singers, two trombones, flute, bongo, conga, timbale, keyboards and bass create an infectious groove that will bring you to the dance floor.

Everyone is invited to the International Musical Saw Festival! The festival begins at 10 am Sunday, August 16, at Roaring Camp in Felton, California. The world’s greatest saw players will join other acoustic musicians in a variety of musical performances. You’ll hear bluegrass, country, folk, gospel, blues, classical works, and show tunes throughout the day. The highlight of the festival is the musical saw contest, which takes place from 11:00 PM – 1:00 PM. All saw players are invited to compete in the contest. The presentation of awards takes place at 3:00 PM, followed by the chorus of saws, when up to 30 saw players play together. This one-of-a-kind event is free and fun for the whole family. You can wander the marvelous grounds of Roaring Camp, see live steam trains, eat, and listen to the wonderful sounds of the musical saw. Whether you’re a musician, a fan of music, or just a fan of the unusual, this special event is for you. For more information, check out www.sawplayers.org.

Broken Compass Bluegrass is leading the way in the contemporary bluegrass revival, combining tradition with innovation in a way that appeals to both longtime fans and new listeners alike. Their live performances are characterized by tight harmonies, truly impressive solos, and an undeniable joy that permeates with every note they play. The band's repertoire includes numerous original compositions as well as fresh takes on timeless classics, all delivered with their own distinctive style. From the moment they take the stage, it's clear that Broken Compass Bluegrass is something different. Their energy is palpable as they weave intricate melodies and harmonize with ease, creating a wall of sound that transports fans to a place where tradition meets innovation. Whether you're a die-hard bluegrass aficionado or just looking for some foot-stomping fun, Broken Compass Bluegrass is sure to leave you spellbound and inspired. SPECIAL GUESTS: Diggin’ Trails and Blue Dream Bluegrass ft. Dan Robbins Diggin' Trails occupies a rare and vital corner of the Americana landscape — where banjo meets punk energy, and country twang collides with rock 'n' roll grit. Frontman John Dodds grew up playing punk rock and electric instruments, and that DNA runs through everything the band makes. The result is music with roots that go deep and edges that cut. Blue Dream is a lean, mean Santa Cruz trio that makes folk funk and bluegrass rock. The band includes David Cameron on guitar, Dan Robbins on bass, and Neal Curran on mandolin. Bringing a unique flavor to both familiar and original tunes, Blue Dream delivers high energy, solid grooves at every performance. Blue Dream is known for picking hot musical pockets that keep good times rolling and listeners moving. Crowds are dazzled when Blue Dream sizzles. $30 TICKET LINK

The Olive Tree is a poetry mic and public gathering space hosted by local poet Gabriel Kittle-Cervine. This monthly event seeks to honor the deeply rooted tradition of spoken word poetry in Santa Cruz, while uplifting the emerging voices of today. Each monthly event includes a free writing workshop, poetry open mic, and a featured reader at the end, highlighting new publications from local writers, as well as the works of touring poets. @ The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, every 3rd Sunday afternoon! 2:30 - Free Workshop; 3:30 - Sign Ups, 4:00 - Open Mic, 5:00ish - Featured Poet Informed by previous public offerings like The Word Church, Kinetic Poetics Project, Poetry Santa Cruz, among others, this space is intended to create a new opportunity for local poets of all ages and cultural backgrounds to express themselves honestly and emphatically on a public stage. This is a room for honesty, accountability, and radical co-existence; through the practice of telling our truth, and being able to hold the truth of others, we seek to build our sense of community. All vinyl house music. 10$ suggested entry donation. 4 minutes per poet. Follow @olivetreepoetrymic on Instagram to learn more, and we hope to see you there!

Kick back in the Discretion Brewing carport for some live entertainment by local artist Junebug who delivers high quality, nostalgic tunes backed by guitar, harmonica, and a touch of kazoo

Sing your heart out! We will start at 3pm....ends when the cops show up or when I throw in the towel....No way you can be too late to get into the rotation.....We use Karafun, so the artists who own the songs get paid ROYALTIES via BMI or ASCAP. Venmo & TIP JAR FOR THE KJ. Beer and Wine , Bar Food Menu. Plenty of free parking.

community singing & songs for hope, resilience & connection

Moes Alley presents legendary group The Blue Project touring behind their latest album, LIVE 2025, featuring Roy Blumenfeld, David Aguilar, Mark Newman, Ken Clark and Tim Eschliman!Sunday, August 16, 2026Doors: 3pm / Show: 4pm$25 in advance / $30 day of the show21+ * All sales are final* Avoid scammers! Only purchase tickets from moesalley.com or ticketweb.com* Tickets requested by email will be delivered 3 days prior to the event* Will Call tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event====THE BLUES PROJECTBack in the good ol days, adjectives such as unique, genuine, influential, innovative, exciting, dynamic, incandescent, and trail-blazing, were often used by peers and music critics to describe the sounds of the Blues Project, arguably the greatest relatively unsung American rock band of the swinging 60s.In the fall of 1965, The Blues Project played alongside the likes of Big Joe Williams, Son House, Bukka White, Skip James, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters and Otis Spann, to name a few. It was these legendary sold-out performances at the famed Cafe Au Go Go in Greenwich Village that eventually led to the release of their phenomenal debut album, Live at the Cafe Au Go Go. The Blues Project made a musical revolution, turning many people on to the American blues heritage.

The Musers Band from Sonoma County. Soaring harmonies, original songs, hot picking.

Surf rock traces its roots back to Southern California in the late ’50s and early 1960s. Country and western has a much lengthier pedigree. Honolulu’s Twin Fin draws proudly from both of those musical traditions, finding additional inspiration in pop of the ’60s and more modern sources like ’90s alternative rock. Combining those varied textures into an original blend, the group began releasing singles in 2022. A pair of EPs followed: 2023’s Bandaid and Saint of Summer in 2024. After that, it was back to singles, and in 2026 Twin Fin recorded another EP, the playfully-titled Songs I Never Wrote. Circle Change opens. -Bill Kopp; Good Times Santa Cruz

It's Monday Open Mic at the Ugly Mug! Sign ups at 5p Beer, Espresso Drinks and Desserts available

you Are A Star! Come share what you love · what you are working on Every Monday 5pm - 8pm · Lottery signups begin @5:15 One 5 minute song or two 3 minute songs We welcome: Poetry · Spoken Word · Music · Originals & Covers Hosted by SteveV Beer, Coffee, Tea and Cafe Snacks are always available. Non-performers are always welcomed & Appreciated We Cannot Wait to see you!

Led by Jazz Mafia co-founders Adam Theis and Eric Garland, this special concert celebrates more than twenty five years of the collective’s futuristic jazz roots. The program revisits the music that shaped Jazz Mafia’s identity in its earliest days, drawing from the first five years of the project’s evolution from 2000 to 2005. Featuring material connected to early projects such as Realistic Orchestra, Shotgun Wedding Quintet, and other formative ensembles, the performance reconnects with the sounds that helped define the collective’s foundation. Expect adventurous compositions, layered grooves, and inventive improvisation, with surprise guests appearing from across the Jazz Mafia musical family. Jazz Mafia – 25th Anniversary Retrospective will feature Mike Olmos on trumpet, Dan White on alto and baritone saxophones, Tommy Occhiuto on tenor sax, Theis on trombone, Colin Hogan on keys, Sam Bevan on upright bass, Garland on drums, and special guest special guest Dublin on vocals.

A recurring karaoke night held on the first and third Tuesdays at The 418 Project. Grab the mic and sing your favorite songs in a casual, welcoming setting.

Free live music every Tuesday night with the Del Mar Trio at Callahan's in Santa Cruz.

Dance for Parkinson’s at Motion Pacific is a class for people with Parkinson’s Disease and their caretakers. The class is based on the innovative and internationally renowned Dance for PD® program designed by the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group. Trained Dance for Parkinson’s teachers use prompts and multiple dance styles to inspire movement, creative expression, and community. Dancers may sit in a chair, use a barre, or stand. Dance for Parkinson’s at Motion Pacific is open and free to the public. Classes are appropriate for anyone with Parkinson’s, no matter how advanced. Movement modifications will be made available and there is no dance experience required. Dance for Parkinson’s is offered every Wednesday from 1:00pm to 2:15pm, with the exception of the first Wednesday of the month, during which class is not held. Classes are offered in-person, in the Lobby at The 418 Project.

A weekly beginning hip hop house dance class. Participants will learn foundational movements, rhythms, and combinations in a structured, studio setting.

The juncos & Ship of thieves

August Piano Bundle! Purchase a ticket to both the Bill O’Connell Trio (8/19) and the Jon Dryden Quartet (8/20) and receive 25% off – discount will be implemented at checkout. ––– The piano-led Bill O’Connell Trio on this concert date features three acclaimed and lyrical instrumentalists. Pianist Bill O’Connell has been called “nothing short of a national treasure”, “a master of the broadest spectrum of musical styles, a giant of modern jazz”, and “a colossus of musical dignity and improvisational authority,” by jazz critics. Lauded by DownBeat Magazine as “an inspired hybridizer of modernist jazz,” O’Connell has released eighteen albums as a bandleader. The GRAMMY-nominated O’Connell is a Steinway artist and four-time recipient of the coveted “Jazz Writer of the Year” award from SESAC. Oakland-born bassist, composer, author, and educator Lincoln Goines has distinguished himself as one of the premier bassists of his generation. A mainstay of the New York City jazz, Latin, and studio scenes for over four decades and noted for versatility and fluid style, his resume reads like a who’s who of the pop, jazz and Latin world, including appearances and recordings with Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Gato Barbieri, Carly Simon, Mike Stern, Dave Grusin, Paquito D’Rivera, and many more. Drummer Jon Krosnick has been a mainstay of the San Francisco Bay Area jazz scene for more than twenty years, performing with his group, Charged Particles, as well as the nine-piece Latin jazz group, The Lunar Octet. He has performed with pianist Chick Corea, bassist John Patitucci, trumpeter Randy Brecker, reed player Paul McCandless, saxophonist Kristen Strom, and many more. Bill O’Connell Website Lincoln Goines Website (Ticket Includes 5% City of Santa Cruz Admission Tax)

Western Wednesday is on the horizon and its comin in hot! Weve got Deke Dickerson and The Whippersnappers with Geoffrey Miller! Wednesday, August 19, 2026Doors: 7pm / Two-step Lesson: 7:30pm / Show: 8pm$15 in advance / $20 day of the show21+* No Refunds | All sales are final* Avoid scammers! Only purchase tickets from moesalley.com or ticketweb.com* Tickets requested by email will be delivered 3 days prior to the event* Will Call tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event==== DEKE DICKERSON AND THE WHIPPERSNAPPERSDeke Dickerson has devoted his long career to keeping Americas roots music alive while interjecting new creativity into genres of music that flourished in decades previous. Dickerson is 52 years old and has been carrying the torch since he was 13, playing in his first rockabilly band in his hometown of Columbia, Missouri. He moved to Los Angeles at the age of 22 and proceeded to found his primary band, Deke Dickerson and the Ecco-Fonics, his newest group, Deke Dickerson and the Whippersnappers, as well as several side projects.Dickerson has provided rootsy music for a slew of television shows and movie projects, including scoring the music for a Paramount Pictures film starring Johnny Knoxville, Action Point.Dickerson has his own signature guitar, manufactured by the Hallmark Guitar Company of Maryland.Dickerson is currently writing the official biography of guitar legend Merle Travis. He also writes for several guitar magazines and had two books published by Voyageur Press, The Strat in the Attic and The Strat in the Attic 2. Dickerson is well known as a historian of roots music and regularly contributes liner notes to reissue projects for such labels as Capitol, RCA, Bear Family, and Sundazed.GEOFFREY MILLERMiller grew up breathing the air of country and oldies AM radio and listening to Waylon, Willie, and Hank Jr. cassettes in the dash of his adoptive father Vern Millers work truck. Echos of Bakersfield, Californias Nashville West, rev

We are thrilled to return for our monthly SANTA CRUZ SQUARE DANCE ✨! 5:30pm old time tunes jam (bring your instrument!) This event is FREE (but please consider donating to support the band!)

Join us at Bargetto Winery in Soquel on Thursday evenings for Live Music and Wine! 6-8PM No cover charge. Wine by-the-glass for purchase. Food will be available for purchase. Open seating, no reservations required. No outside food is permitted. For more info please call: (831) 475-2258

August Piano Bundle! Purchase a ticket to both the Bill O’Connell Trio (8/19) and the Jon Dryden Quartet (8/20) and receive 25% off – discount will be implemented at checkout. ––– Jon Dryden is a pianist, keyboardist, and composer currently residing in Northern California. He graduated from the Berklee College of Music and moved to Brooklyn, NY, where he spent nineteen years as a professional musician. He has performed or recorded with Norah Jones, David Byrne, Regina Carter, Lenny White, Paula Cole, Madeline Peyroux, Sara Ramirez, and many others. He has released two piano trio albums, both recorded in New York: Memento Mori (2020) and Trio (2022). Trio was produced by GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter Jesse Harris. His next release Some of My Lies Are True will be released in June 2026. Dryden is currently an adjunct professor and lecturer of jazz studies at San Jose State University and Santa Clara University. Dryden is also the author of two books: Reading Lead Sheets and The Pro Keyboardist’s Handbook, both published by Alfred Music. He performs regularly in Northern California, New York, and Europe. The Jon Dryden Quartet will feature special guest vocalist, Sami Stevens. Sponsored by Kenneth Koenig & Lisa Rose (Ticket Includes 5% City of Santa Cruz Admission Tax)

Ship of thieves (+?)

A live concert featuring Ruth Garbus, Plankton Wat, and Village of Spaces, blending indie rock and alternative sounds.

Purchase tickets here Show 8pm // 21+ ***This is a standing room general admissions show. There will be a limited number of chairs located in the back of the concert hall. Seating will be first come first served. Bar and food will be open at 5pm.

Moes Alley and Ay Que Linda presents Samory I & The Wise Dem Band with special guest Blakkamoore plus DJ Robert Rankin!Thursday, August 20, 2026Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm$25 in advance / $30 day of the show21+* All sales are final* Avoid scammers! Only purchase tickets from moesalley.com or ticketweb.com* Tickets requested by email will be delivered 3 days prior to the event* Will Call tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event======SAMORY ISamory I is a Jamaican roots reggae artist known for his powerful voice, conscious lyricism, and emotionally grounded songwriting. Blending classic reggae foundations with a modern global sensibility, his music speaks to strength, identity, spirituality, and everyday humanity. Emerging as one of the most respected voices in contemporary reggae, Samory I has built a catalog rooted in authenticity and purpose. His work reflects personal growth and cultural awareness while remaining relevant to todays global audience. THE WISE DEM BANDBased out of Humboldt County and founded by Bassist /Dj Sarge OneWise, theWisedem Band is a quartet and one of the few premier backing Reggae Bands in Northern CA. Guitarist Gueren White, a.k.a Gman and keybordist Alex Antonio have over 20 years experience in Reggae music as founding members of Woven Roots. Bassist, Sarge and drummer Alex Litsinger met in the mid 90s backing local Reggae star Ishi Dube in the Humboldt County based band Massagana. Wisedem Band is known for releasing original Dub music, instrumentals or riddims and backing various Artist for a live stage show. Between the four of them they have backed numerous international artists, such as Blakkamoore, Chuck Fenda, Charly Black, Army, Ras Attitude, Shinehead, Don Carlos, Sizzla, BLVK H3RO, and moreBLAKKAMOOREBorn in Georgetown, Guyana and raised in Brooklyn, NY, (Jahdan) Blakkamoore has long made a name for himself as a gifted and inspiring Reggae/Dancehall/Hip Hop/Dubstep artist both nationally and internationally.His mu

Free summer block party in Midtown Santa Cruz featuring live music, food trucks, local artists, makers, and family fun.

WoodMill performs live at Discretion Brewing. Acoustic duo.

Unwind at the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park with an old-fashioned campfire event this summer! From 5:30-8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, visitors can enjoy a campfire at the state historic park, listen to live music and make fresh tortillas on the comal! Visitors are also welcome to bring their own food for an evening picnic and listen to the musical guest. The event is free and the state park is located at 144 School St Santa Cruz CA 95060.

Friday, 5:30 PM - Performing with "WOODMILL"

An outdoor music event held in the plaza, offering a chance to enjoy live performance in downtown Watsonville.

Every first and third Fridays at Cat Alley Street, our beat conductors take you on a high-style ride showcasing underground street sounds- Brought to you by Subterrestrials Records. Doors and Bar open at 6pm, Music at 9pm. No Cover, 21+

Rebecca Coupe Franks / Trumpet Nancy Heth / Vocals and Piano

Bean creek bluegrass (fc)

Back by Popular Demand… Six-time Las Vegas Headliner of the Year Frankie Moreno returns to Santa Cruz following his sold-out homecoming performance in May, bringing his electrifying TRIO show back to the Kuumbwa Jazz Center. Born and raised in Santa Cruz, Frankie’s musical journey began here – long before the awards, chart-topping hits, and sold-out theaters around the world. The community that first nurtured his love of music remains at the heart of everything he does. With millions of records sold worldwide and a record-breaking 124 #1 singles on the iTunes charts, Frankie returns home joined by his brother Tony Moreno on bass and his son Giovanni Moreno on drums. Together, the Moreno Trio will deliver an unforgettable night of fan favorites, fresh arrangements, and the undeniable chemistry that only family can create. Following the official proclamation of Frankie Moreno Day in Santa Cruz, Frankie and the Trio are on the heels of their brand new trio album and an international tour. One hometown. One family. One unforgettable night of Music. Frankie Moreno Website info/tickets/questions: 314-518-1385‬ | [email protected]

Rushadicus the Infamous Cello Goblín is a post-medieval metal jester of otherdimensional glee who prefers precarious perches to dazzle and delight. With mystical language of Sneth and textural noise-based birdstudied kazoo, it causes a romping nonsense catharsis party of weird wiggly wizardry: a "bejickment" for the brave, the curious, and the wild of mynde... All ages. Tickets available at door day of show.

Purchase tickets here Show 8pm // 21+ ***This is a standing room general admissions show. There will be a limited number of chairs located in the back of the concert hall. Seating will be first come first served. Bar and food will be open at 5pm.

Moes Alley presents Colemine Records recording artists The Charities with special guest Mae Powell! Friday, August 21, 2026Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm$20 in advance / $25 day of the show21+* No Refunds | All sales are final* Avoid scammers! Only purchase tickets from moesalley.com or ticketweb.com* Tickets requested by email will be delivered 3 days prior to the event* Will Call tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event====THE CHARITIESThe Charities are a West Coast band that blends soul, funk, and jazz. With a tight rhythm section, smooth melodies, and crisp background vocals, their music captures diverse influences while staying grounded in a modern style. The bands sound reflects the energy of Southern California, offering a dynamic, straight-ahead approach to music that emphasizes authenticity.Their latest release, Fatal Attraction (out on Colemine Records), is a piercing take on loves dangers. Written from a dream by frontman Brock Van Pelt and brought to life by Anthony Masino at Penrose Records, it channels the nostalgic charm of the oldies while pushing classic soul into new territory. Its a song that feels like a lost relic, one you swear youve heard before but could never quite place.MAE POWELLMae Powell is a San Francisco based singer songwriter with a rainbow tinged timeless sound. She released her sophomore album Making Room For the Light on this year on Colemine Records. Its an indie folk record that grapples with love, friendship, and loss, with deeply personal yet universal lyrics. You can find Mae singing jazz, spinning vinyl, or playing her original music with her band made up of her very best friends.

Zen Meditation. Open to all. Free of charge.

The Boulder Creek Volunteer Fire Department holds its annual Summer BBQ Dinner & Dance on Saturday, August 22. Firefighters serve a tri-tip and chicken dinner in the apparatus bay, and three live bands (Kentucky Mule, Barnstormers, Bootleg Country Band) play out back with dancing until 11 p.m. There's a bounce house and face painting for kids. Tickets are $30 for dinner and dance, free for kids under 5. Proceeds buy rescue and medical equipment for the all-volunteer department. Tickets and details: bcfd.com

5:30-7:30pm THE JAMISSARIES - Featuring Arindam Krishna Das' originals as well as funked-up versions of music they love by the likes of The Grateful Dead, The Beatles, Jefferson Airplane, Cream, Donovan, Joe Cocker, David Bowie, Tenacious D and more… With Arindam on guitar/keys/vocals, Devii Grace DiMarco on violin/vocals, Jonathan Kessler on bass/vocals, Rob Borella on drums/vocals and Alex Bahler on lead guitar, their funky, sweet, sticky, psychedelic Jamz will get your Soul grooving and your body moving!

The Boulder Creek Volunteer Fire Department holds its annual Summer BBQ Dinner & Dance on Saturday, August 22, 5:30 to 11 p.m. at the Boulder Creek Fire Station, 13230 Central Ave. Firefighters serve a tri-tip and chicken dinner in the apparatus bay, and three live bands (Kentucky Mule, Barnstormers, and Bootleg Country Band) play out back with dancing until 11 p.m. There's a bounce house and face painting for kids. Tickets are $30, free for kids under 5, with a $100 family 4-pack available online. Proceeds buy rescue and medical equipment for the all-volunteer department. Tickets and details: bcfd.com

A unique and inspiring evening bringing together cutting-edge science, personal transformation, and the healing power of music. Featuring bestselling author and renowned cell biologist Bruce Lipton, PhD, musician and healing arts educator Lauren Monroe, legendary Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen, and an all-star ensemble including Joshua Ray Gooch, Carey Frank, Rachel Mazer, Dylan Rose, and Matthew Starr. Celebrating the release of Bruce Lipton’s new book, Beyond Darwin, the evening begins with a thought-provoking presentation and audience Q&A exploring human potential, consciousness, biology, and belief. The evening continues with an intimate acoustic performance by Lauren Monroe and her band. Through her magnetic stage experience, Lauren blends music, rhythm, and storytelling to guide audiences into expanded states of awareness, emotional healing, and deeper connection. Following the program, Bruce Lipton will host a book signing for attendees. Lauren Monroe Website info/tickets/questions: [email protected] | 831-288-2287

Rod Stinson is a local Sacramento musician playing reggae-inspired covers and originals.

Purchase tickets here Show 8pm // 21+ ***This is a standing room general admissions show. There will be a limited number of chairs located in the back of the concert hall. Seating will be first come first served. Bar and food will be open at 5pm.

Join Jai Uttal & Friends for an evening of sacred song, where music becomes prayer and chanting opens the heart. With soulful harmonium, a warm guiding voice, and decades devoted to the path of Bhakti, Jai creates a joyful, intimate space of call-and-response kirtan and sacred rhythm. Rooted in the sounds of India, Brazil, and American folk, this concert welcomes everyone—first-time chanters and longtime devotees alike. Come to sing, to listen, to be carried by rhythm, and to experience the deep joy of chanting the Divine Names. A one-of-a-kind evening of devotion, music, and love.

(((folkYEAH!))) presents instrumental psych-rock band from southern California, Earthless with special guests Primitive Ring!Saturday, August 22, 2026Doors: 8pm / Show: 9pm$30 in advance / $34 day of the show21+* Tickets on sale Friday, June12th at 10am PT ** No Refunds | All sales are final* Avoid scammers! Only purchase tickets from moesalley.com or ticketweb.com* Tickets requested by email will be delivered 3 days prior to the event* Will Call tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event====EARTHLESSTheres an ancient Japanese legend in which a horde of demons, ghosts and other terrifying ghouls descend upon the sleeping villages once a year. Known as Hyakki Yagyō, or the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons, one version of the tale states that anyone who witnesses this otherworldly procession will die instantlyor be carried off by the creatures of the night. As a result, the villagers hide in their homes, lest they become victims of these supernatural Invaders.Such is the inspiration for the latest album from Earthless. My son is really into mythical creatures and old folk stories about monsters and ghosts, bassist Mike Eginton explains. We came across the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons in a book of traditional Japanese ghost stories. I like the idea of people hiding and being able to hear the madness but not see it. Its the fear of the unknown.Whereas 2018s Black Heaven featured shorter songs and vocals from guitarist Isaiah Mitchell on much of the albuman unprecedented move for the San Diego power triotheir latest is a return to the epic instrumentals Earthless made their unmistakable name on. Night Parade Of One Hundred Demons is comprised of two monster songsthe 41-minute, two-part title track and the 20-minute Death To The Red Sun.

Sing your heart out! We will start at 3pm....ends when the cops show up or when I throw in the towel....No way you can be too late to get into the rotation.....We use Karafun, so the artists who own the songs get paid ROYALTIES via BMI or ASCAP. Venmo & TIP JAR FOR THE KJ. Beer and Wine , Bar Food Menu. Plenty of free parking.

Moes Alley presents a special outdoor blues matinee featuring Mighty Mike Schermer and Friends 60th Birthday Celebration, with special guests to be announced! Sunday, August 23, 2026Doors: 2pm / Show: 3pm$25 in advance / $30 day of show21+* No Refunds | All sales are final* Avoid scammers! Only purchase tickets from moesalley.com or ticketweb.com* Tickets requested by email will be delivered 3 days prior to the event* Will Call tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event====Mighty Mike SchermerMighty Mike Schermer was a fixture on the Bay Area blues scene for over 20 years when he relocated to Austin TX in 2009 and joined the touring band of swamp-boogie piano legend Marcia Ball. He had carved out a solid solo career, with four critically acclaimed CDs, an award winning single and thousands of performances at festivals and nightclubs the world over. He also became the go to guy sideman for such heavyweights as Elvin Bishop, Maria Muldaur, Angela Strehli, Bonnie Raitt, Howard Tate, Charlie Musselwhite, Sista Monica, Shana Morrison and many, many more. Oh yeswe may be judged by the company we keep, but when the spotlight shines a solo artist also must be able to bring the goods all on his own.

3:00-5:00pm Hunny Pot (Jim Lewin and Diana Z) brings together worlds of folk, rock, Celtic, reggae, bluegrass, Americana and more, featuring Diana's lush vocals, Jim's intricate picking, duet harmonies and a wide variety of songs from various backgrounds.