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21 upcoming events ยท Music ยท from 2026-07-26 ยท to 2026-07-26
๐ Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
๐ 12:00 AM โ 11:59 PM ยท See listing
In late July and early August each year, audiences are joined by both preeminent and emerging composers, spectacular guest artists, and an orchestra of dedicated professional musicians from across the globe to give voice to works which are rarely more than a year or two old, and sometimes still wet on the page. The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, even at a seasoned 60 years old, is all about the newโthe here and now of contemporary works for orchestra. To quote Financial Times music critic Allan Ulrich, โโฆin the surf mecca of Santa Cruz, 75 miles south of San Francisco, the Cabrillo Festival has made the contemporary repertoire sound urgent, indispensable and even sexy.โ
๐ Santa Cruz
๐ 12:00 AM ยท See listing
โWe the Dreamers is both an invitation and a responsibilityโ; says Music Director Cristian Mฤcelaru. โAt this historic moment, we are asking how music can help us imagine a more expansive โweโโone that listens deeply, embraces complexity, and dares to hope. These works remind us that dreaming is essential to shaping a more just and connected future.โ The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music presents its 64th season, We the Dreamers, running July 26 through August 9, 2026. Framed by the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this transformative season asks one of the most resonant civic questions of our time: Who is the โweโ of Americaโand who are โweโ still becoming? The answers unfold across four world premiere Festival Commissions, eight West Coast premieres, and two U.S. premieres, brought to life by a dynamic global roster of over 20 composers and an extraordinary array of guest artists. Highlights include the second-ever performance and West Coast premiere of Philip Glassโs Symphony No. 15 Lincoln, which draws on Lincolnโs urgent reverence for the Constitution and his prescient warnings against internal division, alongside an appearance by Former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove and new works by Clarice Assad, Vivian Fung, Sarah Hennies, and Pedro Emanuel Pereiraโtogether offering a compelling portrait of our contemporary moment through the lens of history, civic reckoning, and global perspective. For more information: Cabrillo Festival 2026 Co-sponsored by the Humanities Institute
๐ UC Santa Cruz
๐ 1:00 AM โ 12:59 AM ยท See listing
โWe the Dreamers is both an invitation and a responsibilityโ; says Music Director Cristian Mฤcelaru. โAt this historic moment, we are asking how music can help us imagine a more expansive โweโโone that listens deeply, embraces complexity, and dares to hope. These works remind us that dreaming is essential to shaping a more just and connected future.โ The Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music presents its 64th season, We the Dreamers, running July 26 through August 9, 2026 . Framed by the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this transformative season asks one of the most resonant civic questions of our time: Who is the โweโ of Americaโand who are โweโ still becoming? The answers unfold across four world premiere Festival Commissions, eight West Coast premieres, and two U.S. premieres , brought to life by a dynamic global roster of over 20 composers and an extraordinary array of guest artists. Highlights include the second-ever performance and West Coast premiere of Philip Glassโs Symphony No. 15 Lincoln , which draws on Lincolnโs urgent reverence for the Constitution and his prescient warnings against internal division, alongside an appearance by Former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove and new works by Clarice Assad, Vivian Fung, Sarah Hennies , and Pedro Emanuel Pereira โtogether offering a compelling portrait of our contemporary moment through the lens of history, civic reckoning, and global perspective. For more information: Cabrillo Festival 2026
๐ All About Theatre
๐ 9:00 AM โ 4:00 PM ยท $895
A longer production of Moana Jr. with intensive rehearsal and performance experience.
๐ SubRosa Community Space, 703 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
๐ 11:00 AM โ 12:30 PM ยท See listing
Beginner Bluegrass Slow Jam โ Sunday, June 28th / 11 a.m. with Bashi ([email protected]) Location: SubRosa courtyard, 703 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA Description: Bluegrass standards for beginners, played at a very slow 60-90 bpm. If you can play a G, D, and A chord on your instrument, you're able to take part in this group jam. If not, come and learn! Materials: BYO instrument Accessibility: We will be outside
๐ Fruition Brewing
๐ 12:00 PM โ 7:00 PM ยท FREE
Two days of fun, kitchen specials, pop-ups, and music to celebrate how lucky we feel to have made it 7 years!
๐ Westside Locations
๐ 12:12 PM โ 12:12 PM ยท FREE
Beati Quorum, a new and growing Ensemble, is seeking new local members. Beati Quorum is a small, hybrid professional / volunteer ensemble based in Santa Cruz. We focus on a cappella singing, Renaissance through contemporary works, and collaborations with artists from our local network to international groups. Visit www.beatiquorum.org to set up an audition today.
๐ The Colligan Theater
๐ 1:30 PM ยท $18
Disneyโs Moana JR. is a musical adaptation of the 2016 Disney animated film, bringing the adventures of Moana and her village of Motunui to life onstage. Moana JR. features all the beloved songs from the film, written by Tonyยฎ, GRAMMY, Emmy, and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foaโi, and Mark Mancina, including โHow Far Iโll Go,โ โShiny,โ and โYouโre Welcome.โ This thrilling and heartwarming coming-of-age story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us.
๐ Santa Cruz Actors' Theatre
๐ 2:00 PM โ 5:00 PM ยท $16
A story written by Capitolaโs very own, Joe Ortiz, comes to life at The SC Actors Theatre. Escaping Queens follows an immigrant family as they navigate the challenges of poverty and a fatherโs problems with gambling, alcohol, and women. This funny, edgy, ultimately hopeful musical paints a cast of colorful characters, from neighborhood bookies to a doo wop group to all the shades and personalities in a mixed Italian and Puerto Rican family. Based on Oritzโs own memoir, PastinaโMy Fatherโs Misfortune, My Motherโs Good Soup, the emotional turbulence of navigating an escape from New York is presented as a compelling and sophisticated story that asks if children are fated to repeat their parentsโ mistakes. -Shelly Novo; Good Times Santa Cruz
๐ Park Hall Ben Lomond
๐ 2:00 PM ยท $22
Little People's Repertory Theatre Presents Jurassic Jungle Book: A Three-Hour Tour Little People's Repertory Theatre (LPRT) presents Jurassic Jungle Book: A Three-Hour Tour, an original rock musical by Jannine Chadwick, Directed by Daria Elise Troxell, Musical Direction Gabe House. During a sightseeing boat tour, seven passengers become castaways when their boat is shipwrecked on a tropical jungle island. The island is sparsely populated by talking jungle animals, Village People, Mowgli (a boy raised by wolves), Huntriz, three singing dino-hunters, four ninja turtles, and Indominus Khan, a tiger who became a mutant after a sinister group of โscientistsโ came to โstudyโ the island, with the hidden motive of transforming the island into a prehistoric theme park. This sweet and silly mash-up features more than twenty musical numbers. The cast includes children ages 7โ14 singing and dancing to parodies of contemporary pop songs and classic rock hits. It's alternative children's musical theatre like no other! Shows regularly sell out, so reserve your tickets early. Ticket information and show times are available online at lprt.org. Performances will be held at Park Hall in Ben Lomond from July 15 through July 25. Please visit the website for specific show times.
๐ Shanty Shack Brewing
๐ 3:00 PM ยท See listing
Middle Dog began as a vision to create music defined by connection rather than confined by genre. Influenced by both the past (Jerry Garcia Band, Pink Floyd, Bobby Bland and Little Feat) and the present (Eggy, Phish, Bahamas, and King Gizzard), Middle Dog weaves together a tapestry of emotional lyrics, captivating melodies, and timeless grooves, offering a paw to all who wish to listen. Formed in 2022 by Evan Bachmann (guitar & vocals) and Paul Urrutia (drums & vocals), This vision came to life with the additions of Aiden Smith (bass & vocals) and Ben Kuperschmid (keys & sax), forming the bandโs current lineup. Since hitting the stage, Middle Dog has performed at some of San Franciscoโs most historic venues, including The Savoy Tivoli, The Faight, The Kilowatt, and The Golden Gate Park Bandshell. As they continue to write new music, refine their sound, and organically expand their fanbase, Middle Dog remains rooted in authenticity, keeping tails wagginโ with every note. Evan Bachmann - Guitar & Vocals Paul Urrutia - Drums & Vocals Aiden Smith - Bass Ben Kuperschmid - Keys & Sax
๐ Fast Eddy's Billiards Dart Room
๐ 3:00 PM ยท FREE
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.
๐ Discretion Brewing
๐ 3:00 PM โ 5:00 PM ยท See listing
3:00-5:00pm Lefty Rosa was born in Santa Cruz county but has traveled far and wide to perfect its dreamy brand of original Americana music. It features Ezzie DeGiovanni (acoustic guitar/vocals), Joel Murach (Telecaster/vocals/harmonica), Chris Weinress (upright bass), and Tom Murach (drums).
๐ Streetlight Records
๐ 3:00 PM โ 12:00 AM ยท See listing
Bay Area singer-songwriter and creative arts therapist Frances Ancheta draws upon her Filipina heritage, folk, pop, British new wave, world and roots music in the creation of her original, acoustic-based songs. Anchetaโs debut album, 2008โs Now Weโre Here was followed by a second album three years later. After that, she took a sabbatical from music to focus on family, her work as a music therapist and a battle with cancer. That latter challenge had a happy outcome and also brought forth a bounty of songs that would fill her next several albums. Her latest release is 2025โs upbeat Saving Graces. -Bill Kopp; Good Times Santa Cruz
๐ Moe's Alley
๐ 4:00 PM ยท See listing
Sue Foley is bringing her band back to Moes to rock your world! Sunday, July 26, 2026Doors: 3pm / Show: 4pm$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====SUE FOLEYSue Foley is a multi-award-winning blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter whose latest album, One Guitar Woman: A Tribute to the Female Pioneers of Guitar, was nominated for the 2025 GRAMMY Award for Best Traditional Blues Album. Known for her fiery playing and soulful voice, Foley blends Texas blues grit with refined fingerstyle technique, whether on her signature pink paisley Fender Telecaster or a hand-built flamenco guitar. Born in Ottawa, Canada, Foley began performing professionally at 16 and made her mark in Austin, Texas, with the legendary Antones label. Since her 1992 debut Young Girl Blues, shes toured internationally, sharing stages with B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Billy F Gibbons. Foley is a five-time consecutive Blues Music Award winner for Traditional Blues Female Artist (20202025) and a recipient of multiple other honors, including a JUNO Award and the 2024 Maple Blues Lifetime Achievement Award. A passionate scholar as well as a performer, Foley holds a PhD in Musicology and will release her first book, Guitar Women, in 2026. As the Philadelphia Inquirer wrote, Foley has a killer voice, an impossibly alluring blend of sex and innocence to go with those blazing guitar chops. With One Guitar Woman, she reclaims history and redefines what a guitar hero can be.
๐ Woodhouse Blending & Brewing
๐ 4:30 PM โ 7:00 PM ยท See listing
With a style inspired by the golden era of the โ50s and โ60s, Henryโs music pays homage to the honky-tonk and Bakersfield sounds that defined a generationโmusic that gets your boots tapping and reminds us why those songs never fade.
๐ The 418 Project
๐ 5:00 PM โ 9:00 PM ยท See listing
A monthly open mic night at the 418 Project featuring music, theatre, and spoken word performances.
๐ Henflings
๐ 5:00 PM โ 8:00 PM ยท See listing
Live bands โ every Sunday at 5:00pm
๐ All About Theatre
๐ 5:30 PM โ 10:00 PM ยท $595
A theater production of the musical Dear Evan Hansen.
๐ The Alley-Oop
๐ 6:30 PM โ 9:00 PM ยท FREE
Improvised piano and acoustic stand-up bass for a fun evening.
๐ Civic Auditorium
๐ 7:00 PM ยท See listing
Cellist Hanna Rumora is a versatile artist who approaches old and new works with commitment and curiosity. Hannaโs dedication to new music has led to performances with Eighth Blackbird, Hub New Music, and the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, as well as recording alongside the JACK Quartet. Hanna has also played with Des Moines Metro Opera and Orchestra Iowa. As a cross-genre artist, Hanna has performed with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Michael Bublรฉ, and a Beatles tribute band. Recently, Hanna gave a premiere at Roosevelt Universityโs Electro-Acoustic Festival, accompanied multi-style cellist Ben Sollee at one of his tour stops, and traveled to Bangkok, Thailand to perform at an international music festival. Hanna is a founding member of the Burch Trio, a string trio that performs and teaches across Eastern Iowa. She is also a founding member of Room 1078, a string quartet whose daring programming ranges from contemporary classical premieres to arrangements of renaissance folk music to through-composed, narrated story-songs by the ensemble. You can hear Hanna play on the Grammy-nominated album Sila: The Breath of the World, Room 1078โs debut album By the Skin of Our Teeth, or on Feverโs Candlelight Concert Series throughout the Midwest. Hanna is the Cello Instructor at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She has led masterclasses across the country, at schools such as Sacramento State, University of the Pacific, Dickinson College, and Drake University. Hanna earned her doctorate in performance at the University of Iowa after completing her masters at the University of Michigan. Her principal teachers include Tony Elliott, Amir Eldan, and Anthony Arnone. Hannaโs favorite activities outside of playing the cello include petting her three cats, stargazing, and playing the banjo.