Cultural events in Santa Cruz County

Presented by Celtic Society of the Monterey Bay

Come help us celebrate Téada’s 25th Anniversary of touring as one of Ireland's leading traditional bands! The five members of the band are fiddle player Oisín Mac Diarmada, button accordion player Paul Finn, Damien Stenson performs on flute, Samantha Harvey, piano/dance, Seán Mc Elwain who switches between the bouzouki and guitar and bodhrán player Tristan Rosenstock. You will undoubtedly recognize fiddler Oisín Mac Diarmada, if you have attended an Irish Christmas In America concert. A leading exponent of Irish traditional music, Téada is driven by a fascination for the timeless, expressive force of music inherited from previous generations of musicians. An Irish band with a truly worldwide reach, Téada has frequently appeared as headliners at major music festivals throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Africa, Russia, Israel and Australia. Highlights include a 30,000-capacity stadium concert in Brittany, along with performances at Penang World Music Festival in Malaysia, Edmonton Folk Festival in Canada, Harare International Festival of the Arts in Zimbabwe, and the Milwaukee Irish Festival. The group also received an invitation from the Irish Embassy in Rome during 2008 to perform at a commemorative event marking the 400th anniversary of the landmark event in Irish history known as The Flight of the Earls. With engaging textural arrangements, Téada, which means "strings", will have you dancing in your seat. Tickets: celticsociety.org members: $27 non-members: $31.25 student/child: $15.25

Cyrille Aimée (Sur­real M­A) is a French­Dominican vocalist and actress. Winner of the Montreux Jazz Festival's Vocal Competition, the Sarah Vaughn International Jazz Vocal Competition and finalist in the Thelonious Monk Vocal Competition, Aimée is—in the words of Will Friedwald of The Wall Street Journal—"one of the most promising jazz singers of her generation." In the same Wall Street Journal feature (which included vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant), Friedwald declared both to be “astonishing creative singers, with a brilliant sound, fresh ideas, impeccable rhythm and an overall approach that honors tradition without being shackled to the past." Aimée was born in Fontainebleau, France, to a French father and Dominican mother. Her introduction to jazz was the result of the fortuitous location of her upbringing, the village Samois­sur­Seine—the same place where legendary gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt had lived. Every June for decades, gypsies have descended upon Samois, setting up caravans in nearby meadows for the annual Django Reinhardt Festival. During those June nights many years ago, after her parents would fall asleep, a young, curious Aimée would climb out her bedroom window and wander into the gypsy encampments. Aimée would sing by the fire with Django’s descendents and began to fall in love with the gypsy way of life—scampering home before the sun rose. Explained Aimée, "I was hypnotized by gypsy music which made me want to tap my feet; music that swings makes me so happy." As a teenager, Aimée performed in various Parisian cafés and clubs. When her family moved to Singapore, she remained in Paris to attend the American School of Modern Music. She also auditioned for "Star Academy," a kind of French "American Idol." Selected to be one of 16 semi­finalists, Aimée had second thoughts when handed a contract that tied her up every which way for years—including the songs to sing. This was too much for her gypsy spirit—so she quit. The French media so pursued

Straight out of Yemen comes El Khat, a self-proclaimed homemade junkyard band. The humor and ingenuity are that most of the instruments are recycled plastic, metal, and wood. This dynamic three-piece creates a cinematic mindscape that feels like you’re drifting over the sands of the Arabian Desert. But this isn’t spa music; it’s like Frank Zappa and a ’70s progressive rock band melded with an ancient rhythm. Multi-instrumentalist Eyal El Wahab leads the charge with a message of humanity over nation. El Khat is named after the chewed speedy drug khat and the music has a kick to it. -DNA; Good Times Santa Cruz

The purpose of this Tibetan spiritual dance is to avert global calamities and bring peace and harmony to the world. Mipham Rinpoche prophesied that if this dance tradition can be propagated, then diseases, famines, and warfare would disappear without a trace, and the sun of happiness would shine. The late Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok promoted this dance practice. Tulku Lakshey Zangpo will teach these dances. Everyone of any age is very welcome. Previous experience or dance skills are not required. And they are meant to be joyful and fun.

Belew Vai Levin BozzioQuarry Ampitheater at UC Santa CruzCarved from a former limestone quarry in the 1960s, the historic Quarry Amphitheater located at the heart of the UC Santa Cruz campus reopened after a major renovation in October 2017, welcoming its first ever night time concert with LA based rockers Chicano Batman. With a deep history of hosting legendary artists, activists and authors including Angela Davis, Ravi Shankar, Alfred Hitchcock and Cesar Chavez, the Quarry has reopened as a critical gathering space to celebrate live music and community.Referred to as the Red Rocks in the Redwoods, The Quarry is the largest outdoor venue with an existing stage and seating in the greater Santa Cruz community. The Quarry Amphitheaters unique terraced asymmetrical design allows for amazing sight-lines and multiple venue configurations from open floor to reserved seating layouts. At a maximum capacity of 2600, The Quarry now holds the opportunity to become the regions premiere outdoor destination concert venue while also retaining its value as a natural open space.More information: https://www.quarryamphitheater.comOn-Site Parking: $20 per car which includes Shuttle to the Venue. Parking Tickets are not sold in advance. ______On-Stage ExperienceOne premium reserved ticket Watch the show from an exclusive on-stage VIP viewing areaEarly entry into the venueExclusive preshow meet & greet with Adrian Belew, Steve Vai, Tony Levin & Terry BozzioGroup photograph with Adrian Belew, Steve Vai, Tony Levin & Terry BozzioAccess to a pre-show soundcheck Limited edition BEAT tour poster; autographedCommemorative BEAT ticket magnet Specially designed BEAT record bagExclusive VIP merchandise itemOfficial side stage laminate & lanyardVery Limited availabilityMeet & Greet / Soundcheck ExperienceOne premium reserved ticket located in the first 5 rowsEarly entry into the venueExclusive preshow meet & greet with Adrian Belew, Steve Vai, Tony Levin & Terry BozzioGroup photograph with Adrian

Quarry Ampitheater at UC Santa CruzCarved from a former limestone quarry in the 1960s, the historic Quarry Amphitheater located at the heart of the UC Santa Cruz campus reopened after a major renovation in October 2017, welcoming its first ever night time concert with LA based rockers Chicano Batman. With a deep history of hosting legendary artists, activists and authors including Angela Davis, Ravi Shankar, Alfred Hitchcock and Cesar Chavez, the Quarry has reopened as a critical gathering space to celebrate live music and community.Referred to as the Red Rocks in the Redwoods, The Quarry is the largest outdoor venue with an existing stage and seating in the greater Santa Cruz community. The Quarry Amphitheaters unique terraced asymmetrical design allows for amazing sight-lines and multiple venue configurations from open floor to reserved seating layouts. At a maximum capacity of 2600, The Quarry now holds the opportunity to become the regions premiere outdoor destination concert venue while also retaining its value as a natural open space.More information: https://www.quarryamphitheater.comOn-Site Parking: $20 per car which includes Shuttle to the Venue. Parking Tickets are not sold in advance.

Bongo Sidibe is a Traditional Drummer and Vocalist from Conakry Guinea, in West Africa. Bongo Sidibe uses his Traditional background as an Artist to create a unique style of music (Traditional, Funk, Reggae Mandingue, Ragga Murfing and Dancehall). He uses his style of music to send a message to the world about Peace and Community Building

Sitar maestro Nishat Khan returns to UC Santa Cruz with tabla maestro Nitin Mitta in an Indian classical music concert. Regarded as one of the most influential musicians of his generation for his unique and inspiring work, Khan’s masterful collaborations truly connect music globally. With the strike of a single, unmistakable note, the sound of Khan’s sitar instantly captivates and transforms one’s mood. Listeners are transported to another realm by a sight and sound unlike any other. As a torchbearer of the most recorded musical family in the world, the Imdad Khani Gharana, seven generations of wisdom reside in his fingertips. While grounded in centuries of tradition, Khan forges his own signature sound with a refreshing twist: familiar yet challenging, unfolding with emotional contrasts and surprises at every turn. Touring and performing throughout the world since age 13, Nishat Khan’s unique cosmopolitan perspective has inspired a great sensitivity and connection to the cultures of music of the world. He gave his first public concert at age 7, and was the youngest performer on an All India Radio national programme at age 15. In more recent years, Khan created history in summer 2025 by composing and creating the first ever traditional (Western) opera from the Indian subcontinent, the Taj Mahal Opera. The opera had its premiere at the Grange Park Opera in the UK to sold-out performances and wide critical acclaim. His recent performances in 2026 include a sold-out concert at the Freight in Berkeley, California. The press calls Kahn: “Profound and electrifying…pure exhilaration, taking tradition as a blueprint for ecstasy” (New York Times); “Etherial, compelling, sensual, Nishat Khan master of the sitar” (Los Angeles Times); “Freewheeling virtuosity inflected with infinite imaginative variety” (BBC Proms, The Guardian); and “Ferociously gifted…no conceivable limitations…his sitar roars, cries, and exults” (Times of India). CHECK EVENTBRITE.COM FOR UPDATED TICKET INFOR

Kailua Moon, the next generation of Slack Key guitar artistry with beautiful classic Island Style vocals and a fresh contemporary feel.

Vocalist, composer, actor, and playwright Somi Kakoma is the Midwestern daughter of immigrants from Uganda and Rwanda. Hailed by The New York Times as “a virtuosic performer in full command of her instrument and powers,” she is known in the international jazz world simply as ‘Somi.’ Her 2021 GRAMMY nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album made her the first African woman ever nominated in any of the GRAMMY jazz categories, as well as the first Rwandan or Ugandan ever nominated for a GRAMMY. Her last release, Zenzile: The Reimagination of Miriam Makeba, was a companion project to the critically acclaimed original musical Dreaming Zenzile that Somi also wrote and starred in as a tribute to the great South African singer and activist. Her highly anticipated forthcoming album, What Does It Take to Bloom?, will be released in August 2026. Somi is a recipient of two NAACP Image Awards and a Doris Duke Artist Award. Recently, she made her Broadway debut in the titular role of the TONY Award-winning play Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.

Join us for a special evening of Saiti - the traditional music and songs of the Yawanawá people of the Brazilian Amazon.

A crowd favorite band that is 3 generations deep! Playing classic Hawaiian music as well as contemporary. Hula is a must!

Santa Cruz, get ready. BLVK H3RO LIVE with THE 3PEAT BAND * SELECTA 7 Grab your tickets here!! One of Jamaica’s most exciting new voices hits Santa Cruz for a night of reggae, dancehall, rhythm, and pure live energy. Big tunes. Full band. Heavy vibes. BLVK H3RO brings a fresh generation of Jamaican sound to the stage, backed by The 3PEAT Band with Selecta 7 keeping the night moving. Don’t miss this one. BLVK H3RO LIVE & THE 3PEAT BAND + SELECTA 7 Santa Cruz, California Come early. Stay late. Feel everything.

Join us for the Día de los Muertos community celebration of traditional music, dance, and art at the MAH. This fall, the MAH invites you to our annual Día de los Muertos Celebration. On this beloved Oaxacan cultural holiday, the day will be filled with Musical and Dance Performances by Senderos. Throughout the day, we will have hands-on activities, live music, and the powerful presence of community. Explore the MAH to view beautifully crafted altars known as altares, or ofrendas, created by community organizations. Schedule for the Day 12-3 pm - Free Drop-in Art and Cultural Activities 1-3 pm - Musical and Dance Performances Video Storytelling: Honrando Mis Ancestros y Comunidad Learn about Día de los Muertos from our community partners and leaders of Senderos. Hear the story of Día de los Muertos in our community and the importance of honoring this beautiful celebration, together. Watch the video here! Would you like to volunteer at this event? Volunteer hours: 10-1pm, 1-3pm, 3-5pm Join us as we welcome and greet people attending Día de los Muertos at the MAH. During the event, you'll be helping set up, walking around the facility to check in with guests, providing any assistance if needed, and helping break down. No experience is necessary. Training is provided. Contact [email protected]

Cello music group meets at the German Cultural Center in Santa Cruz, a recurring session for cello players to practice together.

Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto, Fruko and Carmelo Torres Present: Madre Cumbia at Felton Music Hall on Tuesday, November 3rd 2026 Tickets at: https://www.prekindle.com/event/56962-los-gaiteros-de-san-jacinto-felton

In celebration of the centennial of trumpeter Miles Davis, the Marcus Shelby Nonet presents Birth of the Cool: Revisited, featuring music from the groundbreaking Davis recording performed in its original instrumentation. Birth of the Cool was not a singular session, but the composite work of a young innovative genius at the beginning of a long and storied career; surrounded and supported by a group of forward thinking musicians, composers, and arrangers. Birth of the Cool remains one of the most enduring recordings in the history of music – let alone jazz. The Marcus Shelby Nonet consists of nine San Francisco Bay Area master musicians, all of whom are a part of the Marcus Shelby New Orchestra: Heidi Tretheren on French horn, Remee Ashley on trombone, Mike Olmos on trumpet, Tony Peebles on alto saxophone, Melecio Magdaluyo on baritone saxophone, Jonathan Seiberlich on tuba, Greg Jacobs on piano, Shelby on bass, and Jemal Ramirez on drums.

With a career spanning more than twenty years and six studio albums, Las Migas have become one of the most internationally acclaimed Spanish bands. They have performed in more than fifty countries and have been nominated four times for the Latin GRAMMY Award in the Best Flamenco Album category (2016, 2022, 2024, and 2025), winning the award twice. They have also received the prestigious MIN Award in 2019 and 2023 for their albums Rumberas and Libres, respectively. In the spring of 2025, Las Migas released Flamencas, a tribute to the essence and purity of flamenco. In this work, the band evolves its sound toward a more contemporary expression, wrapped in a powerful visual identity showcased in the video for “Celos,” directed by renowned fashion photographer Javier Biosca. The recording won the Latin GRAMMY Award for Best Flamenco Album. Throughout their career, Las Migas have collaborated with a wide array of acclaimed artists such as Estrella Morente, Viva Suecia, Rozalén, El Kanka, Kevin Johansen, Tomatito, Josemi Carmona, and Loli Molina. These collaborations reflect the immense musicality and versatility of this unstoppable all-women band.

Music from Zimbabwe (spit)