Zakir Hussain & Masters of Percussion

Rio Theater 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

For almost 30 years Zakir Hussain  has been alternatively touring with his masters and studying percussion in his native India. Along this path he has discovered many near-forgotten styles and instruments. Combining his learning and touring has brought him around the world all the while encountering the best of percussion and bringing the practitioners with […]

Redd Volkaert & Bill Kirchen

Kuumbwa Jazz Center 320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Unless you are a mega nerd about rock and roll (is that an oxymoron?) you may not know these names. However, you have heard them play with their groups (Commander Cody) or as backup for many big names (Merle Haggard). They are bringing their many years of honed skills and stories to the Kuumbwa stage. […]

Ben Jealous (Book talk and signing)

Pacific Grove Library Central Ave. , Pacific Grove , CA, United States

Local leader, and national as well,  Ben Jealous has written a new book. It's title is "Never Forget Our People Were Always Free". He will be addressing the topics in his book and no doubt have something to say about the current climate around discussions on race. He was a leader in the NAACP after […]

Return of the Western Flyer

Hopkins Marine Station 120 Ocean View Blvd., Pacific Grove, CA, United States

In case you forgot or never knew, the Western Flyer is a fishing boat made famous (sort of) by John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts. They took the boat south into the Sea of Cortez and wrote a book and epic poem about the trip. After that the boat slipped into obscurity and its condition suffered. […]

California Wildlife Day

At the Palo Corona Park in Carmel Valley there will be a naturalist and a falconer talking about and demonstrating the wonders of the local animal life. In case you forgot, a falconer is a person who trains birds of prey and works with them. You can see these amazing animals up close and see […]

Jennifer Egan (The Candy House)

BookShop Santa Cruz 1520 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Bestselling author Jennifer Egan, will be at Bookshop Santa Cruz talking about and reading from her just published paperback novel, "The Candy House" as part of their authors series. Picked for one of Oprah's lists, this promises to be an interesting evening. Details at http://www.bookshopsantacruz.com

Wynton Marsalis

Carmel Sunset Center

One of the amazingly talented Marsalis family and leader of his own group, Wynton has been seeking his own musical path for years now and you get to see (and hear) the product of all that work. Find out more at http://www.sunsetcenter.org

Yachtley Crew

Golden State Theater 417 Alvarado St., Monterey, CA, United States

No, it's not a misprint. They call themselves the "Titans of Yacht Music". Sophisticated people may know that name as the genre of soft rock from the 70's and 80's.  Its association with yachts is anyone's guess.  Check them out at http://yachtleycrew.com  

Whalefest

Fisherman's Wharf Monterey, CA, United States

It's a celebration of all things whale-related. It's impossible to set exact dates for the whale's migration, but this is the time of year when they are usually passing through. There will be LOTS of activities and knowledgeable people to ask questions of. Two days dedicated to informing and entertaining the public about the wonder […]

At the End of the Rainbow

Peace United Church of Christ 900 High St. , Santa Cruz, CA, United States

Yes, it is the day after St. Patrick's Day but the spirit and joy of Irish Music never really ends. Come to the Peace United Church in Santa Cruz for a lovely evening of music from the "Old Sod". This is a fund raiser and will have auctions, live and silent, as well as goodies […]