Soul of CA

Chanticleer Christmas
2022-12-21 18:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Carmel Sunset Center
One of the Bay Area’s best performance groups is in town for their annual presentation of holiday songs from the past, the present, and from other cultures. These voices have won numerous awards and accolades from the most discerning of critics. You too can see what magic they weave. Two shows on this date. More details available at http://www.chanticleer.org

First Night Monterey
2022-12-31 15:00 - 2023-01-01 00:30 | Downtown Monterey, Monterey, CA, United States
Thirty years of first nights and still going strong. As you can guess this is the New Year’s Eve Celebration in downtown Monterey. Thousands of people come out and enjoy the bands, ethnic entertainment, dances, and a wide variety of interesting costumes and people who come out to enjoy the hearty welcome of the coming year. Starts at 3:00 and has the Twilight Parade a little later and then it’s wander and enjoy. Buttons and more info at http://www.firstnightmonterey.org

Winterreise
2023-01-05 19:00 - 21:30 | Henry Miller Library, 48603 Highway One, Big Sur, CA, 93920, United States
Don’t ask the meaning of this term until you get to the venue. But if you love the music of Schubert and his song cycles you probably already know what it means. Come on down to the Henry Miller Library for one of their dynamic evenings of culture and joy. More details can be found at https://www.eventbrite.com

Point Sur Lighthouse Tour
2023-01-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Point Sur Lighthouse, Highway One , CA, United States
Each Wednesday and Saturday the docents at the Pt. Sur Light Station conduct tours of the historic , and still functioning, lighthouse. Wear comfy shoes and be prepared for a slightly demanding walk. It involves walking up the hill to the building. But it is a great piece of local history and you come away with great stories. More details can be found at https://www.pointsur.org

Harvey-Baker House
2023-01-07 10:00 - 15:00 | 1st Mayor’s House, 20 Station Place, Salinas, CA, 93940, United States
Salinas’ first mayor’s home has been preserved and is available to the public. Knowledgeable docents are on hand to help you rediscover many interesting aspects of local history. But only on the first Saturday of each month. More info at http://www.firstmayorshouse.org

Monterey & Salinas Valley Railroad Museum
2023-01-07 10:00 - 16:00, 2023-01-08 10:00 - 16:00 | Monterey & Salinas Valley Railroad Museum, Station Place, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
The first weekend of each month these dedicated members of the museum open the door of their museum and share their collections and passion with the rest of us. Listen for the train whistle blown by their enthusiastic visitors through each day. Then you will know they are open. More info at http://www.msvrr.org

Fungus Faire
2023-01-08 08:00 - 2023-01-16 17:00 | CA
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/santa-cruz-fungus-fair-2022-mycoblitz
This is the place to be is you want more or better information about our fungus friends. It is a little different than their usual (pre COVID) events so check the website. It is done via the internet. The normal info one might encounter here is all online. Happy Hunting.

Monterey SwingFest
2023-01-11 10:00 - 2023-01-16 22:00 | Hyatt Regency Spa and Resort, 1 Old Golf Course Road, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
time to bring out the dancing shoes and prepare to wear them out. Four days of dance and lively entertainment are coming to town in the form of the Swing Fest. Professionals, teachers, and newbies will be there doing what dancers do. For more info check out https://www.seemonterey.com/events/art-festivals/swingfest/ and you will not be sorry.

Judy Collins
2023-01-11 20:00 - 22:00 | Rio Theater, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
One of the more accomplished singers of her time, Ms. Collins has an impressive repertoire of songs to engage her audience. However, in this concert she is featuring many songs from her recent album, “Spellbound”. It is a personal reflection on her life and times. In the presence of this wonderful performer and storyteller it should be an evening to remember. More details available at http://www.riotheatre.com

Bretano Quartet with Dawn Upshaw
2023-01-14 19:30 - 21:30 | Carmel Sunset Center
What a pairing! This accalaimed musical ensemble and one of the best living sopranos. Ms Upshaw has shown her talent in recording and performance in a variety of genres. The other musicians have been working together for decades. On a tight music budget? This is the one to see. More essential info at http://www.sunsetcenter.org

Flock of Seagulls
2023-01-15 20:00 - 22:00 | Golden State Theater, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
They ran so far away and found themselves in Monterey. Get it? Come on out and get a blast of that 80’s energy from a well known group. This song and so much more in store for you. There are more details at https://www.goldenstatetheatre.com

MLK March for the dream
2023-01-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Santa Cruz Civic Center, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Gathering at the Santa Cruz Civic Center and returning there for the day’s remaining events, this march reminds us of the legacy of Dr. King and the importance of his message. For more details got to http://www.naacpsantacruz.com

Meg Howrey (Author Talk)
2023-01-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Bookworks, 667 Lighthouse Ave., pacific grove, CA, 93950, United States
The author of the novel “They’re Going to Love You”, Meg Howrey is appearing at Bookworks in Pacific Grove. Sponsored by the literary group To the Lighthouse see their website for more details. She is a former dancer and author of several other well-received books. Check it out.
http://www.tothelighthouse.net/events.

Michael Amster MD (Author Talk)
2023-01-17 19:00 - 20:00 | BookShop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
If you are like most of us living in modern “civilization” there is a profound amount of stress in your life. Wouldn’t you like a way to remove it? And remove it easily? The author of “The Power of Awe”, which describes his method for overcoming the burnout and stress in our modern lives, is coming to the Bookshop Santa Cruz. For more details about the book and the event go to http://www.bookshopsantacruz.com

Jane Smiley (Book Talk & Signing)
2023-01-18 19:00 - 20:00 | BookShop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
The Pulitzer winning local author, Jane Smiley, is appearing at BookShop Santa Cruz to introduce and sign her latest book which takes place in Monterey in the 1850s. (Definitely worth looking at don’t you think?) Come see her and get your copy signed. Details available at http://www.bookshopsantacruz.com

Free Movie
2023-01-18 19:00 - 21:00 | lighthouse cinema, 525 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
That got your attention. Yes, at Lighthouse Cinema in Pacific Grove they will be showing “12 Years a Slave” without charge. Sponsored by BLAAC and part of an ongoing series through the month of February these presentations will highlight the experience of Black Americans through cinema. More details available at http://www.BLACC.org/events

Lewis Black
2023-01-18 20:00 - 21:30 | Golden State Theater, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
The finger waving, angry contributor to The Daily Show and other comic efforts is in town. Come out for some of his interesting rants and insights. Info is available at https://www.goldenstatetheatre.com

Big Sur Foragers' Festival
2023-01-20 12:00 - 15:00 | Big Sur Lodge, 47225 CA-1, Big Sur, 93920, United States
It’s here once again, your guide to eating what you can find in the forest. Thankfully you have experienced people showing you what is edible and what is to be avoided. Check out their expertise before venturing out solo. More info can be found at https://www.bigsurforagersfestival.org

Big Sur Foragers Festival
2023-01-21 | Big Sur River Inn, 46840 Highway One, Big Sur, CA, 93920, United States
After the rains and cooler weather the mushrooms make their appearance and very soon afterward the foragers appear. Now is your chance to seek, find, excavate, and eat these delightful morsels. And all you have to do is sign up and show your credit card. This is going to benefit the Big Sur Health Center so your soul can feel good while your mouth and stomach feel good too.
Check out http://www.bigsurforagersfestival.org for more details.

Point Sur Lighthouse Tours
2023-01-21 08:00 - 17:00, 2023-01-25 13:00 - 16:00 | Point Sur Lighthouse, Highway One , CA, United States
After much time the tours are back. On Wednesdays and Saturdays the docents will walk you through this historic site. Through wars and storms the lighthouse and its staff took care of the sailors and their crafts. It lasts about three hours and involves some serious walking. Don’t let that put you off it is a wonderful piece of local lore. Many more details available athttp://www.pointsur.org

Fall Creek After Fire
2023-01-21 10:00 - 14:00 | Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Yes, it’s an odd title but descriptive. This is a tour of the CZU Lightning Complex with a naturalist. It will give the participants an up close view of the recovery efforts and,especially, the growth of the natural world after the fire’s devastation. For details contact the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History at http://www.santacruzmuseum.org

Exploring Tide Pools
2023-01-21 15:00 | Santa Cruz Natural History Museum, 1305 East Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
One good thing about the storms we’ve had lately is the effect they have on the shore’s marine life. This month there will be tremendous difference between the low tides and the “king” tides. Just fantastic for lovers of tide pools and those who are new to the abundance of life in these crevices. Come out with the naturalists at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History and learn lots more and see amazing adaptations to a treacherous situation. More info at http://www.santacruzmuseum.org

Lewis Black (Off the Rails)
2023-01-21 20:00 - 22:00 | Rio Theater, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
In his latest tour Mr. black will take on some of the latest absurdities of modern life, be they political, social, or even dietary. His career has garnered him many honors and he has contributed to many worthwhile causes. His rants can be loud and brusque but always funny and thoughtful. Details at http://www.riotheatre.com

Santa Cruz Harp Festival
2023-01-22 15:00 - 16:30 | Resource Center for Non-Violence, 612 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
Another of those titles that says it all. There will be many types of harps played at this event. If there is anything to the characteristic depiction of heaven , this will be so similar. And there will be a harp “Petting Zoo” for those of us who can’t resist touching one. Go to the website of the sponsor https://www.communitymusicschool.org/ for all the details.

Tree Planting @ CSUMB campus
2023-01-25 08:00 - 2023-04-20 17:00 | CSUMB University Center, 4314 6th St., Marina, CA, United States
We all know how important trees are in our world. They give so much in beauty, shade, and oxygen. Yes, sometimes they are problems like breaking sidewalks etc. but on the CSUMB campus there is so much available space and so few sidewalks and streets. You can help by checking out this website https://docs.google.com/document/d/17vD8RhnTkNFYBJ_0Xgqgb-DwtZkageQtJ7Jcejk7yKU/edit and then picking a day and time to get out in the fresh air and do something positive for our world. Chances are it will be fun also. They plan to plant 2,030 trees by April 20th. You can be a part of this effort.

Monterey Bay Aquarium (Free Admission)
2023-01-25 09:00 - 2023-01-29 17:00 | Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
It’s back! After the restrictions of the pandemic, one more fun activity is available. If you are a resident of Monterey, Santa Cruz, or San Benito counties you are eligible to come to the Aquarium for free. Just show an ID that proves your residency and you are in. But only this week, so hustle. Details at http://www.montereybayaquarium.org

National Meat & Tea Celebration
2023-01-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Great British Bake Shop, 8 W. Gabilan, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Bet you didn’t know that the month of January is Meat and Tea Month. To help publicize it a bit, the Great British Bakeshop in City Center Salinas is combining with their neighbor, Gold Leaf Teas, and offering specials on both of their specialties, meat pies and tea. Come by and sample something tasty and different, unless you have already enjoyed their work. Then just come by and enjoy more. Details at http://www.thegreatbritishbakeshop.com

Little Heart
2023-01-25 20:00 - 2023-02-18 22:00 | Jewel Theatre, 1010 River St. Colligan Theatre @ Tannery Arts Center, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, United States
This play , presented by the Jewel Theatre folks, centers on the efforts of a nun within the structure of the Catholic Church in LA to express herself artistically and personally. Based on a true story. For details contact http://www.jeweltheatre.net
