BEAN CREEK WITH OTTER OPRY
2025-04-05 15:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Starting with the basics: If you have never heard Billy Pitrone sing, you have missed one of the most incredible and moving bluegrass voices on the planet. Not only that, but he’s also one of the nicest people ever. OK, enough of that: Billy and his Bean Creek band – a local favorite for a good long time – will be gracing the Otter Opry stage on Saturday, April 5th at the United Methodist Church in Monterey. Eeeh hah! Who are these folks? Bean Creek is a bluegrass band that plays straight-ahead traditional style bluegrass. Slightly revised since the passing of original (and deeply missed) band member Pete Hicks, the band is now joined by Henry and Ella Warde. Enthusiasm and passion, as well as fine song choices including rousing instrumentals and heartfelt ballads, are guaranteed to delight foot-stompin’ audiences like you. Dulcet harmonies and fun stage banter are always a solid part of the program, so get ready for some real fun! Bean Creek was voted Best Band four times by the Northern California Bluegrass Society, while Billy has captured Best Vocalist eight times since 2008. Rob has also picked up Best Banjo Player in previous years. Band members include Billy Pitrone on guitar and vocals, Sarah Eblen on bass and vocals, Rob Horgan on banjo, Ella Warde on fiddle and vocals and Henry Warde on mandolin and vocals. This is the sweetest, best, most talented bunch of bluegrass stars you could ever hope to see and hear. C’mon down! 3pm. Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey. $25/show (CBA members $20; 15 and under free). www.otteropry.org.

Viano Quartet
2025-04-05 19:30 - 21:30 | Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921
Pre-concert lecture at 6:30 pm.
The program includes pieces by Franz H, Astor, Kevin, Franz S, and Sergei.

Franz Joseph Haydn String Quartet in F Major op. 77 no. 2

Astor Piazzolla Resurrección del Ángel

Kevin Lau String Quartet No. 5: The Train to Impossible Places

Franz Schubert String Quartet No. 12 in C Minor (“Quartettsatz”), D. 703

Sergei Prokofiev String Quartet No. 2 in F Major, op. 92

Performers

Lucy Wang, violin

Hao Zhou, violin

Aiden Kane, viola

Tate Zawadiuk, cello

About the Performers

The Viano Quartet aims to unite the dichotomy between collaborative and soloistic music making to create a voice that speaks both distinctly and as one cohesive force. We believe in uplifting the individual through dynamic teamwork and uncovering the personal nuances of collaboration to invigorate our communities. Our hope is that through a charismatic and fiery approach, our music can tell a unique story that speaks authentically to each audience member and empower a new generation of artists.

The quartet was named the inaugural June Goldsmith Quartet-in-Residence for the Music in the Morning series in Vancouver until 2025, where their focus will be to commission new works and lead extensive community engagement initiatives. The quartet has also held residencies at the Curtis Institute, Colburn Conservatory, Northern Michigan University, and Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University.

The quartet achieved incredible success in their formative years, with an unbroken streak of top prizes at major competitions. In addition to their career-defining achievement at the 2019 Banff InternationalString Quartet Competition, they also received the Grand Prize at the 2019 ENKOR International Music Competition and second prize at the 2019 Yellow Springs Chamber Music Competition. At the 2018 Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition they received Third Prize, the Haydn Prize for the best performance of a Haydn quartet, and the Sidney Griller Award for the best performance of the compulsory work, Thomas Ades’ “The Four Quarters”. They received the Silver Medal at the 2018 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and Third Prize at the 9th Osaka International Chamber Music Competition in 2017.

The Viano Quartet has collaborated with world-class musicians such as pianists Emanuel Ax, Marc-André Hamelin, Inon Barnatan and Elisso Virsaladze, violists Paul Coletti and Paul Neubauer, violinist Noah Bendix-Balgley, vocalist Hila Plitmann and clarinetist David Shifrin. Their chief mentors include faculty of the Curtis Institute and Colburn Conservatory, as well as members of the Dover, Guarneri, and Tokyo string quartets. Past summers have been spent at the Ravinia Steans Chamber Music Institute, the St. Lawrence String Quartet Seminar, the Festival d’Aix en Provence, the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival,and the McGill International String Quartet Academy.

The name “Viano” was created to describe the four individual instruments in a string quartet interacting as one. Each of the four instruments begins with the letter “v”, and like a piano, all four string instruments together play both harmony and melody, creating a unified instrument called the “Viano”.

Controlled Chaos Improv at Wave Street Studios!
2025-04-11 19:30 - 21:30 | Wave Street Studios, 774 Wave Street, Monterey, 93940
Get ready for a night of non-stop laughter and unpredictable fun at Wave Street Studios! Controlled Chaos Improv puts their own twist on traditional improvisational theatre. Quick wit and spontaneous energy are combined with truth in comedy to bring something fresh and fun to the stage! Grab your friends and join us for an evening you won’t soon forget! A good time is guaranteed for all. You may pay for a whole seat, but watch as these improvisers keep you on the edge of it! 16+

15th Annual Whalefest Monterey
2025-04-12 10:00 - 17:00 | CA
Save the date for the 15th Annual Whalefest Monterey to be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13, 2025 from 10 am – 5 pm each day. This free family-friendly event will be held at and around Old Fisherman’s Wharf and the Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park. It includes fun and educational activities for all ages, musicians, and dozens of interactive marine-related interactive exhibits by numerous local and national organizations. In addition, we plan to have several research and rescue boats available for public tours. Whalefest Monterey benefits many local and national marine organizations dedicated to explore, educate, inspire, and to empower the public to protect the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS). The always fascinating Symposium with world-renowned marine experts will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13, from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm in the theatre at the Monterey History & Art Stanton Center, 5 Custom House Plaza. Dan Haifley from the Board of Directors for the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Monterey Bay, and former Director of the Sea Odyssey of Santa Cruz returns as MC for the Symposium. For more information go to https://whalefest.org/symposium The interactive marine-themed exhibits on the Plaza will be back for both days and will have something interesting for all ages (see list below). An array of live music and engaging activities such as Gyotaku, Origami, Scrimshaw, and the “almost famous” Abalone Races and more will be available on both April 12th and 13th on Old Fisherman’s Wharf. New this year will be participation by the Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters Association throughout the event locations. Interact with artists, who will be sharing their approach to composition, technique, and process. See how artists interpret and celebrate all things Whalefest 2025! In addition to the research boats, Current’Sea from Marine Life Studies, and Sheila B. from Moss Landing Marine Labs, this year will be a new addition: the fishing boat, General Pershing, that was built at the Siino Boat Works then located next to Hovden Cannery in 1930 by the local boatbuilders, the Siino family. “Dee”, the life size inflatable humpback whale model one can walk inside, will be back. We also plan for the return of “Gracie”, a 30ft real whale skeleton waiting to be assembled by the attendees. There will be a Calamari Cooking Demo by Gourmet Realtor Tene Shake on April 12th at 2:30 pm. There will be Wharf Walks Maritime Historian Tim Thomas at 11 am and 12:30 pm on both April 12th and 13th. There will be a variety of live musicians performing on both days and the list is on Whalefest.org. Whalefest Monterey will feature many educational and engaging displays from local, regional and national non-profits,

Present Connections: Contemporary Latinx Poets and Robinson Jeffers
2025-04-12 15:00 - 16:30 | Robinson Jeffers Tor House Foundation, 26304 Ocean View Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, 93921
APRIL 12 – Poetry Reading: “Present Connections: Contemporary Latinx Poets and Robinson Jeffers,” with Monterey County Poet Laureate Rachelle Escamilla, Manuel Paul López, MK Chavez and Darrell Dela Cruz. 3:00 pm, at Tor House, 26304 Ocean View Ave., Carmel 93923. Admission: $15. Reservations (required) at www.torhouse.org. Seating limited. Reception to follow. For more information: (831) 624-1813.

Carmel Art Walk
2025-04-12 16:00 - 19:00, 2025-05-10 16:00 - 19:00 | Throughout Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921, United States
Founded and run by local artists, the Carmel Art Walk is a free and family-friendly event. Support our local artists and keep the HEART of Carmel beating strong! Carmel Art Walk is the second Saturday every month from 4pm-7pm and is open to the public. Tour artist-owned galleries and meet the artists who carry on the Carmel-by-the-Sea artist colony legacy. Follow the blue lanterns at each gallery.

Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month Resolution
2025-04-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Government Center, 168 W. Alisal St, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
April is Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month (ACCM), and this year’s theme, Health, Healing, and Hope, reminds us how the arts can uplift, bring people together, and rejuvenate our spirits during challenging times. Art promotes health, Culture helps us heal, and Creativity sparks hope—this month is a celebration of the special role the arts play in our lives. Arts4MC is excited to invite you to join us in applauding the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors as they officially recognize April as Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month (ACCM) on Tuesday, April 15, at 10 AM at the Government Center.

Workshop: Creating Strong Paintings from Photos
2025-04-18 09:00 - 15:00 | Oldemeyer Center, 986 Hilby Ave., Seaside, CA, 93955, United States
The Central Coast Art Association is offering a workshop with award-winning Monterey artist Christine Crozier on April 26th. Christine will guide you through principles and techniques for creating strong paintings from photos and making a compelling piece of art rather than merely making a painting of a photo. This workshop is open to oil, acrylic, watercolor, and pastel artists. It will cover composition, value, editing, texture, and the use of color. Christine will demonstrate and provide individual guidance throughout the day. The workshop fee is $50.00 for CCAA Members and $80.00 for non-members. Sign up now; there is limited space, and the deadline is April 25, 2025. April 26th from 9-3 at the Oldemeyer Center in Seaside. Sign up: https://centralcoastartassociation.com/workshops/

Unveiling Celebration: BRACERO LEGACY MURAL in Chualar
2025-04-18 16:30 - 18:30 | Chualar Market, 24335 Grant Street, Chualar, 93925
Supervisors Chris Lopez & Luis Alejo and The Arts Council for Monterey County Invite You To The Unveiling Celebration of The BRACERO LEGACY MURAL: Honoring the Contributions and Sacrifices of the Bracero Workers of 1942-1964???????????? FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2025 • 4:30-6:30pm At Chualar Market • 24335 Grant Street, Chualar, California 93925. Mural by renowned artist: Hanif Panni Free Tacos & Raffle • White Hawk Aztec Dancers • Community Resource Fair. To Table or More Info, Call The Office of Supervisor Luis Alejo 831-755-5011 This Bracero Legacy Mural is also in memoriam of the 32 #Bracero workers, ages 19-59, who were killed in Chualar, California when 57 Bracero celery workers were hit by a freight train in the makeshift truck they were being transported in. 25 workers survived. The legendary #ErnestoGalarza was appointed by Congress to investigate. 9,000 attended the funeral at Palma High in Salinas! Many families in the Salinas Valley and beyond are here today because these hardworking men came here to work, contribute to this nation and find a better life for their families. Today, we honor all the Bracero workers whose history is often forgotten. FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE: https://facebook.com/events/s/bracero-legacy-mural-unveiling/665249606155374/?mibextid=wwXIfr

BusinessWorks: Mastering the Inner Game: Mindset for Art Business Success
2025-04-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Community Foundation for Monterey County, 945 S. Main Street, #207, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Attend Arts4MC’s upcoming installment of BusinessWorks, a free professional development series for artists and art nonprofits! Friday, April 25th at 10 am at the Community Foundation for Monterey County, Salinas Office: 945 South Main Street, Salinas. Success in the art business isn’t just about marketing—it starts with mindset. Join award-winning artist and gallery owner Edi Matsumoto (@edimatsumotoart) as she shares how shifting her beliefs about money, business, and self-worth transformed her art career. Learn essential mindset fundamentals and marketing strategies to help your creative business thrive! RSVP encouraged to ensure your seat: bit.ly/rsvpbizworks

MC Youth Poet Laureate BOS Resolution
2025-04-29 10:00 - 11:00 | Government Center, 168 W. Alisal St, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Join Arts4MC at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, April 29, at 10 AM at the County Government Center, as they proudly present a resolution recognizing the upcoming 2025-2026 Monterey County Youth Poet Laureate. Celebrate the talent and creativity of our young poets!

Monterey County Youth Poet Laureate Commencement Ceremony
2025-04-29 17:30 - 18:30 | Marina Library, 190 Seaside Circle, Marina, CA, 93933, United States
You are invited to the 2025 -2026 Monterey County Youth Poet Laureate Commencement Ceremony—an evening celebrating the voices of young poets and introducing the next Youth Poet Laureate. Date: Tuesday, April 29th Time: 5:30 PM Location: Marina Library Community Room. Enjoy performances by the upcoming Youth Poet Laureate, Runner-Up, Honorable Mention, and a Featured Reader. We hope you’ll join us!

Seldom Heard History of the Civil War Era
2025-05-02 00:00 - 2025-05-04 23:59 | Monterey History & Art Association at Stanton Center, 5 Custom Plaza, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
2nd annual Central Coast Conference. “Seldom Heard History of the Civil War Era” will feature a full weekend of presentations by a roster of preeminent authors and historians, to be held in the Stanton Center Theater in Monterey, California. The Stanton Center is situated on the Custom House Plaza, bordering the Monterey State Historic Park. There will be a short program on Friday evening, followed by two full days of talks on Saturday and Sunday. Book sales and signing will be conducted in the Stanton Center lobby on Saturday afternoon. Visit the event website for more information: https://whtours.org/seldom-heard-history-2025.html

First Friday Monterey Museum of Art
2025-05-02 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-06-06 17:00 - 19:00 | Monterey Museum of Art, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, 93940
FREE after-hours access to the Museum on the First Friday of the month. Join us for an evening of art, music, and community gathering!

First Friday Artist Reception at ArtWorks @Salinas: Javier Lopez Jr. presents “Home: From the Valley to the Peninsula”
2025-05-02 17:00 - 19:30 | ArtWorks @Salinas, 262 Main Street, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Join us on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 5:00 PM at ArtWorks @Salinas (262 Main Street, Salinas) for a special Artist Reception with local artist Javier Lopez Jr. Experience his heartfelt exhibit alongside the inspiring PhotoCarmel display celebrating photography on the Central Coast. Enjoy light refreshments and snacks as you explore the vibrant artist studios and shop featuring over 10 local artists and artisans—all free and open to the public!

Night Market 831
2025-05-02 17:00 - 21:00 | sand city art park, 525 Ortiz Ave, Sand City, CA, 93955, United States
Inspired by the vibrant open-air street bazaars from around the world, Night Market 831 is a lively gathering where friends and families can sip, savor, socialize, dance, shop, and explore. Held in the colorful Sand City Art Park, surrounded by stunning murals, the market creates a unique and inviting atmosphere. We are committed to fostering a safe, fun, and inclusive community space, featuring a rotating lineup of local performers, creatives, and entrepreneurs who bring their talents to life on the first Friday of every month. Free and All Ages! Visit www.nightmarket831.com for more information.

illustrating Nature Returns to the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History on May 2, 2025
2025-05-02 18:30 - 20:30 | Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, 165 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove,, CA, 93950
PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. — Illustrating Nature, the much-anticipated showing of student works from CSUMB’s graduate Science Illustration Program will once again be on display at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History starting Friday, May 2nd. A landmark 15th year of partnership between the Natural History Museum and CSUMB, the exhibit is a beautiful demonstration of the deep connections between the natural and human worlds. “Each year, we are given the chance to witness how these talented illustrators interpret the natural world.” Says Dr. Rachel Miller, the Museum’s Executive Director, “Every artist brings their own unique perspective, style, and personal story behind the illustration they have chosen to exhibit. The Pacific Grove Museum is proud to support these emerging illustrators as they launch their careers and share their incredible talent with our community.” The program at CSUMB is one that prepares its students for the world of scientific illustration, and they obtain mastery in a variety of artistic techniques and learn techniques for starting a business, selling designs, and more. Most students come in with scientific or artistic backgrounds, and the program takes them through not just the ways to illustrate science but to work with scientists and institutions. “The pieces you’ll see in the exhibit are more than just beautiful pieces of art.” Says Reid Psaltis, head of the Science Illustration Program at CSUMB. “They are the end products of an extensive amount of planning, research and effort from our students to tell stories, explain scientific concepts, and inspire.” The Exhibit will open with a meet-the-artists reception from 6:30-8:30pm on Friday, May 2nd. In a change of pace, the show will have its longest run ever at the Museum with a six-week showing ending June 15th. The Museum and Science Illustration Program would like to extend their thanks to the Arts Council for Monterey County and the Monterey County Board of Supervisors for funding this exhibit work. During its run, the Museum will host several accompanying events including: · Workshops led by program graduates May 17 and June 14 · Free student art demonstrations on May 24th and June 14th · A student art market held during the Museum’s First Friday on June 6 from 6-8pm where prints, stickers, posters, and more will be sold by the artists themselves. Those interested in seeing a sneak peek of the art on display can find it starting April 14 on the Museum’s website: Exhibits — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Upcoming Events at the Museum: Free Science Saturday: Student Research Symposium, 4/26, 10am-3pm Illustrating Nature Public Opening, 5/2, 6:30-8:30pm Walk of Remembrance, 5/10, 10am-2pm Illustrating Nature Artist Market, 6/6, 6-8pm Jade Beneath the Sea Opening & Ribbon Cutting, 6/12, 5:30-7:30pm History on Tap: Steinbeck, Ricketts, & The Sea of Cortez, 6/19, 5:30-7:30pm About the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History The museum is currently hiring for two positions to join their award-winning education team. Find out more at our website: Careers — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History In 1883, the Museum opened its doors among the first wave of natural history museums in America. Naturalists of this era began a national tradition of hands-on science education and nature preservation, a tradition the Museum has continued for over 140 years. The Museum’s mission is to inspire discovery, wonder, and stewardship of our natural world. It envisions a community of curious minds, engaged in discovering the natural heritage and cultural legacy that exist today on the Central California Coast. The Museum is a catalyst for conservation and a valued learning resource in this region, facilitating active inquiry for all ages. The Museum is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm. For more information visit www.pgmuseum.org.

Catalyst Quartet & Todd Palmer, Clarinet
2025-05-03 19:30 - 21:30 | Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921
Pre-concert lecture at 6:30 pm.
The program includes pieces by David and Samuel.

David Bruce “Gumboots”(2008)

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Quintet in F-sharp Minor for Clarinet and Strings, op. 10

Performers

Karla Donehew Perez, violin

Abi Fayette, violin

Paul Laroia, viola

Karlos Rodriguez, cello

Todd Palmer, clarinet

About the Performers

The Catalyst Quartet, known for “perfect ensemble unity” and “unequaled class of execution” (Lincoln Journal Star), has toured widely throughout the United States and abroad, including sold-out performances at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., at Chicago’s Harris Theater, Miami’s New World Center, and Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall in New York. The quartet has been guest soloists with the Cincinnati Symphony, New Haven Symphony, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Orquesta Filarmónica de Bogotá, and has served as principal players and featured ensemble with the Sphinx Organization’s featured ensemble, the Sphinx Virtuosi, on six national tours. They have been invited to perform at important music festivals such as Mainly Mozart in San Diego, the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, Sitka Music Festival, Juneau Jazz and Classics, Strings Music Festival, and the Grand Canyon Music Festival, where they appear annually. The Catalyst Quartet was ensemble-in-residence at the Vail Dance Festival in 2016 and in the 2021-22 season were in residence with San Francisco Performances where they presented the complete series of works from their Uncovered Project. In 2014, they opened the Festival del Sole in Napa, California with Joshua Bell and participated in England’s Aldeburgh Music Foundation String Quartet Residency with two performances in Jubilee Hall. In 2022 the Catalyst Quartet was named ensemble in residence for the Chamber Music Northwest Festival in Portland and for the Met Museum’s LiveArts series in NYC.

The Catalyst Quartet combines a serious commitment to diversity and education with a passion for contemporary works. The ensemble has served as principal faculty at the Sphinx Performance Academy at the Cleveland Institute of Music and Curtis Institute of Music. The Catalyst Quartet’s ongoing residencies include interactive performance presentations and workshops with Native American student composers at the Grand Canyon Music Festival. Past residencies have included concerts and masterclasses at The University Of Michigan, University Of Washington, Rice University’s Shepard School of Music, Houston’s Society for the Performing Arts, Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, The Virginia Arts Festival, and Pennsylvania State University, and internationally at the In Harmony Project in England, The University of South Africa, and The Teatro De Bellas Artes in Cali, Colombia. The ensemble’s residency in Havana, Cuba for the Cuban American Youth Orchestra in January 2019, was the first by an American string quartet since the revolution.

The Catalyst Quartet members hold degrees from The Cleveland Institute of Music, Curtis Institute of Music, Juilliard School, and New England Conservatory. The Catalyst Quartet proudly endorses Pirastro strings.

TODD PALMER (clarinet) has appeared around the world as soloist, recitalist, chamber music collaborator, educator, arranger, and presenter. A three-time Grammy nominated artist, he was a winner of the Young Concert Artist International Auditions and grand prize winner in the Ima Hogg Young Artist Auditions. He has made solo appearances with the Atlanta, Houston, and BBC Scotland orchestras, and the St. Paul, Cincinnati, Montréal, and Metamorphosen chamber orchestras. His recital performances include Weill Hall and 92nd Street Y in New York, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and Suntory Hall in Tokyo. He has collaborated with some of the world’s finest string ensembles, such as the St. Lawrence, Brentano, Borromeo and Pacifica quartets, as well as renowned sopranos Kathleen Battle, Renée Fleming, Elizabeth Futral, Heidi Grant Murphy and Dawn Upshaw. Palmer has championed Osvaldo Golijov’sklezmer clarinet quintet The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind; premiered David Bruce’s Gumboots at Carnegie Hall with the St. Lawrence Quartet, and commissioned Ricky Ian Gordon’s theatre work, Orpheus and Euridice. He was awarded the Leonard Bernstein Fellowship by the Tanglewood Institute. He appeared in Lincoln Center’s revival of South Pacific and was also soloist in Robert Lepage’s staging of Stravinsky’s The Nightingale and Other Fables at BAM, dressed as a Cossack. Palmer has recorded for DG, EMI, Koch, Naxos, and Ghostlight.

Garden Party 2025: Celebration of Spring & Poetry
2025-05-04 14:00 - 17:00 | Robinson Jeffers Tor House Foundation, 26304 Ocean View Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, 93921
Enjoy strolls in the springtime gardens. Tor House docents will read poetry and offer informed context to your visit inside this unique early 20th century cottage and tower, both built largely by the poet himself. Live music and gourmet refreshments complete the experience. Visitors can: * stroll the grounds, * enjoy Tor House and Hawk Tower, * ask questions of docents about the history of Tor House and about the poetry of Robinson Jeffers, * climb the 40′ Tower, * photograph to their hearts’ content, * enjoy music (the bagpiper at the top of the tower, the pianists playing Una’s 1904 Steinway Model O Grand Piano in the cottage, and Youth Music Monterey musicians in the east wing parlor) * learn about the birds of Carmel Point (scope, binoculars and information provided by the Monterey Audubon Society), and * enjoy delicacies from Sweet Elena’s Bakery.

SETH MULDER & MIDNIGHT RUN WITH OTTER OPRY
2025-05-13 19:00 - 21:30 | Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Once again, Otter Opry will be knocking your bluegrass socks off with an awesome show on Tuesday, May 13th at the United Methodist Church: Seth Mulder & Midnight Run. Hailing from the gateway of the Great Smoky Mountains, the band started its journey in 2015 at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. With five like-minded musicians and graduates of college music programs, this group is strongly tied to the rich bluegrass traditions, while simultaneously offering a fresh approach to the “High Lonesome” sound. Each member draws from various influences, including bluegrass, country, and rock and roll. Together, they present a high-energy show filled with nostalgic entertainment, tight harmonies, and skillful musicianship. With over 300 dates a year, the band’s high-energy style of music has taken them worldwide, including festivals across the United States, Canada, and multiple European tours. Together, Seth Mulder, Colton Powers, Tyler Griffith, Chevy Watson, and Max Silverstein create a powerhouse of music and a stage show you do not want to miss, and that is why they’re one of the most talked-about young bluegrass bands on the festival circuit today. A favorite among bluegrass enthusiasts and non-bluegrass audiences alike, the band keeps the energy high and the audience on their feet. They clearly understand that when they’re on stage, it’s not only about the music — it’s about connecting with the audience and creating a memory that will last a lifetime. In a day and age where authenticity is everything, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run are the real deal, so come on out and see for yourself. To make the evening even more special, you can enjoy a delicious enchilada dinner at 5:30pm ($12.50 before May 10th, $17.50 at the door). 7pm. Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey. $35/show (CBA members $30; 15 and under free); $12.50-17.50/pre-show dinner. www.otteropry.org

Opening Celebration of the 2025 Monterey Biennial at the Monterey Museum of Art
2025-05-17 11:00 - 16:00 | Monterey Museum of Art, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, 93940
All are welcome to join Monterey Biennial artists, friends, and families for the opening of the Biennial at Monterey Museum of Art. Enjoy beverages and light bites in MMA’s Sculpture Garden and spend time in the galleries exploring the exhibition. This special event honors the diverse and dynamic talent of artists across Fresno, Kern, Kings, Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and San Luis Obispo counties, showcasing their impact on Central California’s artistic community. Schedule of Events 11:00 am Welcome from Corey Madden, Executive Director 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Live acoustic performance by Glenn Bell 1:00 pm Welcome from Corey Madden, Executive Director 3:00 pm Welcome from Corey Madden, Executive Director and dance duet by Kelsey McFalls and Maxwell Simoes of Ballare Carmel, choreographed by Natasha Adorlee

Monterey Symphony’s Season Closer
2025-05-17 19:30 - 22:00 | Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921
Carmel/Monterey, CA – Monterey Symphony closes their 79th season on Saturday, May 17th, 2025 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, May 18th, at 3:00 PM at Sunset Center in Carmel. “We close our season with one of the most beloved and powerful pieces of classical music, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, featuring the Monterey Symphony debut of star pianist Joyce Yang. I’m very honored to be sharing one of my own compositions, Intertidal, inspired by the murmuration of shorebirds on the Pacific coast. The program will also feature our very own President and CEO, Nicola Reilly, as violin soloist on Tchaikovsky’s Melodie, as well as Respighi’s dazzling works The Fountains of Rome and The Pines of Rome,” says Music Director and Conductor Jayce Ogren. Pre-Concert Lectures – Lectures are included with all concert tickets and are held on Saturday, 6:30-7:00 PM with Musicologist Christopher Anderson-Bazzoli, and Sunday, 2:00-2:30 PM with Music Director Jayce Ogren, in the Sunset Center auditorium. Free and open to the public. Saturday Night Talk Back – Immediately following the Saturday evening concert, all ticket holders are welcome to join Conductor Jayce Ogren and soloist Joyce Yang in the lobby for a Talk Back. Patrons will have the opportunity to ask questions about the concert in a Q&A style format and are offered a complimentary glass of wine. Sunday Pre-concert Music – On Sundays, the Symphony offers Lobby Sessions with Live Music in the lobby from 1:30-1:45 PM & 2:30-2:40 PM. The May concert Lobby Sessions feature Symphony Concertmaster Christina Mok and cellist Saul Richmond-Rackerd. Arrive early to hear our musicians up close while enjoying refreshments. Free and open to the public. Tickets are $45 for Tier 3, $68 for Tier 2, and $88 for Tier 1 seats. Students, teachers, and military tickets are $12. Performances at Sunset Center in Carmel at San Carlos and 9th Ave. About the Monterey Symphony: Founded in 1946, the Monterey Symphony’s mission of the Monterey Symphony is to entertain and engage our community through musical performance and education. www.montereysymphony.org # # #

Monterey Symphony’s Final Season Closer
2025-05-18 15:00 - 18:00 | Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921

Controlled Chaos Improv at the Pacific Grove Art Center!
2025-05-24 19:00 - 21:00 | Pacific Grove Art Center, 568 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Get ready for a night of non-stop laughter and unpredictable fun at the Pacific Grove Art Center! Controlled Chaos Improv puts their own twist on traditional improvisational theatre. Quick wit and spontaneous energy are combined with truth in comedy to bring something fresh and fun to the stage! Grab your friends and join us for an evening you won’t soon forget! A good time is guaranteed for all. You may pay for a whole seat, but watch as these improvisers keep you on the edge of it! 16+

Free to BE
2025-06-01 15:00 - 17:30 | Stanton Center, 5 Custom Plaza, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
A Concert Immersion for the Soul: An afternoon of original music, sacred sound, ancestral healing & collective elevation. An Opportunity to be Part of Something Unique on the Monterey Peninsula Live Concert Immersion of all-original music with Sound Healing + nature art Personal reflection and community discussion, including option to directly engage with the artists at the event. Event Experience 3pm: Doors Open: Arrive and treat yourself to hand-selected healthy hor d’oeuvres from our local businesses. 3:30pm: Concert immersion: World premiere of LiSára’s original music + ancestral healing + sound healing journey! 4:45pm: Intermission. Peruse world-class nature art from our diverse local artists 5pm: Learn about the inspiring youth accessibility & environmental education work of The Wahine Project. ~5:10pm: Personal reflections & community discussion about nature within & around us, facilitated by LiSára. ~5:30pm: Event end This is for you if you are Looking for a one-of-a-kind experience on the Monterey Bay Peninsula … on a Sunday! Wanting to contribute to a great cause in our community that supports our youth, nature, and awareness of environmental issues internationally Seeking inspiration, stronger sense of purpose want to feel more sensual and embodied Desiring community connection Ready to have fun, enjoy unique fresh music, and experience something new. Come as you are. Leave as who you were always meant to be. What People Say: “LiSára’s work is totally a unique, dynamic healing experience that can only be truly understood through experience.” Ivy “LiSára’s presence will help you embody liberation on a cellular level so that you can share your unique offering in the world with more love and less limitations.” Shereen “You took what I have been feeling and could not articulate into song…there was also the way in which you were able to convey the silver lining in that all change is not bad…” -Alexis “Just knowing I’m not the only one who wants to heal myself, so that I can do my part it heal others and our fellow humans is such a blessing! I appreciate your willingness to open up that space and go to the depths with us.” Sarah About LiSára: Lisára is an award-winning multicultural indigenous artist, Forbes-featured entrepreneur, published author, songwriter, sound & ancestral healer, and expressed leadership mentor who has lived across four continents. Where songbird vocals uplift poignant lyrics and modern music meets shamanic sound, Lisára emanates paradigm-shifting messages of love, freedom, and human potential. Lisára’s musical immersions offer audiences light-hearted journeys home to themselves. Her multilingual performances have ranged from intimate retreats and executive meetings to crowds over 10,000, where she introduced Toots & the Maytals in one of their final performances together. She has studied music business with Dr. Mathew Knowles (Beyonce, Destiny’s Child), songwriting with Suzan Koç (Pink, Brandy, Ace of Base), and artist development with Kevin Shine (Kanye West). Her debut ballad “Things Are Changing” is out now, and she is recording new music for release in Summer 2025. In addition to music, Lisára graduated as the first woman of color (WOC) forensic linguist in the Americas, having trained with the FBI’s 1st full-time linguist and a founding member of the Woodstock band Sha Na Na. Lisára’s artistry is a call to wholeness and sovereignty, with deep reverence for ancient wisdom. She also coaches and mentors visionaries, entrepreneurs, creators, healers, cycle breakers and changemakers seeking personal and collective transformation to fully claim their unique voices and embodied expression as leaders. **Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lisaraxo/ **Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisaraofficial About Wahine The Wahine Project seeks to break down the barriers that prevent youth participation in ocean sports and provide them the opportunity to become proficient water humans with the sense of social responsibility that the ocean uniquely provides around climate change, and environmental justice. For this event, we are focused on funding our Access for All Program: providing youth living with disabilities access to the ocean. Who’s Involved: Musical Artist & Sound Healer: LiSára Fundraiser Beneficiary: The Wahine Project MC & Moderator: Dr. Carley Corrado DJ / AV: Vida Loek Media Musicians: Jayson Fann Nathan Dennen Visual Artists: Edi Matsumoto Kristina Kernytska Supported By: The Arts Council for Monterey County KRML Radio Wild Plum Cafe ***Buy your ticket online to ensure entry! We look forward to seeing you there.

7 Artist 1 Show
2025-06-05 18:00 - 2025-06-28 20:00 | ArtWorks @Salinas, 262 Main Street, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Learn more at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/7-artists-1-show-tickets-1374936053749?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

MMA First Friday—Monterey Biennial
2025-06-06 17:00 - 19:00 | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA, United States, California
Enjoy an evening at MMA filled with live music by Kito Rayburn, local food and beverages, and interactive art activities for all ages. This special Biennial-themed First Friday will bring the exhibition to life with hands-on experiences tied to the artwork on view. The Museum welcomes you, friends, and family for an evening to enjoy the talent of Central California. First Friday Activity Inspired by the Biennial’s theme, Resonance and Reflection, cut, place, and trace your way through memory. In this calming, hands-on activity, you’ll create abstract shapes from reflective paper—each one a fragment of your story. As you outline the shapes over and over, their lines begin to intersect, revealing how our moments connect and shape who we are. A quiet practice in reflection, connection, and self-discovery.

First Friday Artist Reception at ArtWorks @Salinas: Javier Lopez Jr. presents “Home: From the Valley to the Peninsula”
2025-06-06 17:00 - 19:30 | ArtWorks @Salinas, 262 Main Street, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Join us for a special Artist Reception with local artist Javier Lopez Jr. Experience his heartfelt exhibit alongside the inspiring PhotoCarmel display celebrating photography on the Central Coast. Enjoy light refreshments and snacks as you explore the vibrant artist studios and shop featuring over 10 local artists and artisans!
