Live Music & Dance
Roaring Camp Railroads: Starlight Evening Dinner Party
Roaring Camp 5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, CA, United StatesEvening train and dinner excursion departs from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and travels along the San Lorenzo River through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park to Roaring Camp. Upon arrival, a delicious steak dinner awaits you. After dinner, get up and move to a live band. On the return trip to Santa Cruz, the train ride brings the forest to life with dazzling color and light. The evening event is four hours, returning to the Boardwalk when the stars are overhead.
California Coffee: Live Music
California Coffee 9105 Soquel Dr., Aptos, United StatesCalifornia Coffee aspires to bring you the best quality roasted coffee drinks, provide an ambiance of relaxation, comfort and fun for you with great customer service that will bring you back again, one cup at a time! Get the habit started with some local live music to get your weekend kicking! Saturday, April 13: Joint Chiefs Saturday, May 11: Alex Lucero Saturday, June 15: Jake Nielsen Blues Thursday, July 4: Philip Retamoza and Elenore Saturday, August 10: Javi and his Salsa Machine Saturday, September 14: Santa Cruda Saturday, October 12: Harpin & The Owl’s
Santa Cruz Wharf: Live Concert Series
Santa Cruz Wharf 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesWelcome back to Tuesday Night Live at the Wharf Common’s stage! Every 2nd Tuesday of the month, head to the Wharf for live music and games from 6 to 8pm. Check out Wharf Business pop ups, game and photo booth by The Booth Biz in the Commons. Get a stamp validation from any business on the Wharf on Tuesdays and receive 2 hours of free parking! Be sure to bring a chair or wear your dancing shoes! May 14: TinMan June 11: Tsunami Band July 9: The Joint Chiefs August 13: The Lost Boys Featuring James Durbin September 10: Viva Santana Show (Nor Cals #1 Tribute Band)
Capitola: Summer Twilight Concerts
Esplanade Park Capitola Village, Capitola, CA, United StatesBring chairs, jackets, a picnic supper, and the family to enjoy free live music and the sunset! Concerts begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and take place at the Esplanade bandstand. Visit local restaurants and pick up dinner to go and enjoy a picnic at the beach! Suggested to bring low back chairs or picnic blanket for seating. *No dogs or alcohol in the park or on the beach. June 12: Spun (Funky Rock) June 19: Pacific Roots (Reggae Rock) June 26: Ribsy’s Nickel (Rock/Reggae) July 3: Dirty Cello (Blues & Rock) July 10: Mike Hammar & The Nails (Contemporary Blues) July 17: Extra Large (Original Pop) July 24: The Joint Chiefs (R&B, Soul, American Roots) July 31: Dolce (Old School, R&B, Soul, American Roots) August 7: Space Heater (Funk/Dance/Jam) August 14: The Inciters Band (60’s Style Original Soul) August 21: Cowboys After Dark (Classic Rock/Funk) August 28: Alex Lucero (Soul/Americana)
Cocoanut Grove Picnic Area: Silent Piano Concert
Boardwalk’s Cocoanut Grove 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesMindTravel creator and composer Murray Hidary will play real-time, improvised piano compositions at the beach! Wear headphones to listen to the ethereal sounds. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Santa Cruz as you experience this unique musical performance. Take a moment to relax, close your eyes, and let the music take you on a journey within.
Crow’s Nest: Thursday Night Beach Parties
The Crow’s Nest Restaurant 2218 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesEach Summer on Thursday evenings, the Crow’s Nest offers its Summer Beach Party series with fun and funky live entertainment right on the beach. The party starts at 5:30 pm each week and goes until sunset. With live entertainment on the outdoor beach stage and Crow’s Nest’s famous BBQ and outdoor bar, beach parties are a unique and popular event. Families are welcome, and there is no admission charge! After the sun sets the fun begins upstairs with dancing to the best of local live bands beginning at 8:30 pm with only a $5 cover charge. May 23, 2024: Sambada (Brazilian Rhythms) / Fuse (Funk, Soul and Rock & Roll) May 30, 2024: Harry & The Hitmen (Classic Motown and Soul) / Burnin Vernon (Funk, Soul, R&B, Jazz and Blues) June 6, 2024: Izzy & The Haze (Contemporary Pop, R&B, Hip Hop)/Big Bad Wolf (Blues, Grunge, Folk) June 13, 2024: The Cruzers (Folk, Pop, R&B) / Fire Peach (90’s Rock Covers) June 20, 2024: Jive Machine (Old-School Funk, Progress) / Locomotive Breath (Progressive Rock, Hard Rock, Blues Rock) June 27, 2024: Extra Large (High Energy Dance Band) / Hall Pass (Indie Rock) NO BBQ BEACH PARTY 4th OF JULY July 11, 2024: The Lost Boys (70s and 80s Party Rock) / Velvet Jones (Funk, Soul, Rock) July 18, 2024: Fishhook (Classic Rock) / Cake by the Ocean (Pop, R&B, Dance, Disco-Funk) July 25, 2024: The Messengers (Funk, Soul, Groove) / Afrohilife (Tropical Fusion-Funk Dance Music) August 1, 2024: Houserockers (Rock, Funk, Blues, 60s Soul, R&B, Swing) / John Michael Band (Funk, Soul, Reggae, Blues, 90’s Rock) August 8, 2024: The Joint Chiefs (Funk, Acid Jazz, Classic R&B) / Rusty Rock N Roll (Classic Rock Covers) August 15, 2014: The Dylan Rose Band (Rock & Roll) / Anthony Arya Band (Americana Rock) August 22, 2014: Sambada (Samba, Reggae, Funk) / Sweet Voodoo (Mashup covers of Classic Rock, Funk and Soul)
Midtown Santa Cruz: Friday Summer Block Parties
Midtown Block Party Lot 1111 Soquel Ave, Santa CruzGo Celebrate all the vibrancy of Midtown at the Summer Block Party, happening every Friday! Food – Artists – Live Music – Vendors The summer series of free events will feature the talents of 30+ local bands. In addition to live music, event goers will enjoy a selection of local eats as well as the opportunity to check out the work of local artists and vendors. Midtown Fridays starts May 31 to August 31. Live music brought to you by Off The Lip Radio Show May 31st: Dylan Rose Band – Opener: Shoreline Middle School Band June 7th: Doah’s Daydream – Opener: Soquel High Jazz Band June 14th: Funkranomicon – Opener: Trianna (GTRI) June 21st: The Cruzers – Opener: Ripatti & Rose June 28th: Hijinx – Opener: Mo Cruz (Animo) July 5th: The Money Band – Opener: Jim Buhisan July 12th: Santa Cruda – Opener: Th New Horizon Band July 19th: The Joint Chiefs – Opener: Jake Nielsen & Triple Threat July 26th: Locomotive Breath – Opener: Joshua Cremer August 2nd: Anthony Arya August 9th: Cowboys After Dark – Opener: Shawn Yanez August 16th: Ribsy’s Nickel – Opener: The Rayburn Brothers August 23rd: Spun – Opener: Dave Miller (Nomad) August 30th: Alex Lucero Band – Opener: Honey Disposition
Watsonville Plaza: Summer Concert Series
Watsonville Civic Plaza 275 Main Street, Watsonville, CA, United StatesThe Watsonville summer outdoor Music in the Plaza concert series is back! Enjoy an evening of music outdoors. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics, then sit back and relax to the sounds of summer. A variety of bands from different genres will be showcased at these concerts. Grab a bite at the downtown restaurants or farmers market and enjoy the music from 6-8 PM on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month throughout the summer. June 21, 2024 July 5, 2024 July 19, 2024 August 2, 2024 August 16, 2024 September 6, 2024
Scotts Valley: Art, Wine, and Beer Festival
Skypark 361 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley, CA, United StatesScotts Valley Art, Wine, and Beer Festival is back in the beautiful park setting of Skypark in Scotts Valley. This premier summer festival in the Santa Cruz Mountains has something fun for everyone! The fun includes over 100 artists, live music, kid zone, food trucks, Cops Car Show on Saturday, Dog Day on Sunday, beer, wine, and more! Don’t miss this summer favorite with free admission in Scotts Valley! Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm
Nicholson Vineyards: Summer Series
Nicholson Vineyards 2800 Pleasant Valley Road, Aptos, CA, United StatesEnjoy summer weekend afternoons at the beautiful Nicholson Vineyards! They will be featuring local food vendors. Saturdays from noon to 5pm – Enjoy perusing art from local artists Sundays from noon to 5pm – Enjoy listening to local musicians July 6 & 7: Epoch Eats & True Blue Studio Music by R&B July 13 & 14: Mattia Pizza & Scout + Sea Music by Sam Kellerman July 20 & 21: Chubby Tacos & Luna Dorada Music by Dave Tate July 27 & 28: My Mom’s Mole & Natalia Aandewiel Music by Tom Jacobs August 3 & 4: Areperia 831 & Nathan Goldsmith Music by Will Breman August 10 & 11: The Pesce Veggie & Papelline Music by Kip Allert August 17 & 18: SC Eatery & Sierra Evans Music by Michelle Lambert August 24 & 25: Taquizas Gabriel & Desert Moon Designs Music by Wild + Blue August 31 & September 1: Real Taco & The Clay Chalet Bottle Bash Event
Roaring Camp Railroads: Moonlight Train Dinner Party
Roaring Camp 5401 Graham Hill Rd, Felton, CA, United StatesTreat yourself to an evening of fun and relaxation at Roaring Camp’s Redwood Evening Dinner Train Party. Start with a hearty steak dinner and just like grandma made it apple pie while you enjoy live musical entertainment. After, get into the swing of things by line dancing or two-stepping the night away, followed by a leisurely train ride aboard vintage railway cars. The steam train stops atop Bear Mountain to hot cider and musical entertainment.
Cabrillo College: String Quartet Playing Bach and The Beatles by Candlelight
Cabrillo College Samper Hall 6500 Soquel Drive Visual and Performing Arts Complex, Aptos, CA, United StatesSee the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Santa Cruz. Get your tickets now to discover the music from Bach to the Beatles at Samper Recital Hall under the gentle glow of candlelight. Tentative Program: Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1048: I. Allegro Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007: I. Prelude Ave Maria (Bach / Gounod) Concerto for 2 Violins in D Minor, BWV 1043: I. Vivace The Beatles: I Want to Hold Your Hand Yesterday Blackbird Strawberry Fields Forever All You Need Is Love Eleanor Rigby Michelle Love Me Do Something In My Life Hey Jude Here Comes the Sun Come Together
Cabrillo College: String Quartet Tribute to Queen and Abba by Candlelight
Cabrillo College Samper Hall 6500 Soquel Drive Visual and Performing Arts Complex, Aptos, CA, United StatesSee the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Santa Cruz. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Queen and Abba at Samper Recital Hall under the gentle glow of candlelight. Tentative Program: Dancing Queen SOS Money, Money, Money Bohemian Rhapsody I Want to Break Free Waterloo Super Trouper Mamma Mia Don’t Stop Me Now We Will Rock You We Are the Champions
Capitola: Summer Twilight Concerts
Esplanade Park Capitola Village, Capitola, CA, United StatesBring chairs, jackets, a picnic supper, and the family to enjoy free live music and the sunset! Concerts begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and take place at the Esplanade bandstand. Visit local restaurants and pick up dinner to go and enjoy a picnic at the beach! Suggested to bring low back chairs or picnic blanket for seating. *No dogs or alcohol in the park or on the beach. June 12: Spun (Funky Rock) June 19: Pacific Roots (Reggae Rock) June 26: Ribsy’s Nickel (Rock/Reggae) July 3: Dirty Cello (Blues & Rock) July 10: Mike Hammar & The Nails (Contemporary Blues) July 17: Extra Large (Original Pop) July 24: The Joint Chiefs (R&B, Soul, American Roots) July 31: Dolce (Old School, R&B, Soul, American Roots) August 7: Space Heater (Funk/Dance/Jam) August 14: The Inciters Band (60’s Style Original Soul) August 21: Cowboys After Dark (Classic Rock/Funk) August 28: Alex Lucero (Soul/Americana)
Crow’s Nest: Thursday Night Beach Parties
The Crow’s Nest Restaurant 2218 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesEach Summer on Thursday evenings, the Crow’s Nest offers its Summer Beach Party series with fun and funky live entertainment right on the beach. The party starts at 5:30 pm each week and goes until sunset. With live entertainment on the outdoor beach stage and Crow’s Nest’s famous BBQ and outdoor bar, beach parties are a unique and popular event. Families are welcome, and there is no admission charge! After the sun sets the fun begins upstairs with dancing to the best of local live bands beginning at 8:30 pm with only a $5 cover charge. May 23, 2024: Sambada (Brazilian Rhythms) / Fuse (Funk, Soul and Rock & Roll) May 30, 2024: Harry & The Hitmen (Classic Motown and Soul) / Burnin Vernon (Funk, Soul, R&B, Jazz and Blues) June 6, 2024: Izzy & The Haze (Contemporary Pop, R&B, Hip Hop)/Big Bad Wolf (Blues, Grunge, Folk) June 13, 2024: The Cruzers (Folk, Pop, R&B) / Fire Peach (90’s Rock Covers) June 20, 2024: Jive Machine (Old-School Funk, Progress) / Locomotive Breath (Progressive Rock, Hard Rock, Blues Rock) June 27, 2024: Extra Large (High Energy Dance Band) / Hall Pass (Indie Rock) NO BBQ BEACH PARTY 4th OF JULY July 11, 2024: The Lost Boys (70s and 80s Party Rock) / Velvet Jones (Funk, Soul, Rock) July 18, 2024: Fishhook (Classic Rock) / Cake by the Ocean (Pop, R&B, Dance, Disco-Funk) July 25, 2024: The Messengers (Funk, Soul, Groove) / Afrohilife (Tropical Fusion-Funk Dance Music) August 1, 2024: Houserockers (Rock, Funk, Blues, 60s Soul, R&B, Swing) / John Michael Band (Funk, Soul, Reggae, Blues, 90’s Rock) August 8, 2024: The Joint Chiefs (Funk, Acid Jazz, Classic R&B) / Rusty Rock N Roll (Classic Rock Covers) August 15, 2014: The Dylan Rose Band (Rock & Roll) / Anthony Arya Band (Americana Rock) August 22, 2014: Sambada (Samba, Reggae, Funk) / Sweet Voodoo (Mashup covers of Classic Rock, Funk and Soul)