Jul 17 Thursday
Join us for Ben Lomond’s monthly Wee Kirk Market, a charming, old-fashioned farmers and makers market celebrating local artisans, farmers, musicians, and food vendors. Enjoy fresh produce, handcrafted goods, live music, and delicious eats in the heartof Ben Lomond.
This outstanding market takes place on the First Sunday of Every Month through October at 9500 Central Avenue in Ben Lomond.
Bring your friends and family for a fun-filled community gathering.
Admission is Free.
Join us for this unforgettable Celebration of Tradition, Culture, History, and Conservation -- and help honor “All Things Abalone.”
Abalone has long held a significant place in Monterey’s cultural and culinary history. The community is invited to celebrate this rich legacy at the first-ever “Abalone Festival: All Things Abalone” on Saturday, July 26th and Sunday, July 27th at the Monterey Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) Hall and additional nearby sites.
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WHAT: “The Monterey Abalone Festival: All Things Abalone”WHEN: Saturday, July 26th and Sunday, July 27thTIME: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm both daysWHERE: Monterey JACL Hall, 424 Adams Street, Monterey
This unique two-day celebration will feature an outstanding lineup of expert speakers, documentary films, live performances, cultural demonstrations, a walking tour, abalone races, and more. The event will also debut the inaugural presentation of the Roy Hattori Memorial Award, recognizing outstanding contributions to abalone heritage and conservation.
One of the festival highlights will be a special “Abalone Dance” performed by the Monterey Rumsen Ohlone Community on Del Monte Beach, led there by the Monterey Lion Dance Troupe at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Saturday. The weekend will also include a Zoom conversation with historians and researchers from Tateyama, Japan, the ancestral home of many Japanese divers who came to Monterey.
More information is available at: www.jaclmonterey.org
Jul 19 Saturday
Classic Car Show is a fire fighter fundraiser supporting 4 local fire districts: Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond, Felton, and Zyante. Beautiful Classic cars on display with a completion element and People’s Choice. Live Music by Love Creek, Charlie Browns BBQ, local vendors and a beautiful day in the sun beneath the redwood canopy. Bring the family and come enjoy this amazing event. Thank you.
Aug 02 Saturday
Join the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), Monterey County Branch, for a moving commemoration marking the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This free public event honors lives lost and affirms a commitment to a nuclear-free future.
The evening includes taiko drumming, music, poetry, and stories, concluding with a serene lantern floating ceremony at sunset. As peace lanterns drift across the cove, shakuhachi flute music will offer a meditative close to the evening.
Co-sponsored by the City of Pacific Grove, Peace Coalition of Monterey County, Veterans for Peace Chapter 46, Monterey Peace and Justice Center, and others. With appreciation to Pacific Grove Adventures for kayak support.
All are welcome to arrive early and decorate peace lanterns. Bring a blanket and dress warmly.
Program HighlightsEmcee: Alexandra Ramos – WILPF Monterey County & Monterey Peace and Justice CenterGuest Speaker: Masako Toki – Senior Project Manager, James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey
Schedule:7:00 PM – Lantern making begins; performance by Shinsho-Mugen Daiko taiko drummers7:45 PM – Music, poetry, and messages of hope:o Opening Blessing – Brendan J. Ramsden, minister, Center for Sacred Studieso Indigenous Land Acknowledgement – Michael Lojkovic, musician and peace activist o Mayors for Peace – Pacific Grove Mayor Nick Smitho Nagasaki Story – Troy Ishikawao Peace Poem – Jennifer Fellguth, poet, storyteller, retired educator8:15 PM – Lantern Launch: Kayakers will guide lanterns serenely across the cove as Tai Chi Master Jim Scott-Behrends plays the shakuhachi bamboo flute
Sep 13 Saturday
When you attend or sponsor the Gala for the Arts, you’re not just supporting a one-night event. You're investing in young people and artists with big dreams.
You and your guests will enjoy a joyful evening of delicious food and drinks, a silent auction, and an uplifting program. We’ll honor incredible individuals: Gary Smith for Distinguished Service to the Arts and Jesús Ruvalcaba as our Distinguished Alumnus in the Arts. The Gala for the Arts will also feature live music from the Hilltown Bluegrass Band and include a pre-Gala peek in the newly renovated Hartnell Art Gallery.
After the Gala, guests are invited to attend The Western Stage's production of Bright Star, a heartwarming musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell set in the Blue Ridge Mountains between the 1920s and 1940s.
Learn more:https://hartnellfoundation.org/event/gala/
Watsonville Taiko hosts the Tanabata Star Festival at the Kizuka Hall in Watsonville on Sunday, August 10th.
Watsonville Taiko will host the Tanabata Star Festival at the Kizuka Hall in Watsonville on Sunday, August 10th. This very special event celebrates and symbolizes the annual reunion of two stars separated by the Milky Way: Vega. The Weaver Star and Altair, the Cow-herder Star. As part of this Festival, the Bamboo Tree, a symbol of Hope and Properity, will be adorned with Origami and Wishes in the hope of reuniting the couple and bringing Good Fortune.
A Japanese Lunch is available and can be ordered for $20.00. This includes:• Soup• Salad• Rice• Either Chicken Teriyaki and Pork Gyoza (or) Tofu Dish and Vegitarian Gyoza
The event will be highlighted with very special Origami Artwork to include decorations on Bamboo Branches with Origami Art created by atendees.
Please email info@watsonvilletaiko.org for reservations.
DATE: Sunday, August 10thTIME: 12:00pm to 3:30pm LOCATION: Kizuka Hall, 150 Blackburn Street, WatsonvilleADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Lunch Ordering Deadline is Friday, August 1st. For Event Reservation and Lunch Orders please contact: info@watsonvilletaiko.org
Watsonville Taiko is a registered 501(c)3 Organization.
MAILING ADDRESSP.O. Box 1673Watsonville, CA 95077-1673
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. 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 each month.
Where: Sand City Art Park, 525 Ortiz Ave, Sand City, CA 93955
When: Every First Friday of the month, from 5PM to 9PM
Scandinavian Traditions in Song featuring the Nyckelharpa
Edwin Huizinga and William Coulter invite you to join them for a captivating evening of folklore inspired by the rich musical traditions of Scandinavia. The duo, known as Fire & Grace, will explore Scandinavian choral and folk traditions, joined by Olov Johannson on the nyckelharpa. This unique concert promises to transport audiences on a soulful journey through the timeless beauty of Nordic folk music.
Jul 18 Friday
Works from Jessie Montgomery, Reza Vali, Idin Samimi Mofakhan, and J.S. Bach
Works for Violin, Cello, Viola, and PercussionThis program blends contemporary and traditional voices to reflect on turmoil and hope- featuring compositions from Iran, Israel, and the United States. From Kol Nidrei’s heartfelt prayer to Mirage’s meditative remembrance, the music focuses on themes of friendship, tradition, remembrance, and the challenges of human dialogue.
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Program
JESSIE MONTGOMERY Duo for violin and cello
REZA VALI Calligraphy No. 5
TRADITIONAL Kol Nidrei
IDIN SAMIMI MOFAKHAM Mirage…
JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH The Art of Fugue
8. Contrapunctus 8 a 3
Works from J.S. Bach
Works for Oboe, Bassoon, Trumpet, Violin, Viola, and VocalIn this powerful program, Bach’s Cantata: Selin ist der Mann (BWV 57) and Cantata: Erfeut euch, ihr Herzen (BWV 66) explore the emotional extremes of fear and hope. Through rich harmonies and intricate vocal lines, these cantatas take the audience on a journey through human vulnerability and resilience, showcasing Bach’s ability to capture the deepest aspects of the human experience.
BACH Cantata No. 57, “Selig ist der Mann,”
I. Aria: “Selig ist der Mann”II. Recitative: “Ach! dieser susse Trost”III. Aria: “Ich wunschte mir den Tod”IV. Recitative: “Ich reich dir die Hand”V. Aria: “Ja, ja, ich kann die Feinde schlagen”VI. Recitative: “In meinem Schooss liegt Ruh und Leben”VII. Aria: “Ich ende behende mein irdisches Leben”VIII. Chorus: “Richte dich, Liebste”
BACH The Art of Fugue
3. Contrapunctus 3
BACH Cantata No. 66, “Erfreut euch, ihr Herzen”
I. Chorus: “Erfreut euch, ihr Herzen”II. Recitative: “Es bricht das Grab und damit unsre Not”III. Aria: “Lasset dem Hochsten ein Danklied erschallen”IV. Recitative: “Bei Jesu Leben freudig sein”V. Duet: “Ich furchte nicht/zwar des Grabes Finsternissen”VI. Chorus: “Alleluja! Des solln wir alle froh sein”
Enjoy pre-concert music performed by the Festival’s Tower Brass on the Sunset Center Terrace before the evening’s Main Concert.. . .
GIROLOMO FANTINI Imperial Intrada Rota & Seconda
11. Contrapunctus 11 a 4
MANUEL PENELLA El Gato Montes (Paso Doble Torero)
JOHANN CHRISTOPH PEZEL Dance Suite
Mozart – Symphony No. 41, “Jupiter”, Jessie Montgomery – Starburst, and Schumann – Concerto for Cello
Friday night opens with Jessie Montgomery’s Starburst, a vibrant work inspired by the imagery of rapidly shifting constellations. As a living composer whose works will be highlighted throughout the festival’s Chamber Concerts, Montgomery represents the innovative spirit of contemporary music, bridging past and present.
Schumann’s introspective Cello Concerto in A minor, Op. 129 follows, offering a deeply lyrical exploration of emotion and dialogue between soloist and orchestra. Composed during a turbulent period of his life, the concerto reveals Schumann’s ability to channel profound sensitivity and beauty into music, blurring the lines between virtuosic display and heartfelt expression.
The program concludes with Mozart’s final Symphony No. 41 in C major, “Jupiter.” The nickname reflects the work’s majestic character, evoking the commanding presence of the Roman god. Its final movement is particularly extraordinary, showcasing Mozart’s unparalleled mastery of counterpoint in a triumphant five-voice fugue, bringing the evening to an electrifying close.
MONTGOMERY Starburst for string orchestra
SCHUMANN Concerto for Cello, op. 129, A minor
I. Nicht zu schnell
II. Langsam
III. Sehr lebhaft
INTERMISSION
MOZART Symphony no. 41, K. 551, C minor, “Jupiter”
I. Allegro vivace
II. Andante cantabile
III. Allegretto
IV. Molto allegro
Join Leonard & Rasmus in this interactive family concert as they explore whales and sea life in the ocean off Monterey Bay. While navigating the ocean and inside Monterey Bay, their musical pathway will include composers J.S, Bach, Percy Grainger, Juan Pablo Contreras, Jelly Roll Morton, Amy Beach, Ale Carr (Danish String Quartet), Zhou Tian, performed by chamber ensembles and the combined small orchestra for a rousing finale! Suitable for ages 3+, a perfect multigenerational experience.
The Legacy of the Legendary Queen Christina
Queen Christina of Sweden was a fascinating figure of the 17th century—famous for her bold decision to abdicate the throne and her lasting influence on European culture. Christina was known as a passionate patron of the arts, and her support led to the creation of iconic music and philosophy. This performance takes you on a journey through Christina’s extraordinary life, highlighting key historical moments and the remarkable musical pieces that flourished under her patronage.
ALESSANDRO STRADELLA Balletto-Sinfonia from “Vola, vola in Altri Petti” (1674)
SAMUEL FRIEDRICH CAPRICORNUS Ciaccona for violin, viola da gamba and continuo (1660)
LUIGI ROSSI Lamento della Regina Suezia, “Un ferito cavaliero” for soprano and continuo
BERNARDO PASQUINI Partite Diverse di Follia for solo harpsichord
MARCO MARAZZOLI Prologo Aurora from the Opera “La Vita humana ovvero il trionfo della Pietà”
ALESSANDRO STRADELLA Sinfonia from “Vola, vola in Altri Petti”
JEAN-BAPTISTE LULLY Ouverture, Ritournelle et récit italien from “Ballet d’Alcidiane”
JEAN-BAPTISTE LULLY Chaconne des Maures from “Ballet d’Alcidiane”