Music

A Santa Cruz County music education program that was a finalist for a $500,000 national prize will not take home the top honors. But the organizers of El Sistema Santa Cruz/Pajaro Valley, and the 1,000 students who take part, still have plenty to be proud of.

The competition honors music programs that offer students “access to learning, creating, and performing experiences that reflect their culture and identity." Finalists are in the running for a $500,000 national prize.

Monterey Peninsula Voices celebrates its 60th anniversary this week. The diverse choral group of some 50 singers have just one thing in common: they are passionate about singing. In fact, except for a $195 member fee that goes to maintaining the group, a love of song is the only requirement to join. No experience is necessary.

The Mystery of Music

Nestled between the music scenes of Santa Cruz and Monterey, Seaside can be overlooked as a place to go for dinner and a concert. But one Seaside native…