Music

Get the Concept?

I was committed to 100% firsthand research, and that meant only covering albums for which I could talk to an album’s creator or a key participant.

‘Punk Spirit’ Author John Malkin on Mindfulness in the Mosh Pit

One might think punk and spirituality have nothing in common. But both present ways for people to question the world around them.

Nashville Abounds

With a voice that is at once unique but brings up comparisons to everyone from Linda Ronstadt to Bonnie Raitt, Nicki Bluhm sounds eternally American. At Felton Music Hall, 11/21

Digging Deep Roots

The California Honeydrops spent their early days refining a uniquely eclectic sound that pulls from the past while presenting snappy hooks and horns that resonate today.

East Greets West

Korean Experimental Music Festival arrives at UCSC for four free performances. This is a rare opportunity... Nov. 14-15.

Raising the Bar

Placing the evening entirely in the expert hands of the Marea Ensemble, Phil Collins peeled back newer edges of new music for a spellbound audience at Peace United Church last week.

Ambient Wave

Hayden Pedigo's intricate guitar fingerpicking, ambient soundscapes and open-tuned compositions follow in the footsteps of John Fahey. Performing with Jens Kuross, 7pm on Nov. 4 at The Crepe Place

Eddie Roberts and Simon Allen launched the New Mastersounds in 1999. Their soul/funk/jazz hybrid was an immediate hit in clubs throughout the UK. The New Mastersounds play at 8pm on Oct. 23 at Moe’s Alley

Squeeze Play

Glenn Tilbrook has recently opened/co-headlined with disparate acts including Boy George, The Psychedelic Furs and ska/pop legends Madness. At at Felton Music Hall, October 20.

Open Mic Nights: Live, Loose and Local

At open mics throughout the county, Santa Cruzans are out on stage, performing for their friends and neighbors.

Diving into Immersive Audio at Cabrillo College

Boasting a 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos mixing and production space with Genelec SAM monitors, Cabillo College’s audio lab offers cutting-edge tech.

Divine Connection

Jai Uttal brought forth his vision of The Pagan Love Orchestra—a mash-up of myriad styles including Indian music, rock, jazz, reggae, ska, samba and jazz.