Thursday, Jan. 1
Trio Time
Whether you’re just waking up from a raucous New Year’s Eve night out, or you spent an early evening in, perhaps listening to harpsichord music, this annual New Year’s Day tradition provides an opportunity to hear music from 17th-century France and Germany performed by the Cherry Trio (harpsichord, viol and baroque violin). A reception follows. [SR]
3pm Thursday, Jan. 1. Carl Cherry Center, 4th and Guadalupe, Carmel. $40. (831) 624-7491, carlcherrycenter.org.
Friday, Jan. 2
New Groove
For those wanting to get a start on that New Year’s resolution, dance is a wonderful way to do it. Even if you’ve never danced before, the Freestyle Dancejam Monterey Bay is the place to get your body moving just for the sake of movement. Need a prop? That’s no problem because hula hoops and bubbles are provided at this substance-free dance party. What will definitely get you grooving is DJ Paul, who will be there to ensure you can move exactly how your body was meant to. So bring yourself, because that’s all you’ll need to have some fun. [SC]
7-9pm Friday, Jan. 2. Chautauqua Hall, 159 17th St., Pacific Grove. $10-$20; free/children under 10. (831) 601-0427.
Saturday, Jan. 3
First House
The first mayor of Salinas was Isaac Julian Harvey, a merchant from Saint Joseph, Missouri, who moved west during the Gold Rush in 1853. About 15 years later, he brought his family to what was originally known as “Salinas City,” a barren settlement with only 12 buildings and no nearby railroad – the closest one being in San Jose. The house he first lived in while helping shape the Salinas we know today still stands and is the oldest building in Salinas, built in 1868. It has become a culturally significant site rich in history, open to visitors on the first Saturday of every month. Docents guide visitors through the home, sharing stories about the development of Salinas and the Salinas Valley. Near the house are the railroad museum and regional heritage center, making it easy to turn a visit into a full day of exploring local history. [KR]
10am-4pm Saturday, Jan. 3. First Mayor’s House, 20 Station Place, Salinas. Free. (831) 214-8661, firstmayorshouse.org.
Day Trip
Pop & Hiss poses a dilemma, which we will get to in a moment. In the meantime, just know that Pete the Drifter takes the stage from 2-4pm, playing sounds that meander through the decades. In other words, songs you want to hear and sway to. The day becomes much livelier when DJ Leo launches into his “We Got Soul” set from 7-10pm. And if you are thinking Aretha, understand that his version of soul is at a danceable tempo with an electric vibe. And if that all sounds like a day, ponder this problem. What do you do between 4pm and 7pm? [DF]
2pm and 7pm Saturday, Jan. 3. Pop & Hiss, 215 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. Free. popandhiss.net.
Saturday, Jan. 3-Sunday, Jan. 4
Rail Time
If you secretly wanted a train set for Christmas but Santa didn’t come through – or know a kid who just loves choo choo trains – head over to the Monterey & Salinas Valley Railroad Museum to get your model train fix. Over two days the volunteers of the MSVRR Historical Society fire up the HO-scale model trains that rumble through a two-tier diorama of Monterey County circa 1953, spanning the entire length of the museum, located in an old freight building at the Salinas train station. Become a guest engineer of one of the trains, or just enjoy watching them run the loop, past tiny replicas of some iconic Monterey County landmarks. [PM]
10am-4pm Saturday, Jan. 3 and Sunday, Jan. 4. Monterey & Salinas Valley Railroad Museum, 15 Station Place, Salinas. Free. (831) 789-8097, msvrr.org.
Monday, Jan. 5
On the Cards
Comedian Sal Vulcano once said the most embarrassing moment he suffered through on the Impractical Jokers show was incorrectly calling out “Bingo!” many times in a casino packed with too-serious bingo players. It made for hilarious television, but in real life, don’t be that person. Make sure you actually have “bingo” when you play at the Carmel Public Library. All ages are welcome to this competition that takes place the first Monday of every month. Expect snacks and prizes. [EC]
4-5pm Monday, Jan. 5. Carmel Public Library, Ocean and Lincoln, Carmel. Free. (831) 624-4629, ci.carmel.ca.us/library.
Good Neighbors
We just want to clarify something: You actually don’t need to be a neighbor of Tipsy Putt to take part in Neighbors Night. And before you say the folks at Tipsy Putt need a lesson in truth in advertising rules, take a moment to be thankful they are inviting all locals. There are free bites (you pay for drinks and larger plates) and free rounds of 1-2 Golf, which is arguably more fun than the real thing because you don’t need to whisper when someone is hitting the ball, and since it’s played on table tops, you don’t need to work with a pro on your swing. On this night, everyone is neighborly. [DF]
7-9pm Monday, Jan. 5. Tipsy Putt, 95 Prescott Ave., Monterey. Free. (831) 297-9048, tipsyputt.com.
Tuesday, Jan. 6
Art-byte
There are numerous ways to expand your creativity when crafting a piece of art. Consider Pointillism. The neo-expressionist painting technique, or pixel art, is a digital art form where tiny squares are used to create an image. The tiny dots and squares may seem simple, but require focus and strategy to simplify shapes and achieve the desired look. Instead of painting or pixels, participants here use beads to create winter-themed designs. This class is geared for children ages 6 and older. [CJ]
1-2:30pm Tuesday, Jan. 6. John Steinbeck Library, 350 Lincoln Ave., Salinas. Free. (831) 758-7311, library.salinas.gov.
Wednesday, Jan. 7
Sing Along
It takes a certain energy level to sing children’s songs with joy, performance after performance, and keep the kids engaged and dancing and singing and happy. Andy Z has that necessary energy level, and then some. He’s a storyteller/educator/singer/songwriter who hits all of the classics that kids (and let’s be honest, adults too) love to sing along to, and also introduces listeners to Andyland, a place full of voices, puppets and creativity. [SR]
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