Veteran L.A. rockers Los Lobos headline a star-studded Rancho Cielo benefit.

East Los Angelenos Los Lobos are joining a host of other musicians for a three-day Jazz at the Ranch event benefiting Rancho Cielo, a Salinas Valley nonprofit devoted to helping young people succeed in career training paths when traditional school is not working for them. All proceeds from the event, produced in association with the Monterey Jazz Festival, go to Rancho Cielo’s arts and mental health programs.

Saxophonist Steve Berlin, who produced Los Lobos’ Grammy-winning 2022 album Native Sons, says the band was “honored” to be asked to play the gig. They are headlining an A-list lineup, including local blues legend Chris Cain, jazz songstress Sarah McKenzie, Nicolas Bearde with Full Spectrum Jazz, John Nava and the Latin Jazz Collective and the Monterey Jazz Festival Regional All-Star Combo.

Michael Jacobi, executive producer and artistic director of Jazz at the Ranch, touted the intimacy of the amphitheater, particularly for the closing night performance.

“Try to go on the Los Lobos website and get a ticket where you can sit in the first nine rows,” he suggests, by way of comparison.

Los Lobos has not been idle when it comes to playing for a cause. Recently the band joined Elvin Bishop on his tune “What The Hell Is Going On,” with updated lyrics reflecting the political moment, as part of Musicians for Kamala. “We’re certainly happy it’s out there,” Berlin notes.

Jazz at the Ranch serves as a fundraiser for Rancho Cielo. And it’s the cause that matters more than the music.

“We privately fund a program working with case managers to facilitate our students’ emotional and social well-being,” Rancho Cielo CEO Chris Devers explains. Students not only receive practical career training, but also guidance in classwork and positive lifestyles.

Besides the musicians, students at Rancho Cielo’s Drummond Culinary Academy will have the chance to work alongside famed Monterey chefs providing heartier-than-normal appetizers between shows. All this happens under the aegis of Culinary General Manager Wanda Straw, who joined the team after a long stint at the Post Ranch Inn.

JAZZ AT THE RANCH Friday-Sunday, Oct. 18-20. Rancho Cielo Youth Campus, 710 Old Stage Road, Salinas. $300/three-day pass; $125/single day Friday or Saturday; $250/Sunday. 444-3533, ranchocieloyc.org.