The multitude of arts and culture happenings in Monterey County this season will only grow as we approach the end of the year. Here’s a sampling of some highlights in the coming months. For more on what’s happening this week, check out the calendar and arts section. – Marielle Argueza
Sept. 23-24
Animal Collective Camping Weekend
Fernwood Tavern, Big Sur 667-2129, www.fernwoodbigsur.com • Noon Friday check-in; 11am Sun check-out
Sept. 29
Tomáseen Foley’s Irish Times
Monterey Museum of Art-La Mirada, Monterey 372-3689, www.montereyart.org • 7-8:30pm
Sept. 29
Andrew Tufano with Brooke Tomlinson
Barmel, Carmel 626-3400, www.facebook.com/BarmelBytheSea • 7pm
Sep. 29
Mary Chapin Carpenter
Golden State Theatre, Monterey 649-1070, www.goldenstatetheatre.com • 8pm
Sept. 29-Oct. 16
Twelfth Night
Outdoor Forest Theater, Carmel 622-0100, www.pacrep.org • 7:30pm Thu-Sat
Sept. 30
Proudest Monkeys
Pierce Vineyards, Monterey 372-8900, www.piercevineyards.com • 8pm
Sept. 30
Tracy Morgan
Golden State Theatre, Monterey 649-1070, www.goldenstatetheatre.com • 8pm
Sept. 30-Oct. 1
Fall Festival
Tor House, Carmel 624-1813, www.torhouse.org 5-7pm Fri; 9am-4pm Sat
Sept. 30
Homage to Carmel
Gallery Exposed, Carmel 238-0127, www.galleryexposed.com • 5-8pm
Oct. 1
Annual Butterfly Parade and Bazaar
Chautauqua Hall, Pacific Grove 648-5722 ext. 202, www.cityofpacificgrove.org • 10am-1pm
Oct. 1
Circle of Strings
Carmel Presbyterian Church, Carmel 624-1521, www.bachfestival.org • 7pm
Oct. 1
Spectordance’s Ocean Trilogy
Monterey Museum of Art-La Mirada, Monterey 384-1050, www.spectordance.org • 4-7:30pm
Oct. 1
Speech is Not Free Festival
Henry Miller Memorial Lbirary, Big Sur 667-2574, www.henrymiller.org • 6:30-9:30pm
Oct. 1
Sara Melson
Fernwood Tavern, Big Sur 667-2129, www.fernwoodbigsur.com • 10pm
Oct. 1
The Party
Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey 648-4800, www.montereybayaquarium.org • 7-11:30pm
Oct. 2
The Romero Guitar Quartet
Sunset Center, Carmel 620-2048, www.sunsetcenter.org • 8pm
Oct. 1-2
Monterey County Artist Open Studio Tour
Sol Treasures, King City 386-9809, www.soltreasures.com • 11am-5pm
Oct. 5-Oct. 31
Carmel Centennial Historic Photo Exhibit
Marjorie Evans Gallery, Carmel 620-2052, www.sunsetcenter.org • 9am-5pm
Oct. 7
Miniatures Opening Reception
Monterey Museum of Art-Pacific, Monterey 372-5477, www.montereyart.org • 5-7pm
Oct. 7-22
The Berenstain Bears On Stage
Ariel Theatrical, Salinas 775-0976, www.arieltheatrical.org • 7pm Fri; 2pm and 7pm Sat
Oct. 9
Anjelah Johnson
Golden State Theatre, Monterey 649-1070, www.goldenstatetheatre.com • 8pm
Oct. 7-Nov. 4
Contemporary Carmel Architecture Exhibit
Carl Cherry Center for the Arts, Carmel 624-7491, www.carlcherrycenter.org • 5pm-7pm opening reception; 11am-4pm Mon-Fri gallery hours
Oct. 13
Cpa Lecture Series: Mimi Plumb
Center for Photographic Art, Carmel
625-5181, www.photography.org • 6:30-7:30pm
Oct. 14
Twyla Tharp Dance Company
Sunset Center, Carmel 620-2048, www.sunsetcenter.org • 8pm
Oct. 15
Second City’s Free Speech (While Supplies Last)
Some citizens are excited by the presidential election as if it’s their sacred duty to participate. Others see Nov. 8 as a freight train run off the track headed straight for the American people. It’s easy to make a mockery of the madness. But to make a mockery with the expertise of comedic legends like Amy Poehler, Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert? That takes a special group of people. Enter Second City, a improvisational comedy troupe made of six rising stars doing live political satire. From making caricatures of presidential candidates to their supporters – of any party, mimicking both Bernie revolutionaries and disaffected Trump voters – to tackling issues that makes us look absolutely ridiculous for having political opinions – it’s the kind of inward-looking humor that makes audiences laugh at both their own cynicism and idealism. Be warned, this is not P.C. content.
CSU Monterey Bay World Theater, Seaside. 582-4580, www.csumb.edu/worldtheater. 8pm.
Oct. 15
Miracle Monarch Migration Family Day
Sol Treasures, King City 386-9809, www.soltreasures.com • 2-5pm
Oct. 15
El Duo
Pierce Vineyards, Monterey 372-8900, www.piercevineyards.com • 8pm
Oct. 15
St. Lawrence String Quartet
Sunset Center, Carmel 625-2212, www.chambermusicmontereybay.org• 8pm
Oct. 15
Kimo Smith Organ Concert
St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, Carmel Valley 624-6646, www.saintduntanschurch.org • 3-6pm
Oct. 15-16
PacRep HarvestFest Arts and Crafts Faire
Custom House Plaza, Monterey 649-7118, www.pacrep.org • 10am-5pm
Oct. 16
Vif! in Carmel Valley
Hidden Valley Music, Carmel Valley 624-1521, www.bachfestival.org• 3pm
Oct. 17
Swan Lake by Russian Grand Ballet
To honor the legacy of a collaboration between legendary classical choreography and music, the Russian Grand Ballet presents their production of Swan Lake. This institution, founded by graduates of the most esteemed schools from St. Petersburg, Moscow and Kiev, trains dancers in classical Russian ballet. Following their U.S. debut in 2015, during which the company toured over 25 theaters, the troupe is back for their second-ever U.S. tour, this time performing Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty at various theaters across the country. Featuring the original musical score written by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, this full-length ballet isn’t just dance: In three acts it tells a transformative and timeless tale of a fantastical journey based on Russian folklore.
Fox Theater, Salinas. 887-0691, www.foxtheatersalinas.com. 7:30pm.
Oct. 18
The Myriad Faces of Russia
All Saints Episcopal Church, Carmel 646-8511, www.montereysymphony.org• 7:30pm
Oct. 19
Fiesta del Mar
Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey 648-4800, www.montereybayaquarium.org • 10am-5pm
Oct. 20-Nov. 19
Cloud 9
Western Stage (Studio Theater), Salinas 755-6816, www.westernstage.com • 7:30pm Fri and Sat, 2pm Sun
Oct. 20-Nov. 6
King Lear
Circle Theater, Carmel 622-0100, www.pacrep.org 7:30pm Thu-Sat; 2pm Sun
Oct. 20
Alma Sangre
Barmel, Carmel 626-3400, www.facebook.com/BarmelBytheSea • 7pm
Oct. 20-23
Carmel International Film Festival
For five days this film festival brings screenings, interactive panel discussions, and exclusive after-parties where filmmakers and fans alike can rub shoulders. One film that’s formulating quite a buzz is The Space Between, directed by Amy Jo Johnson, a heartfelt and hilarious story about a middle-aged infertile man who discovers his wife was impregnated by a teenage ginger, and sets on a journey to find that father. Making a large presence at this year’s festival is a different artistic medium, however, with the expansion of the Music Cafe that showcases emerging California musicians. The live music serves as a backdrop for lively gatherings in between films. Some aspects of this film fest remain fixtures. The popular Celebrating Women in Film event regularly sells out due to its stimulating discussions and an auction hosted by the dynamic local news duo of Erin Clark and Dan Green.
Irvine Auditorium, Monterey. 647-4100, www.carmelfilmfest.com. 4:30-10pm Thu-Fri; 9am-10pm Sat; 9am-5pm Sun.
Oct. 22
Moshe Vilosny
Fernwood Tavern, Big Sur 667-2129, www.fernwoodbigsur.com • 10pm
Oct. 21
Ziggy Marley
Golden State Theatre, Monterey 649-1070, www.goldenstatetheatre.com • 8pm
Oct. 21-22
Disney’s Mulan Jr.
Sol Treasures, King City 386-9809, www.soltreasures.com • 7pm Fri; 2pm Sat
Oct. 22-23
Carmel Centennial World Premier and Beethoven’s Triple Concerto
Sunset Center, Carmel and Sherwood Hall, Salinas 646-8511, www.montereysymphony.org • 8pm Sat; 3pm Sun
Nov. 25
Sky Country’s Annual Day-After-Thanksgiving Show
“Welcome home locals” night has become a Carmel tradition over the past 15 years or so. In more recent times, merry spirits gather with festive energies to bathe in the gourmet sound of Sky Country – a form of cleansing that happens in both external and internal realms. With their tasty California-flavored rock ‘n’ roll, sounds of the desert heat up the crowd while sonic waves of the coast move them. “Sure, talking and catching up on the past with old friends can be great, but nothing beats dancing and goofing off together, and creating some new, current memories,” says Nico Georis (vocals, keys, guitar) about the evening. Georis, along with Mikey Selbicky (vocals, guitar), Adam Zerbe (vocals, bass) and Will Condon (drums), hypnotize their audience into a hazy collective consciousness that meditates on the flavors of the now, good vibrations and giggles. Followed by DJ sets for late-night boogie opportunities, Georis says attendees “may not remember where that old long-lost friend is working the morning after, but will remember high-fiving them on the dance floor.”
Barmel, Carmel. 626-3400, www.facebook.com/BarmelBytheSea. 7-10pm.
Oct. 28
Richard Thompson and the Blind Boys of Alabama
Sunset Center, Carmel 620-2048, www.sunsetcenter.org • 8pm
Oct. 28-29
Little Red Riding Hood
Ariel Theatrical, Salinas 775-0976, www.arieltheatrical.org • 7pm Fri; 2pm and 7pm Sat
Oct. 29
Chamber Ensemble of St. Martin’s In The Fields
Sunset Center, Carmel 625-9938, www.carmelmusic.org • 8pm
Oct. 31-Dec. 15
Adult Fall Art Competition
Avery Gallery, Seaside 527-4501, www.averygalleries.com • 8pm Thurs Nov. 13 reception
Nov. 1 and 8
Early Music Faculty Concerts
Hidden Valley Music Seminar, Carmel Valley 659-3115, www.hiddenvalleymusic.org • 7:30pm
Nov. 3-27
As You Like It
MPC’s Morgan Stock Stage, Monterey 582-4580, www.mpctheatreco.com • 7:30pm Fri; 2pm Sat and Sun
Nov. 5
The Epic Adventure of Leonard and Rasmu
St. Francis Xavier Church, Seaside and Ariel Theatrical, Salinas 624-1521, www.bachfestival.org • 11am at St. Francis Xavier Church; 4pm at Ariel Theatrical
Nov. 5
Trio Solisti
Sunset Center, Carmel 625-2212, www.chambermusicmontereybay.org• 8pm
Nov. 18-Dec. 11
After Jeffers Exhibit
Almost a century ago, poet Robinson Jeffers was contemplating the impermanence of human civilization in relation to nature, seeming to foretell environmental cataclysms like climate change and overpopulation. This exhibit, which focuses on Jeffers’ influence on artists that came after him, opens 5-7pm Friday, Nov. 18, with photography and other works. The next day, a literary reading follows at 3pm devoted to Jeffers’ works. In the following weeks, look for interpretive text, poetry readings, panel discussions and lectures. The Cherry is collecting stories from residents, historians and authors to expand the scope of the programming, and the art will remain through Dec. 11.
Carl Cherry Center for the Arts, Carmel. 624-7491, www.carlcherrycenter.org. 5-7pm Fri opening reception; 3pm Sat poetry reading.
Nov. 11
2016 International Juried Exhibition
Center for Photographic Art, Carmel 625-5181, www.photography.org • Noon-4pm opening reception
Nov. 11-12
United Nations Association film festival
Golden State Theatre, Monterey 649-1070, www.goldenstatetheatre.com • 7pm Fri and Sat
Nov. 13
Angela Kraft Cross
St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, Carmel Valley 624-6646, www.saintduntanschurch.org • 3-5pm
Nov. 17-Dec. 18
Sister Act the Musical
Golden Bough Theater, Carmel 622-0100, www.pacrep.org 7:30pm Thu-Sat; 2pm Sun
Nov. 17
The Havana Cuba All Stars: Cuban Nights Sunset Center, Carmel
620-2048, www.sunsetcenter.org • 8pm
Nov. 18
Fall Art Show
Youth Arts Collective, Monterey 375-9922, www.yacstudios.org • 5-9pm
Nov. 18
Bill Carter
Barmel, Carmel 626-3400, www.facebook.com/BarmelBytheSea •8pm
Nov. 18 – 19
Little Wings
Fernwood Tavern, Big Sur 667-2129, www.fernwoodbigsur.com • 10pm
Nov. 18-20
Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival
Monterey County Fair and Event Center, Monterey 372-5863, www.montereycountyfair.com • Times TBD
Nov. 18-20
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Sunset Center, Carmel and Sherwood Hall, Salinas 646-8511, www.montereysymphony.org •7:30pm Fri, 8pm Sat, 3pm Sun
Nov. 19
A Classic Rock Christmas by the December People
CSU Monterey Bay’s World Theater • 8-9:30pm
Nov. 19-Dec. 10
Nice Work if You Can Get It
Western Stage (Mainstage Theater), Salinas. 755-6816, www.westernstage.com • 7:30pm Fridays and Saturdays, 2pm Sundays
Nov. 28
Vienna Boys Choir
Sunset Center, Carmel 620-2048, www.sunsetcenter.org • 7pm
Nov. 29
Dave Mason
Sunset Center, Carmel 620-2048, www.sunsetcenter.org • 7:30pm
Nov. 30
Holiday Parade of Lights
Oldtown Salinas 758-0725, www.oldtownsalinas.com • 6pm
Dec. 1-Jan. 3
Annual Miniature and Small Painting Show
Carmel Art Association, Carmel 624-6176, www.carmelart.org • 10am-5pm
Dec. 2-3
Smuin Ballet’s Christmas Ballet
Sunset Center, Carmel 620-2048, www.sunsetcenter.org • 8pm Fri; 2pm Sat
Dec. 2-17
A Year with Frog and Toad
Ariel Theatrical, Salinas 775-0976, www.arieltheatrical.org • 7pm Fri; 2pm and 7pm Sat
Dec. 3
Acoustic Summit
The Press Club, Seaside 831-394-5656 x127, www.mcweekly.com/pressclub 11am-8pm
Dec. 9
Lewis Black
Golden State Theatre, Monterey 649-1070, www.goldenstatetheatre.com • 8pm
Dec. 9-10
Christmas In The Adobes
Monterey State Historic Park, Monterey 649-7118, www.mshpa.org • 5-9pm Fri and Sat
Dec. 11
A Tuba Christmas
Golden State Theatre, Monterey
649-1070, www.goldenstatetheatre.com • 1-2pm
Dec. 14
John Prine and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott
Golden State Theater, Monterey 649-1070, www.goldenstatetheater.com • 8pm
Dec. 15
Johnny Lang
Golden State Theatre, Monterey 649-1070, www.goldenstatetheatre.com • 8pm
Dec. 16-18
Annual Holiday Performance and Auction
SpectorDance, Marina 384-1050, www.spectordance.org • 7pm Fri; 2pm and 7pm Sat; 2pm on Sun
Dec. 16-18
Salinas Valley Comic Con
Hartnell College, Salinas 796-3833, www.steinbeck.org • Times TBD
Dec. 17
Windham Hill 30th Anniversary Winter Solstice
In 1975, disco music reigned supreme, and Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak were putting the finishing touches on their culture-changing computer inventions. At that same time, an unknown carpenter/amateur guitarist named William Ackerman launched an independent label named Windham Hill Records out of his Palo Alto garage. Ackerman never intended to build a musical empire, but after he met pianist George Winston in Santa Cruz, signed him and put out his first effort called Autumn in 1980, that’s exactly what happened – so much so that, consumed with running an international label, Ackerman sold the company in the mid-’90s in order to get back to just playing and working hands-on with other musicians. Buoyed by Ackerman’s impeccable musical taste and perhaps as an antidote to all things disco, Windham Hill emerged as a quiet place, usually all acoustic, highly melodic, very mellow. The label was celebrating its 30th year when Ackerman last visited the Montalvo Arts Center in Saratoga in 2006, and this fall he, his cousin guitarist Alex DeGrassi, and singer/songwriter, pianist, fiddler and fellow label-mate Barbara Higbie bring the 30th annual celebration of the mega-popular Winter Solstice concert series to Sunset Center’s stage in December.
Sunset Center, Carmel. 620-2048, www.sunsetcenter.org. 8pm.