Music 

Lani Poulsen and ‘the Essential’ Santa Cruz Sound

Lani Poulsen brings the essential soul to The Essentials’ Santa Cruz sound with captivating vocals and a whole lot of groove. By Julie Horner The Essentials are a high-energy dance band consisting of seasoned musicians from the Santa Cruz Mountains and Santa Cruz. Fluent in many different genres and styles, the 6-member group is focused on R&B, funk, soul, and… Read More
elisabeth carlisle band scotts valley skypark Local News Music 

On the Copper Trail with Elisabeth Carlisle

Felton Singer-Songwriter Elisabeth Carlisle Launches Northwest Tour By Julie Horner How many times have we said throughout the course of our lives, why am I doing this? For Felton-born singer-songwriter and music education advocate Elisabeth Carlisle, it was never a question. “I never thought about anything else but being a musician,” she said. “That’s how I’m wired.”  The Santa Cruz… Read More
Entertainment Music Venues 

Blue House Stage Scotts Valley Music Venue

Secluded Scotts Valley ranch with a house painted blue provides an artistic place for live music in the Santa Cruz Mountains. By Julie Horner “You can’t really show up and not smile when you see a bright blue house,” homesteader and music lover Brooke Lipman said. “We are the Blue House. Within the Blue House there is Blue House Stage,… Read More
Djangatos Entertainment Music 

Djangatos: Spreading the Gospel of Hot Club Jazz

By Julie Horner Djangatos is a Los Gatos based acoustic trio that plays in the improvisational, fiercely rhythmic and lyrical style of Jean “Django” Reinhardt, the Belgian-born guitarist and composer who is celebrated for elevating so-called “gypsy jazz” to a wildly popular dance music form. Raised in an encampment straddling the gentrified streets of Paris and the medieval world of… Read More
brookdale lodge bluegrass festival Entertainment Events Music 

Brookdale Bluegrass Festival March 24, 25, 26

Santa Cruz Mountains Music Festival Returns to its Roots By Julie Horner Reeling in at the Santa Cruz Wharf, nothing in the creel, Eric Burman sighed and said, “You can’t catch fish after a full moon.” Burman and fellow KBCZ programmer and brother in bluegrass, Bruce Bellochio turned the conversation to the upcoming Brookdale Bluegrass Festival. Burman and Bellochio, along… Read More
john michael sinatra Entertainment Music 

Fly Me to the Moon: John Michael Sings Sinatra on Valentine’s Day

By Julie Horner Santa Cruz crooner John Michael brings his “Come Fly with Me” Frank Sinatra tribute to The Crow’s Nest on Tuesday, February 14 from 7:00 to 10:00 pm featuring Mark Roths on sax, Aidan Santa Cruz on keys, Etienne Franc on bass, and Sam Morelli on drums. The show will be rich with Sinatra’s unforgettable songs, delivered with… Read More
zambra music group Entertainment Music 

Gathering In: Vocal Ensemble Zambra Releases New Album

By Julie Horner The all-women vocal ensemble Zambra has released their third album, “Gathering In,” which highlights the glory of blended female voices and celebrates a sisterhood that has lasted nearly three decades.  Zambra is composed of a tight knit group of friends: Kathryn Veditz, Janet Herman, Kathleen Loveless, Nancy Niles, Kathryn Hopkins, Connie Hernandez, Susan Krivin, Ann Louise Wagner,… Read More