Event

A Vibrant Tapestry of Music in Santa Cruz: Reggae to Jazz, Americana to Rock

Published December 13, 2023

As winter embraces Santa Cruz, the city's music scene comes alive with a rich array of concerts catering to diverse tastes, from laidback reggae to deep jazz grooves, heartfelt Americana storytelling to electrifying rock riffs.

Reggae Rhythms with Sammy Johnson

Embrace the soothing reggae beats of Sammy Johnson, who infuses his Australian and Polynesian heritage into his music, bringing a distinctive jazz touch to the genre. His performance celebrates a decade since his debut album, 'Prelude', promising a night of serene island vibes.

Latin Jazz with Spanish Harlem Orchestra

New York's Spanish Harlem Orchestra, with three Grammy awards in their pocket, brings a festive 'Salsa Navidad' show to the stage. Their mix of Latino classics and holiday tunes promises a dynamic Latin jazz experience.

Americana Essence with Patterson Hood

Patterson Hood, known for his work with Drive-By Truckers, steps out solo to deliver raw and emotional Americana music infused with his Southern origins and longing, reminiscent of icons like Bob Dylan.

Legendary Punk Rockers X

The influential punk band X is set to showcase their energetic and enduring stage presence in Santa Cruz, inviting audiences of all ages to join in the high-powered performance that defies the punk norm.

Groovy Garage Tunes with Hot Laundry

Hot Laundry brings back the garage rock spirit adorned with Motown flair, complete with dynamic live performances. They also invite fans to partake in a holiday toy drive, adding a heartwarming touch to their energetic show.

Diverse Beats of Ozomatli

Ozomatli's blended sound palette, which includes everything from jazz to reggae to Latin genres, creates a lively atmosphere where different musical tastes collide to form a memorable, dance-worthy experience.

Choral Celebrations

The season's joy is elegantly captured by 'Christmas with the Chorale', featuring exquisite choral music ranging from Ukrainian carols to classical pieces accompanied by the Monterey Bay Sinfonietta.

Ska Extravaganza with Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra

The Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra brings a grand ensemble to the city, blending Jamaican jazz with ska for a festive performance that is sure to bring joy to fans of the genre.

Jazz Night for Tammi

A heartfelt benefit concert 'Tonight For Tammi' will bring the community together in support of beloved local singer Tammi Brown as she faces a health battle, featuring esteemed musicians including Stanley Jordan and many more.

music, concerts, community