SEPT. 16
Monterey Jazz Festival
World-renowned musicians gather for the 54th annual Jazz Festival. Featured performers include Herbie Hancock, Sonnie Rollins, Huey Lewis & The News and many more. Monterey County Fairgrounds. $40–$315. Through Sept. 18.
SEPT. 20
An Evening With Branford Marsalis
The sax legend performs an evening of masterful improvisation with his quartet. Kuumbwa. $30 adv/$33 door. 7pm & 9pm.
SEPT. 28
Jimmy Webb
Grammy-winning composer performs a rare solo experience. Kuumbwa. $25 adv/$28 door. 7pm.
SEPT. 29
Le Boeuf Brothers CD Release Party
Santa Cruz natives incorporate indie rock and odd time signatures to create a modern jazz sound like no other. Kuumbwa. $20 adv/$23 door. 7pm.
OCT. 1-2
Santa Cruz Symphony: The Big Apple
Sheryl Staples, associate concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic, returns to the Santa Cruz County Symphony to perform Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, along with Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8 and Rossini’s William Tell Overture. Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 8pm (Sat); Mello Center, 2pm (Sun).
OCT. 6
Tiempo Libre
Three-time Grammy-nominated Cuban group blends Latin jazz with danceable Afro-Cuban rhythms. Kuumbwa. $25 adv/$28 door. 7pm.
OCT. 9
Soheil Nasseri
One of New York’s most prolific recitalists performs Beethoven’s Hammerklavier Sonata and Chopin’s Fantasie in F Minor. Cabrillo Music Recital Hall. 3pm.
OCT. 15
McCoy Tyner Trio
One of the finest players in jazz returns with his modern approach matched with spoken word and chanting. Kuumbwa. $35 gen/$50 gold circle. 6pm.
OCT. 15-16
Re-imaginings. . .
The Santa Cruz Chamber Players perform music by Bach, Stravinsky and Schnittke inspired by other composers. Christ Lutheran Church. 8pm (Sat) and 3pm (Sun)
OCT. 22
Creole Choir of Cuba
Made up of descendants of Haitian slaves, this Grammy-nominated choir will be making its U.S. tour debut. Kuumbwa. $25 adv/$28 door. 8pm.
OCT. 23
The Picasso Ensemble
Faculty recital featuring new and traditional musical selections. Cabrillo Sesnon House. $7-$13. 3pm.
NOV. 6
Antonio Iturrioz
Concert pianist who had to retrain himself after a hand injury plays Chopin, Strauss, Scriabin and many more. Cabrillo Music Recital Hall. $14-$27. 3pm.
NOV. 12-13
Santa Cruz Symphony: Three’s Company
Mozart, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky as performed by the Santa Cruz County Symphony and three of today’s leading virtuosos, including Santa Cruzans Chetan Tierra and Aaron Miller. Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 8pm; Mello Center, 2pm.
NOV. 19-20
Monteverdi’s Miniature Masterpieces: Madrigals of War and Love
The Santa Cruz Chamber Players perform the masterfully mature work of Monteverdi, which was at the center of music’s rebirth during the 15th century. Christ Lutheran Church. 8pm (Sat) and 3pm (Sun).
NOV. 21
Ray Brown’s Great Big Band
San Francisco-based all-star band performs jazz originals under the leadership of Cabrillo music instructor Ray Brown. Cabrillo Crocker Theater. $15-$20. 7:30pm
DEC. 2-4
Music For the Feast of Christmas
Director Cheryl Anderson’s 20th-anniversary concert features carol sing-a-longs and choral music performed by the Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus. Holy Cross Church. $18-$20. 4pm & 8pm. Through Dec. 4.
DEC. 11
Songs of Winter
Cabrillo Women’s Ensemble teams up with the Soquel High Choir to present a night celebrating the winter season. Cabrillo Music Recital Hall. $6-$7. 3pm.
DEC. 12
Westside Community Folk Song/Gospel Choir
Choral gospel and world music directed by Michael McGushin. Cabrillo Music Recital hall. Donations requested. 7:30pm
DEC. 18
Cantiamo! Concert For a Winter’s Eve
A full night of a cappella and accompanied works spanning the past six centuries, performed by one of the leading choral groups in Central California. Holy Cross Church. $18-$20. 8pm
DEC. 20
Messiah Sing-A-Long
Community sing-a-long open to anyone interested in belting out Handel’s Messiah. First Congregational Church. $20. 7pm
