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This weekend’s top picks: March 19-20

See Monterey — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:12:15 +0000

Friday

Experience nature firsthand at Pinnacles National Monument today with two events. First, take a guided nature hike on the Balconies Trail. The 1.5 round-trip hike ends with a bring-your-own picnic dinner at the Chapparral parking area. Call 831-389-4486 x265 for more information. Then see some intense star action in the Chapparal parking lot. The Star Party, from 7:30 to 10pm, includes a sky top and many peeks through a telescope. Call 831-389-4486 x243 for more information. Enter Pinnacles via the West Entrance for both events.

Time flies when you’re relaxing! It’s been a decade since The Spa at Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley first opened. They celebrate their 10 year anniversary tonight with a reception that includes mini hand and feet treatments, massages, facials, skincare evaluation, spatinis, hors d’oeuvres, and naturally some newly released Bernardus wines. The event begins at 6:30pm at 415 West Carmel Valley Road. $25 per person; call 831-658-3560 to reserve.

Scope out the stars tonight with “Astronomical Adventures” at Garland Ranch Regional Park. As visitors look at the stars with binoculars, telescopes and the unaided eye, docent Jim Eagle will explain exactly what they’re seeing. Garland Ranch Regional Park Visitors Center, 7:30-9:30pm. $11 per person or $36 for a family of 6, discounts available for Monterey Peninsula district residents. Reserve online under “Star Gazing”.

The Next Blues Band has been playing the blues in Monterey County since the late 1980s, and have appeared at the county’s top blues events Monterey Bay Blues Festival and Seaside’s Blues in the Park. Catch them up close tonight at Bullwackers at 653 Cannery Row. 8:30pm-midnight, no cover.

If Ladytron teamed up with My Bloody Valentine for an album…well, let’s face it, with MBV’s track record the album wouldn’t come out until 2030. But if it did, it would probably sound like Los Angeles band Pioneer Ships. They team up with fourth wave ska band Fishbear, who tweak the ska sound with a dash of klezmer, and local artist Michael Glines. 638 Wave Street Monterey, 9pm, $5.

Saturday

Kids and their parents can learn all about the Gabilan Watershed today at Watershed Day at the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas. Learn about the ecology of Salinas, Prunedale and Castroville with hands-on art and science activities. 10am-4pm, One Main Street, Salinas. Activities included in the admission fee.

Monterey’s new The Inn at Del Monte Beach becomes party central today for the fundraiser “Patrick’s Day.” The party, on the Inn at Del Monte Beach’s rooftop overlooking Monterey Bay, includes six DJs, appetizers, and lots more. All proceeds from the event will help the DuRant family with medical and other bills relating to Patrick DuRant’s terminal testicular cancer. 110 Del Monte Avenue, Monterey. Doors open at 3:30pm; the party starts at 4 and runs until midnight. $50 per ticket; reserve online.

Learn about owls with “Owls of Central Califonia” at Garland Ranch Regional Park Museum. During daylight, you’ll get a full education in all things owl. Once it gets dark, participants will explore the area listening for the noises that all eight species make. 4pm-9pm, ages 13+, $22 per person. Reserve online under “Teen to Adult Explorations.”

Enjoy British food, British beer and British style at the PacRep Theatre Company’s “British Invasion” fundraiser at the Monterey Marriott. 350 Calle Principal, 6-10pm. Tickets are $100 each and can be booked online.

Taste outstanding wines from Silver Oak and Twomey wineries tonight at the La Playa Hotel’s Wine Dinner. The wines will be paired with a five-course meal created by Executive Chef Bunyan Fortune. Nora Comee of Silver Oak will speak. Starts at 6:30pm at Camino Real and Eighth Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea. $125 per person plus tax and gratuity; call 831-624-6476 to reserve.

The award for most interesting show of the evening goes to Jose’s in Monterey. Moody acoustic locals 1 < 12 (don’t call them 11) play alongside Seaside singer/songwriter Bernadette Conant and Dakota Belle Witt’s alter ego, mermaid spoken word artist and ukeleleist (no, really) Sirene Von Calypso. The surrealism begins at 9pm at 638 Wave Street in Monterey. $5

Upbeat jam band 7 Come 11’s unique sound is centered on the Hammond organ, with funky beats and a bit of a roots twist. They play Fernwood on Highway One in Big Sur tonight. 9pm, no cover.

This weekend’s top events: March 12-14

See Monterey — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:48:31 +0000

Friday

Spend “A Night In Italy” at a special dinner held by the Friend of the Monterey County Fair at the Monterey Fairgrounds. Compete in the bocce tournament, bid in two auctions, and enjoy a big Italian dinner. Tickets are $35 per person, $60 per couple and $20 for children 10 and younger. Bocce teams pay $25 to enter. The tournament and dessert auction begin at 5:30, dinner begins at 7, and a live auction begins at 8:30pm. Buy tickets at the Monterey County Fair office at 2004 Fairground Road.

The Pacific Repertory Theatre presents “The Jungle Book, Jr.,” live! Over 50 young students from PacRep’s School of Dramatic Arts will perform. The play features all the classic songs such as “Bare Necessities” and “I Wanna Be Like You.” 7:30pm, Golden Bough Theatre, Monte Verde St. between 8th and 9th Avenues, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students and teachers, and $7 for children and can be purchased at the official Pacific Repertory Theatre website.

It’s a full metal weekend at Jose’s Underground Lounge. The drumsticks fly fast and furious on Friday with death and thrash metal acts Praetorian, Remains of the Tyrant, Chasm of Illmen and Gorphyriac. 21+ (youngsters, check out tomorrow’s show). 8pm, 638 Wave Street, Monterey, $5.

Saturday

Get “In Touch With Sharks” at the Monterey Bay Aquarium with wildlife photographer and naturalist Chris Fallows. He’ll talk about his experiences photographing sharks in the wild, as well as other wildlife. Talks are at 11:30am, 1pm and 3pm in the auditorium and are included in the price of admission.

Take a docent-led hike at Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley. The Maple Canyon to Mesa Hike is 3.5 miles with a moderate elevation gain of 800 feet and will take about 2.5 hours. Meet at the Garland Visitors Center. 12:30pm-3pm. It’s free but space is limited; register on the official MPRPD website.

“The Jungle Book, Jr.” continues at the Golden Bough Theatre, featuring all the classic songs such as “Bare Necessities” and “I Wanna Be Like You.” 2pm and 7:30pm, Monte Verde St. between 8th and 9th Avenues, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students and teachers, and $7 for children and can be purchased at the official Pacific Repertory Theatre website.

The documentary “Shades and Stories of Monterey” shows what life was like in Monterey during the mid-20th century through the eyes of longtime residents. Get the inside scoop on the canning industry, the fishing industry, and much more from the people who lived it. 4pm, Steinbeck Forum at the Monterey Conference Center, One Portola Plaza. The screening is free, but seats are first-come, first-served; show up early!

Young metalheads, rejoice! Counter Clockwise World headline a great all-ages metal show today at Jose’s Underground Lounge, supported by Pride Subject, Hate for State and Miseria. 5pm-10pm, 638 Wave Street Monterey, $5.

Some of Monterey’s best live acts team up to raise money for Haiti at the “Hearts for Haiti” benefit concert. Acts include Carla Blackwell, SpectorDance, Red Beans & Rice and Jonah and the Whalewatchers; see the official website for a full list. 6:30pm-10pm, Embassy Suites, 1441 Canyon Del Rey, Seaside. Tickets at the door are $25 for adults and $20 for children 12 and under, military and senior citizens; you can save $5 each by buying your ticket online.

Afrobeat funksters Danjuma & Onola create a great party atmosphere with their bright, danceable music. They play Fernwood Resort tonight. 9pm, Highway One in Big Sur, no cover.

Sunday

If you missed it last weekend, catch “Very Barrie” at the Monterey Museum of Art La Mirada today. Listening Place reads two one-act plays by J.M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan. 1:30pm, 720 Via Mirada St., Monterey, included in museum admission fee.

See “The Jungle Book, Jr.” at the Golden Bough Theatre. 2pm and 7:30pm, Monte Verde St. between 8th and 9th Avenues, Carmel-by-the-Sea. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students and teachers, and $7 for children and can be purchased at the official Pacific Repertory Theatre website.

This weekend’s top events: March 5-7, 2010

See Monterey — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:33:25 +0000

Friday

The Dixieland Monterey Festival is three days straight of great, traditional jazz and swing at the Monterey Conference Center and Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey. Today’s live performances, on eight stages, run from 11:30am through 10:30pm and include the bands Titan Hot 7, Flambeau, B.E.D., Sweet Thursday Jazz Band, Vaché-Cocuzzi Quintet. Day badges are $40; all-weekend badges are $90. For the full listing, tickets and more information, see the official Dixieland Monterey website.

The Salinas First Fridays Art Walk has a number of new venues as well as the old standbys. In addition to the aforementioned art, there’s live performances as well as the occasional free food and drink. It’s family-friendly, fun, and free. 5-8pm, 100-300 blocks of Main Street and surrounding areas, Salinas.

Central Coast favorite rockers Mike Beck and the Bohemian Saints bring their Tom Petty-meets-The Byrds sound to the Turf Club at the Monterey County Fairgrounds for the March Hare at the Fair Dance Party. 21+. Includes a no-host bar and appetizers. 8pm, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey. $10 at the door, $8 in advance and $5 for those with military ID.

The Smuin Ballet returns to the Sunset Center in Carmel. The program includes a world premiere of a new ballet by choreographer Amy Seiwert (see rehearsal video above), Michael Smuin’s Medea and the Sinatra-inspired “Fly Me to the Moon.” 8pm, San Carlos St. at 9th Avenue. $40 and $55; tickets can be purchased online or at the box office.

Local (and, unusually for the genre, female-heavy) hard rockers Granted Earth hold a CD release party tonight at Jose’s Underground Lounge that is guaranteed to be loud, rowdy and fun. Joining in the decibel-heavy celebration are the headbang-worthy Pride Subject, industrial-metallers Spacehooker and San Francisco speed metal act We Be the Echo. 9pm, 638 Wave Street Monterey, $5.

Saturday

Take a 2-3 hour hike along Garzas Creek and back exploring the “Fabulous Ferns and Flowers” of Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley. This free hike is 3.3 miles with an elevation gain of about 530 feet. It’s limited to 15 people; register online at the official MPRPD registration page under “Free Hikes.”

Dixieland Monterey continues with live performances from the Royal Society Jazz Orchestra, Blue Street Jazz Band, Big Tiny Little Trio, The Midiri Brothers Sextet and more; see the full schedule here. 10am-11pm, Monterey Convention Center and Portola Plaza. Day badges are $55 and weekend badges are $90.

If you missed the Smuin Ballet at the Sunset Center on Friday night, you have two more chances today; the dancers repeat the program at 2pm and 8pm. Tickets are $40 and $55 and can be purchased online or at the box office.

Traditional bluegrass/folk band Microtonic Harmonic performs at Fernwood Resort on Highway One in Big Sur. 9pm, no cover.

Brisbane powerpop outfit Grand Atlantic (covering Beyonce’s Single Ladies above) have made a splash on Australia’s alternative radio network Triple J. Their diverse sound has been compared to everything from Swervedriver to Oasis to the Smashing Pumpkins. Tonight, they land at Jose’s Underground Lounge on their way to SXSW in Austin. They’re joined by Portland folkie Peter Kasen plays intricate guitar riffs behind heart-wrenching vocals, and San Francisco folk-rocker Deborah Crooks, who’s been compared to the Cowboy Junkies and Chrissie Hynde. This sounds like one of those bills where, five years from now, you’ll see them on the Grammys and say, “I saw them when they played at Jose’s.” 9pm, 638 Wave Street Monterey, $5.

Sunday

Dixieland Monterey concludes with live performances from Taking Stock with Jackson, Yve Evans, We3, Ivory & Gold, Big Mama Sue Quartet and more; see the full schedule here. 9am-4:30pm, Monterey Convention Center and Portola Plaza. Day badges are $40.

The Monterey Museum of Art and Reader’s Theater present two one-act plays by “Peter Pan” author J.M. Barrie. Reader’s Theater uses no sets, costumes or memorization and uses scripts openly during the performances. 1:30pm, 720 Via Mirada, Monterey, included in admission fee.

Watch the Oscars with like-minded cinephiles and actress Barbara Eden at the What A Night! Gala at the Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach. The black-tie gala includes a red-carpet entry, champagne, hors d’oeuvres, sit-down dinner, wine, and a silent auction. The Oscars will be shown on two big screens. 4:30pm, $195 per person or $185 for members of the Reel Friends of the Film Commission.

Watch two films of Monterey in 1897

See Monterey — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:44:48 +0000

In 1893, an engineer at Thomas Edison’s Edison Laboratories released the first practical film camera. Just four years later, the first moving pictures were shot of Monterey, California. These historic first two films were recently placed online by the Library of Congress.

The Hotel Del Monte

The Hotel Del Monte was the forerunner to today’s Pebble Beach Corporation. Pebble Beach was originally a hunting and outdoor recreation area for guests of the Hotel Del Monte. In many ways, the Hotel Del Monte pioneered the entire resort concept, and it was considered the elite resort of its day.

This film was shot the same year the Hotel Del Monte opened the Del Monte Golf Course opened. It’s the oldest course in continual operation west of the Mississippi and paved the way for the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Links, which opened 22 years later.

The building shown in the film above is actually the second Hotel Del Monte. The first one (shown below) burnt to the ground on May 1, 1887. The one shown in the film above was damaged in the 1906 earthquake but repaired. On October 28, 1924 it once again burnt to the ground. A new and very different building was constructed in 1926. In 1943, the Navy took over the property and used it to train soldiers for World War II. It is now the Naval Postgraduate School.

Photo of the original Hotel Del Monte, circa 1885. For a larger version, see Wikimedia Commons.

Surf at Monterey

If you search on YouTube for “Monterey waves,” you’ll see that while the technology has improved, Monterey’s surf is still a popular subject for both amateur and professional filmmakers. Here’s one example:

Since 1897, Monterey County has been featured in almost 200 movies. Sometimes, like in “Cannery Row,” “East of Eden” or “Play Misty For Me,” that’s because the story is set in the area. Often, however, filmmakers take advantage of Monterey County’s diverse scenery to have it stand in for far-flung locales like England, Hawaii or even Vietnam. In fact, one of cinema’s most legendary scenes ever, the kissing scene on the beach in “From Here to Eternity,” was filmed on Big Sur’s Pfeiffer Beach. Take a look at our article “Monterey County on the Silver Screen” for more interesting trivia, as well as video clips from movies shot in Monterey County.

This weekend’s top events, February 26-28

See Monterey — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:32:13 +0000

Friday

Check out the Pacific Grove art scene at the Pacific Grove Wine, Art and Music Walk. Shops and galleries throughout Pacific Grove will be open; stop at the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce at Forest and Central to pick up a free map. 6pm-9pm, free.

The country’s only chanterelle mushroom festival, the Big Sur Chanterelle Festival and Cook-Off, kicks off tonight with a reception at the Big Sur Lodge at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Entertainment includes fire dancing by BiG SuRCuS. 6-9pm, $40. Buy tickets at the official Big Sur Chanterelle Festival and Cook-Off website.

The flamenco-influenced Yuji Tojo and the funky, soulful Al James Power Trio once again join forces at Bullwacker’s on Cannery Row for an aurally addictive evening. 8:30pm, 653 Cannery Row, Monterey. No cover.

Bon Iver or Conor Oberst fans will want to catch indie folksters Every Atlas, Santa Cruz folkie El Chon and angsty folk music act The Broads at Jose’s Lounge Underground tonight. 9pm, 638 Wave Street, Monterey.

Saturday

The Big Sur Chanterelle Festival and Cook-Off continues with a sold-out FUNgus Hunt and Identification Seminar at 9am, the big Chanterelle Cook-Off ($40) at the Big Sur Lodge at 1pm , and the delectable Awards Dinner ($100) at the Big Sur Lodge at 7:30pm. Buy tickets at the official Big Sur Chanterelle Festival and Cook-Off website.

In honor of John Steinbeck’s birthday, the National Steinbeck Center hosts the Steinbeck Birthday Celebration. SpectorDance Company will perform two dance media pieces based on John Steinbeck’s work beginning at 10am, as well as performances by the Mission Park School Choir and the Alisal Center for the Fine Arts Folkloric Dance Company with Ramon Silva. Abdoulaye Diallo leads an African dance and drumming workshop. There will also be appearances from VFX Supervisor and Animation Director Daniel Jeannette (Where the Wild Things Are) and author/illustrator Kathryn Otoshi. All events are included in the price of admission. It’s also a pay-what-you-can day for Monterey County residents. One Main Street, Salinas. 10am-5pm.

Leave the dogs at home for the East of Eden Cat Show at the Monterey County Fairgrounds. Watch as both pedigreed and non-pedigreed cats and kittens compete for titles in eight categories. 10am-4pm, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey. $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and children, free for children 3 and under.

Sara McCoy returns like an acoustic second coming of Janis Joplin to Bullwackers. 9pm, 653 Cannery Row, Monterey. No cover.

Santa Cruz jam band Our Satori bring a Jack Johnson-esque vibe to Fernwood Resort on Highway One in Big Sur. 9pm, no cover.

Low-fi San Francisco act Commissure have been compared to Mogwai. Tokyo Raid sound like early Interpol on speed. Local singer/songwriter James Meder plays ethereal, emotional folk. The Dreamer and the Sleeper play sweet,, upbeat acoustic pop. Is it an interesting bill? You bet. Catch it at Jose’s tonight. 9pm, 638 Wave Street, Monterey. 21+, $5.

Sunday

The Big Sur Chanterelle Festival and Cook-Off concludes with a fabulous Chanterelle Brunch at Fernwood Resort’s Redwood Grill. Brunch starts at 10am and is limited to 40 people. Order your $25 ticket at the Buy tickets at the official Big Sur Chanterelle Festival and Cook-Off website.

Two-time Tony award winner Christine Ebersole is a singing/dancing/acting sensation. A recent New York Times review of her current show began, “Christine Ebersole materialized like a goddess formed out of the ectoplasm in screwball heaven…” and just got more effusive from there. Another review said her “almost unparalleled versatility is perfectly showcased in her sublime new cabaret show.” See for yourself when the “screwball goddess” materializes at Carmel’s Sunset Center tonight. 7pm, San Carlos at 9th St. Tickets are $37, $44 and $51 and are available on the official Sunset Center website.

Great snapshot spots that just missed the cut

See Monterey — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:11:59 +0000

The SeeMonterey newsletter for March features the top 10 snapshot spots in Monterey County, as determined by a combination of input by local photographers, comments from visitors, and the photo subjects we most frequently see in the SeeMonterey photo pool on Flickr.

As with any Top 10 list, however, hard choices had to be made. Our picks have led to debates among our staff and will probably be debated by our readers as well. Below are some photos of spots that almost made our list.

Asilomar State Beach

Day 220 of 365 by Rob Weiher

Photographer Michael Troutman of DMT Imaging says that Asilomar is one of his favorite photo spots. “It’s a really great place to watch the waves come in, to watch the surfers,” he says, and notes that it has great “tide pools for macro photography.” It’s also a great place “to photograph a beautiful, beautiful sunset,” he says, something that has worked out well for him professionally as well as aesthetically. “One of my best selling photos was one I shot at Asilomar last August. It was dramatic — like something you’d see in the Southwest,” he says.

Point Sur

Point Sur by Refractionless http://www.flickr.com/photos/refractionless/ / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Rachael Short listed Point Sur in her list of top 10 iconic snapshot spots. The huge volcanic rock with the lighthouse on top is certainly an eye-catching sight on the drive down Highway One. Is it more iconic than Bixby Bridge or McWay Falls?

The “It’s Happening in Soledad” sign

It’s Happening in Soledad by Kelan Champagne

The “It’s Happening In Soledad” sign, which references the Pinnacles National Monument and the Soledad Mission, was named the number one Highway 101 landmark by Peter Hartlaub of the San Francisco Chronicle. It has been featured on two separate T-shirts (here and here). It has its own Yelp page. There’s even a band named after it. There’s no doubt the “It’s Happening in Soledad” sign is a fixture in the minds of those who take Highway 101 from San Francisco to Los Angeles, but can a billboard rival the locations in our Top 10 for scenic beauty?

Cannery Row overpasses

Cannery Row Company, Monterey Canning Co. by Troy Holden http://www.flickr.com/photos/troyholden/ / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Some of the walkways that arc over Cannery Row date back to the neighborhood’s heyday as the epicenter of the sardine canning industry. Shots like this capture the area’s past as well as its present as a tourist center.

What iconic snapshot spots in Monterey County that you feel we missed? Give us your feedback in the comments here, and share photos of your iconic Monterey County snapshot spots in our Flickr photo group.

Top weekend events for February 19-21

See Monterey — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:00:02 +0000

Friday

Can’t tell the Big Dipper from Cassiopeia? Couldn’t spot Orion in the starry sky if he hit you over the head with his big club? Head over to the Garland Ranch Regional Park Star Party. There will be telescopes, hot drinks, cookies and knowledgeable amateur astronomers sharing their knowledge. Begins at sundown. Garland Ranch Regional Park parking lot, Carmel Valley Road. Free.

The Monterey Public Library hosts its elegant annual Chocolate and Wine Tasting Benefit. Drink local wines and chocolate beer and devour both sweet chocolate treats and savory molés. There’s a silent auction, live music, door prizes and the annual Best Chocolate Cookie Contest. 7-9pm, 625 Pacific Street in Monterey, tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Call 831-646-5601 to order tickets.

The award-winning ATOS Trio (seen above performing Cassado) perform at the Sunset Center in Carmel tonight. The program includes Beethoven’s Piano Trio, Op. 1, No. 2; Cassadó’s Piano Trio in C Major; and Schubert’s Piano Trio in E-flat Major. 8pm, San Carlos St. and 9th Ave. Tickets are $29 to $52 and can be purchased on the Chamber Music Monterey Bay official website.

San Francisco’s Ryan Bisio has a quirky, bluesy, rootsy sound that combines influences like Tom Waits and Dave Matthews to create something truly unique. San Diego’s Jon Ji plays an acoustic blend of jazz, folk and blues that sounds a bit like Jack Johnson. They play Jose’s at 638 Wave Street in Monterey tonight. Salinas singer/songwriter Michael James Glines opens. 9pm, $5.

Saturday

The Monterey County Fair’s “Gigantic Garage/Fair Sale” lets you take home your own piece of the Monterey County Fair. 8am-noon, 2004 Fairgrounds Road, enter through Gate 5.

Shark by Mike Rainey

It’s a sharktastic weekend at the Monterey Bay Aquarium with “Shark Days.” Watch shark and bat ray feedings, hear shark stories, watch video programs on shark research efforts, attend a book signing by “Sherman’s Lagoon” creator Jim Toomey, create items in the shark crafts workshop, and more. There’s even exclusive, behind-the-scenes Shark Days tours, which can be reserved in advance through this web link. The first 500 people to visit the event information booth today will receive a 2010 “Sherman’s Lagoon” shark calendar. Shark Days is included with regular aquarium admission; Shark Tours are $10 extra for members and $12 extra for non-members. 10am-5pm.

The Monterey Symphony’s program “Little Russian Treasures,” featuring guest conductor Dmitri Yablonsky, is loaded with interesting compositions not often heard in this area. The program begins with Valse fantaisie by the father of Russian classical music, Mikhail Glinka and includes two of Shostakovich’s most fun pieces (Jazz Suite No. 2, featured in the clip above as conducted by Yablonsky, and Tahiti Trot) and the ever-controversial Scriabin’s Symphony No. 2 in C minor. Hear this intriguing program at 7pm at Sherwood Hall, 940 N. Main St., Salinas. Tickets are $15 for the 2pm final rehearsal and $20 and $39 for the 7pm performance and can be purchased on the Monterey Symphony’s official website.

The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa hosts an all-night 1930s-style extravaganza to benefit Monterey’s Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA). “The Cotton Club” features dinner, dancing to the music of Dennis Murphy and his 17-piece Big Band, a live and silent auction, raffles, and more. 5:30pm-11:30pm. Tickets range from $225 up and can be purchased at the official website.

The Paige Too Trio plays a mix of smooth jazz and R&B tonight at the Big Sur River Inn. 7pm, Highway One, no cover.

The Cannery Row IMAX hosts the fundraiser “Ultimate Wave Search Jam” for the Surfrider Foundation and Camp SEA Lab, featuring the debut of surf legend Kelly Slater’s IMAX movie “Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D”. The party starts at 6:30pm; the film premieres at 7pm at 640 Wave Street in Monterey. Each $15 ticket includes one free raffle ticket.

Smoky-voiced Sarah McCoy of the Zippidy Yeah’s has a voice like Janis Joplin and plays piano like Tori Amos. She plays a solo set tonight at Fernwood Resort on Highway One in Big Sur. 9pm, no cover.

Santa Cruz indie act Electric Leaves play wandering, introspective music that wears its Radiohead influences on its sleeve. They play at Jose’s tonight along with indie/punk trio Tan Sister Radio and Pacific Grove’s < ahref="http://www.myspace.com/familiarspheres">Familiar Spheres. 9pm, 638 Wave Street Monterey, $5.

Sunday

Learn all about the mysterious and fascinating world of sharks as Shark Days continues at the Monterey Bay Aquarium from 10am-5pm. Shark Days is included with regular aquarium admission; Shark Tours are $10 extra for members and $12 extra for non-members. 10am-5pm.

The Monterey Symphony brings the fascinating “Little Russian Treasures” to the Sunset Center at 8th and San Carlos in Carmel at 3pm. Tickets are $48-$69 and can be purchased at the Monterey Symphony official website.

This weekend’s best events – Valentine’s Day and more!

See Monterey — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:08:46 +0000

Not only is Valentine’s Day this weekend; it’s also the weekend of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. The entire county is packed with things to do from Friday through Monday.

Looking for something romantic to do this weekend? See our listing of Valentine’s Weekend Top Romantic Events for ideas on how to celebrate.

Going to the AT&T? See our Insider’s Guide to the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am for tips on how to get the most out of the event.

You say you’re not romantically inclined, and you have no interest in golf? No worries. There’s still plenty of fun things to do.

Friday

Meet local authors Adela Castillo and José Alejandro Morán tonight at the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas. The members-only reception is at 6pm, followed by a talk, live poetry meeting and book signing at 7pm. Call 831-775-4721 for details.

San Francisco indie band Callow return from their tour of the Pacific Northwest to play ethereal indie music at Jose’s tonight. Mellow, Postal Service-esque San Jose band Seabright and female-led, Postal Service-esque Santa Cruz band Harlequin Baby open. 9pm, 638 Wave St. Monterey, $5.

Saturday

See beautiful architecture and great art at the Monterey Museum of Art at La Mirada’s Community Day. 11am-5pm, 720 Via Mirada, free.

Local reggae favorites Jonah and the Whale Watchers bring the peace, love, and party atmosphere to Fernwood Tavern in Big Sur tonight. 9pm, no cover.

Sunday

The Together With Love Run/Walk celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The 10K and 5K race raise money for the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center; there’s also a 1K kids’ fun run. The course runs along the beautiful Pacific Grove coastline. Great scenery + good cause = worth getting up early on Valentine’s Day. Kids’ fun run is at 8:15am; 10K and 5K begin at 9am. Sign up online, or register on race day starting at 7:30am at Lovers Point Park.

Tour a historic lighthouse and see some whales at the Point Sur Whale Watching Tour. Point Sur Lighthouse is perched on a volcanic rock over 300 feet above the ocean, which makes it the perfect spot to watch for whales. Our tips from last year: get there early (it’s first-come first-served), bring a zoom lens for your camera or binoculars if you have them, wear comfortable shoes. Oh, and bring lunch -- the top of Point Sur is a gorgeous spot for a picnic. 11am-3pm, Highway One 19 miles south of Rio Road, $20.

In celebration of Chopin’s 200th birthday, Gustavo Romero (shown above playing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3) plays a Chopin program at the Sunset Center. Pieces include Prelude in C sharp minor, Op.45; Nocturne in B major, Op.62 (No.1); Barcarolle in F sharp major, Op.60; Polonaise in F sharp minor, Op.44; Scherzo in B flat minor, Op.31; Ballade in A flat major, Op.47; Ballade in F major, Op.38; Ballade in F minor, Op.52; and Ballade in G minor, Op.23. After the concert, there will be a champagne reception in the lobby to celebrate Chopin’s birth. 3pm, San Carlos and 9th in Carmel, $37.

Moss Landing’s Sublime-esque Hallway Ballers play Jose’s tonight. 8pm, 638 Wave St. Monterey, $10.

Monday

Monterey’s Colton Hall was the site of the California Constitutional Convention in 1849. Today, Mayor Chuck Della Salla unveils two important documents from that event — the roster and the signature page — which will join the exhibits in Colton Hall’s permanent museum. 11am, 351 Pacific Street, free.

The AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am begins!

See Monterey — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:14:19 +0000

George Lopez crowdsurfing at the AT&T, by powerhouse00

Today is the first day of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am’s practice rounds. While those unfamiliar with golf might consider practice rounds a big yawn, the AT&T’s practice rounds are a hot ticket – especially today.

For fans looking to score an autograph from a celebrity, the Monday practice round provides the best opportunity for getting autographs. Spectators are also only allowed to bring cameras during the practice rounds, making Monday through Wednesday the most important AT&T days for a shutterbug.

Get more tips on the AT&T, including the best spectator spots and this year’s shuttle schedule, on our Insider’s Guide to the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am page.

This weekend’s top events: February 5-7

See Monterey — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:55:34 +0000

Friday

The Salinas First Fridays Art Walk invites you to “Feel the Love” in the run-up to Valentine’s Day. Catch live music, dance performances, art openings and more. 5pm-8pm, 100-300 blocks of Main Street and adjacent streets in Salinas. Free.

The Monterey Museum of Art La Mirada turns into a club tonight for “La Mirada Lounge.” There’s light appetizers, a cash bar, and DJ music. 6-9pm, 720 Via Mirada. $10 for nonmembers, free for members.

Country rockers Mike Beck and the Bohemian Saints play at the “Sweethearts of the Fair Valentine’s Day Dance” at the Monterey County Fairgrounds Turf Club. Enjoy the no host full bar and appetizers and then dance your shoes right off. 7pm. 2004 Fairgrounds Road Gate 5, $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Call 372-5863 to reserve tickets.

Hard-driving Washington country rockers The Lonely H play Jose’s Underground on Wave Street tonight. Local acts St. Mawr (evocative of Modest Mouse’s mellower moments) and ambient rockers Familiar Spheres open. 638 Wave Street, 8pm, $5.

Local favorites The Cachagua Playboys play a toe-tapping night of surf zydeco at Bullwacker’s Restaurant and Pub on Cannery Row. 653 Cannery Row, 8:30pm, no cover.

Saturday

Get a guided tour of Garland Ranch Regional Park’s Kahn Ranch addition with the Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks District. This 3.7 mile Hitchcock Loop hike goes past a waterfall. The MPRPD describes the views as “breathtaking,” and with the 1,100 foot elevation gain, we suspect they mean that literally. 10am, free but limited attendance, register online and get directions via the official website under “Free Guided Hikes”.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Dave Mason plays tonight at Carmel’s Sunset Center. (You can download some of his new songs for free -- they’re the ones with the asterisk -- at Dave Mason’s official website.)8pm. Tickets are $47, $58 and $67 and can be purchased at the Sunset Center website.

Find out why Cheeky Spanks was voted Monterey County’s favorite band in the Monterey County Weekly’s 2009 poll at Bullwacker’s Restaurant and Pub on Cannery Row tonight. 653 Cannery Row, 8:30pm, no cover.

How often do you get to hear a psychedelic Motown jam band? Harry & the Hit Men bring their unique sound to Fernwood on Highway One in Big Sur tonight. 9pm, no cover.

It’s a night of hip-hop and reggae at Jose’s Underground on Wave Street. San Jose’s Oneself DaVinci headlines, with support from San Josen’s Solis Cin and locals The Joint Venture and Realization. 638 Wave Street, 8pm, $5.

Sunday

Watch the Super Bowl with a hundred new friends at the Schooners Bistro Super Bowl Bash. There’s team martinis, $2 specialty shots, a half time raffle, and more. 400 Cannery Row, inside the Monterey Plaza Hotel. Starts at 1pm.