Listen to the Mandolin
There is something haunting about the sound of the mandolin. The strings vibrate with a sweet tone that sounds sad in some songs, bright and cheerful in others. The dynamic duo of mandolinists, Katerina Lichtenberg and Mike Marshall, will come to Sand City to play their instruments. Lichtenberg is said to be one of the most important classical mandolinists in the world today. She is the only professor of classical mandolin/soprano lute at the Cologne Conservatory in the world. Marshall is one of the most accomplished string players in the world, a three-time Grammy nominee with numerous recordings to his name. They will perform Johann Sebastian Bach's 15 Two-Part Inventions for Mandolin and Mandocello, as well as bluegrass, Brazilian music, and more. (Afternoon)
Thursday, Aug. 29, 7 p.m. SandBox, 440 Ortiz Ave., Sand City. Sold out. [email protected], sandboxandcity.com.
Give me the beat
When we first heard Uncle Cracker would be coming to this year's Monterey County Fair, we immediately recognized the name, but couldn't remember his hits. In the early 2000s, half the songs on the radio were “Follow Me” and “Drift Away,” with empty, bland cuts from Lifehouse and Train in between. But a quick listen on YouTube instantly brought back memories for some of us from middle school, and now we can't get his catchy, finger-snapping riffs out of our heads. Uncle Cracker, aka Matthew Shaffer, will headline the fair's entertainment lineup, which will feature ABBA and REO Speedwagon tribute bands and the Chicano All-Star Band throughout the event. (EC)
Thursday, Aug. 29, 7:30 p.m. Monterey County Fair & Events Center, Peyton Stage, 2004 Fairgrounds Road, Monterey. Fair admission is $6-12 in advance. montereycountyfair.com. Friday, Aug. 30
Sweet Dead
Preparing for memorialization is a journey. Flowers, photos of loved ones, food, sugar skulls – they add color and sweetness from the afterlife. If you want to learn how to make and display colorful skulls for the Day of the Dead from scratch, Nika White will teach you how in a two-day class. On the first day, artisans will mold and sculpt the sugar skulls. On the second day, they will decorate them with organic shapes and vibrant colors. All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. (CJ)
Friday, Aug. 30, and Monday, Sept. 2, 5 to 7 p.m. Sol Treasures, 519 Broadway St., King City. $25. 386-1381, soltreasures.com.
Back on the road
It was 67 years ago, longer than he lived, when Jack Kerouac published his novel On the Road. The work helped define the culture and style of the Beat generation and every younger generation since. We will gather for an afternoon of wine and cheese at the Henry Miller Memorial Library to gather and share insights on Kerouac's enduring significance. Steve Eddington will lead the discussion. It will be modeled on the “Talking Jack” gatherings held each fall at the Kerouac Festival in Lowell, Massachusetts. Eddington was instrumental in founding the Lowell Celebrates Kerouac Committee. Eddington is the author of two books on Kerouac's life and legacy (he is writing a third) and welcomes your ideas. Come prepared to reminisce, listen, and talk. What does Jack Kerouac mean to you? (SR)
Friday, Aug. 30, 4-6 p.m., Henry Miller Memorial Library, 48603 Highway 1, Big Sur. Free to attend. Register in advance. 667-2574, henrymiller.org.
Disco Inferno
Ah, the heyday of disco. Repetitive beats, cliché lyrics, and Studio 54. Whatever the reason Studio 54 was problematic, it's all part of the story. But if there's one thing this era had in common with other famous pop culture periods (like the Roaring Twenties), it's memorable fashion. Sure, it's not the kind of clothes you'd wear to the office today, but it was something you wore to make a statement. Welcome to the Trashion Show, a showcase of disco-themed extravagance. But instead of polyester, the costumes are made from recycled materials, proving that what's trash to one person is an empire silhouette with a feather boa to another. If you love nightlife, want to dance, enjoy a red carpet show, and rock out at the annual Trashion Show, come along. Plus, you'll be supporting a good cause: the Alliance on Aging's programs. (DF)
Friday, Aug. 30, 5:30 p.m. Inn at Spanish Bay, 1700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach. $200, $225 per runway. 655-7564, allianceonaging.org. Saturday, Aug. 31
Ready for the close-up
Monterey's First Theatre hosted its first performance nearly 180 years ago (it was named after the first theater in the state), so it may come as a surprise to hear that the theater will host another first. But the theater has been closed for years for code violations, and since last year, after renovations, it has reopened at select times for the public to see and experience the theater. There's no better time to visit than this Saturday, August 31st. The First First Theatre Festival will feature local vendors, arts and crafts, food (including the Peninsula's newest bagel maker, Silverstein's Delicatessen) for purchase, and free drinks from the First Theatre's historic saloon (now a bar with a wall lined with empty bottles). But most importantly, the event will allow the public to enter this long-closed space and allow poets, musicians, and other artists to perform and officially celebrate its reopening to the public. It's a reminder that we can have nice things. We just have to cherish them. (DS)
Saturday, Aug. 31, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., California's First Theatre, corner of Pacific and Scott streets, Monterey. Free. 236-4691, mshpa.org/news.
Turn off the power and go on stage
Paper Wing Theatre is known for over-the-top performances in an intimate setting where the audience can join in. Their recent musical production of The Evil Dead even involved fake blood splattering the audience. But even the most energetic of us need to let off some steam and recharge every now and again. The theater is hosting Monterey Songwriters Unplugged, where local indie, folk and alternative rock musicians take to the stage to perform laid-back solo acoustic sets in an intimate setting. Scheduled performers include Adam Behan, Cement Ship, Cowboy Star and Havilah. The show celebrates original songs and the stories behind them. (EC)
Saturday, Aug. 31, 7:30-10 p.m. Paper Wing Theatre & Supper Club, 711 Cannery Row, Suite I (2nd floor), Monterey. $15. paperwing.com. Sunday, Sept. 1
Packed with power
How do you rate an artist? If you're judging by name recognition, Smokey Robinson or Lionel Richie would win. But if you're judging by influence, Lenny Williams wins. He's not without accolades. Williams has a gold album, an album with Tower of Power, a Grammy nomination, hits like “Choosing You” and “Cause I Love You.” But with 18 solo albums, three with Tower of Power, and other albums that have gone platinum or higher, Williams is the real influencer. In fact, he's recorded with Sly Stone and Kenny G, been sampled by artists like Kanye, and has had hit singles. (DF)
Sunday, Sept. 1, 7 p.m. Deja Blue, 500 Broadway Ave., Seaside. $55.20, $108.55/VIP. 324-0044, eventbrite.com. Monday, Sept. 2
Pop Goes the Music
Labor Day celebrates its 130th anniversary this year, a historic holiday that recognizes the social achievements and economic contributions of workers, and a well-deserved day of rest. Why not enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with music? True to their mission, the professional musicians of the Monterey County Pops will perform a free concert of pop and patriotic songs. The opening act, the Monterey Peninsula Gospel Community Choir, always delivers an uplifting performance. A fitting tribute to workers everywhere. (Afternoon)
Monday, Sept. 2, 1 p.m. Seaside City Hall Lawn, 440 Harcourt Ave., Seaside. Free. 484-5511, montereycountypops.org.
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