Music

Portrait of singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco against a black background.

Blazing her own path

August 11, 2026

Ani DiFranco has spent more than three decades proving artists can succeed on their own terms. The indie trailblazer brings her fiercely independent spirit to the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium Aug. 15.

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Sunny is Coming Home

Shawn Colvin looks back on her years in New York’s folk and country scenes, her Grammy-winning breakthrough and the realities of life as a touring musician. She plays The Rio August 8.

Nice Jug Bands

The Santa Cruz Jug Band Festival returns for four free days of concerts, sing-alongs, musical history and gloriously unconventional instruments.

Catalyzing Effect

The Catalyst Atrium is reopening its stage to Santa Cruz musicians with a summer series of affordable weekly showcases curated by longtime local promoter Chas Crowder.

World Music Kinship

Raised in Santa Cruz’s renowned Batish musical family, Keshav Batish brings his new album, Sonic Kinship, to the Kuumbwa Jazz Center.

Hardcore Hero

Santa Cruz musician and animal activist Jesse Williams brings hardcore energy, community spirit and cat-saving compassion to Purrrrrrfest.

Santa Cruz jazz quartet Death and Saxes brings its straight-ahead sound to a free outdoor show at The Crepe Place, with founder John Bouwsma drawing from Kuumbwa roots, New Orleans experience and classic jazz influences.

Music and Art

UCSC grad Brett Dennen brings a new kind of performance to Felton Music Hall on Wednesday, June 17, pairing his singer-songwriter catalog with paintings that invite the audience into the conversation.

Tragedy Into Art

Former Cabrillo choral director Cheryl Anderson brings Considering Matthew Shepard to Peace United Church, reviving a powerful musical response to Matthew Shepard’s life and death for a Santa Cruz Pride benefit.

Under the Stars

I Cantori di Carmel performs Carmina Burana at the UCSC Quarry Amphitheater, where redwoods, stars and natural acoustics meet Orff’s thunderous music.

Mountain High

Redwood Mountain Faire brings two days of music to Roaring Camp, with headliners, rising acts, local bands and a volunteer-powered mission that supports Santa Cruz County nonprofits.

Making a Scene

A new compilation, Santa Cruz Scene Celebration Vol. 1, spotlights 12 local bands and celebrates its physical CD release May 31 at Streetlight Records with a performance by Perch.

Mind-altering Music

This week’s Santa Cruz music roundup explores New Music Works’ mind-altering concert with William Winant and Zeena Parkins, a powerful Westside chamber performance and Espressivo’s upcoming season finale.