Music

Percussionist William Winant and composer Zeena Parkins perform during a New Music Works concert.

Mind-altering Music

May 13, 2026

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.

Praise the Blade

Santa Cruz horror punk band Dark Ride celebrates its first full-length album, Blade Manor, and plays Mothfest May 30 at Moe’s Alley in tribute to Dan Lamothe.

There Comes a Time

After three decades of building Soquel High’s music program into an award-winning powerhouse, beloved band director Jim Stewart will take his final bow this spring.

The Healing of Kat Moss

Scowl’s Kat Moss channels chaos into catharsis. In this intimate portrait, the Santa Cruz vocalist reflects on pain, power and the strange healing force of music.

Mighty Ludwig Van

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 takes center stage as the Santa Cruz Symphony closes its season with a powerful, genre-spanning program.

Queen of Sludge

Acid King, the long-running sludge-metal force led by Lori S, plays a rare afternoon set at Moe’s Alley on April 26, joined by Santa Cruz heavyweights Mammatus.

Surfin’ Safari

From a snowy basement to Malibu, Surfer Girl’s Carter Reeves brings his feel-good, high-energy sound to Felton Music Hall, April 30 at 8pm

Oh, Emmylou, Emmylou (What in the world can I do?)

Emmylou Harris comes to the Santa Cruz Civic on April 18, bringing her landmark voice, songs from across her long career and the activist spirit that has shaped her life in music.

Growing Ancestree

Santa Cruz roots reggae band Ancestree brings its message-driven sound to San Jose’s 4/20 celebration, blending heritage, rhythm and unity.

Indie-Rock Goes Intimate

Indie-rock trailblazers Throwing Muses hit Moe’s Alley on April 18, bringing decades of raw, poetic sound and songs from their new album Moonlight Concessions.

Before the World Caves In

Santa Cruz hardcore mainstays Good Riddance drop their 10th album Before the World Caves In and return to The Catalyst for a high-energy hometown release show, Friday, April 10th.

March Madness

A bold Santa Cruz production of Amadeus blends theater, orchestra and chorus into a powerful retelling of Mozart and Salieri’s legendary rivalry.

Playing Live

Legendary folk-rock guitarist Richard Thompson brings decades of masterful songwriting and virtuosic playing to the stage, delivering an unforgettable live performance rooted in British folk and rock tradition. At The Rio, Sunday April 5.