Email this page
Print this page
Dixieland Monterey
March 2-4, 2007
What began as an “added attraction” to the 1980 Monterey County Fair has reached its 27th year. For three days, more than 20 live acts, including premier youth, Big Band, jazz, swing and ragtime bands perform at venues in Monterey and along Fisherman’s Wharf. The inaugural success of the first Dixieland Jazz production inspired the co-founders of the Monterey Bay Hot Jazz Society to assemble a volunteer board of directors and produce a mini-festival that rivaled the original. Then, in 1982, they again recruited volunteers and bands to have another go at it. By 1986 the festival budget had tripled and had more than 200 volunteers. Eventually, youth bands came to the festival, and in 1991, the Dr. Jake Jacobson Music Youth Scholarship program was established. A portion of festival proceeds has since benefited jazz performance education. (Jacobson volunteered more than 10 years and was an integral part of the festival’s success and growth of Dixieland Monterey.)
Information: (831) 633-5053, (888) 349-6879
Monterey Blues Festival
June 22-24, 2007
In 20 short years, this festival has gained recognition as the top West Coast blues festival. Every year, on the fourth weekend in June, more than 30,000 fans come to Monterey Fairgrounds for a “summer to remember” — to unwind and enjoy three days of music, down-home cooking, and exceptional shopping. The 22nd annual event features hundreds of artists on three stages. Experience a slice of Americana while helping a nonprofit organization raise money for scholarships and grants for youth in the arts.
Information: (831) 394-2652
Carmel Bach Festival
July 14-Aug. 4, 2007
This is the festival’s 70th season of celebrating the music of Johann Sebastian Bach — four incredible weeks presented in the elegant Foyer of Glass at the Sunset Center, the intimate setting of All Saints Church, candlelit Carmel Mission Basilica and the picturesque Church in the Forest. Concerts, recitals, lectures, and dinners envelop the audience in the experience. While the musical genius of Bach is the foundation of this festival, the works of other great composers are included to reflect Bach’s inspirational influence.
Information: (831) 624-2046
Spirit West Coast – Monterey Festival
Aug. 2-4, 2007
In its 11th year at Laguna Seca Recreation Area, this festival — one of two Christian music festivals on the West Coast — is ranked among the best of its kind. It’s an opportunity to experience a dynamic combination of music and ministry. Concerts by more than 50 leaders of the genre of Christian music — representing a variety of music styles — appear on six to eight stages. Concerts have featured The Newsboys, Steven Curtis Chapman, Jars of Clay, and Salvador. Comedians, speakers, and teachers also take the stage for Christians of all ages. Alternative Stage at Spirit West Coast — Monterey showcases rock and hip-hop artists. This venue has great appeal to the young and young at heart.
Information: (408) 377-9232
Monterey Bay ReggaeFest
Sept. 2-3 (Labor Day Weekend)
Monterey Fairgrounds hosts the 11th annual Monterey Bay ReggaeFest on the Sunday and Monday of Labor Day Weekend, featuring an outstanding lineup of internationally acclaimed performers of the music known as roots-rock reggae. Visit the Rastafarian Museum as well as arts and crafts booths. If you’re 21 or older, party in the Raggae Lounge or the Patio Turf Club, where DJs from our local radio stations broadcast live from the festival. There are playgrounds to occupy and entertain the young and older kids as well.
Information: (831) 394-6534
For more information on any event in the Monterey Bay Area - See the Monterey Calendar of Events
