Santa Cruz, Calif.: Music for Everyone

The music scene in this laid–back beach town gives you lots of choices. During the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, July 29 to August 13, you can hear a new score from Philip Glass. Every Friday evening throughout the summer, Bands on the Beach features free concerts at the Boardwalk—Eddie Money on July 14, Herman’s Hermits on August 25, and others. On July 6, the Reverend Horton Heat gets fired up at the Catalyst (831-423-1338). The Attic (831-460-1800) is the place for indie rockers and folk songsters such as the John Butler Trio. Or get a dose of blues, reggae, Afrobeat, and funk during the Afrofunk Festival at Moe’s Alley from July 27 to 29.

Photography courtesy of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

This article was first published in July 2006. Some facts may have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.