Music has enjoyed a sacred place in most congregations, the local Grace Baptist Church being no exception. The church includes music as part of its services, but also presents performances by touring and local ensembles, including the Santa Maria Philharmonic Orchestra.
An upcoming concert will feature an ensemble from the California Baptist University School of Music. CBU’s Male Chorale will be performing on Nov. 8 at the church, presenting a concert of sacred and patriotic music.
“Our male choir is really unique in that there aren’t a lot of male choirs out there,” said Becky DeVries, CBU School of Music performance coordinator. “The choir’s being out there is a great promotional tool for the college.”
The California Baptist University in Riverside is a private Christian college with nearly 6,000 students. The university is always on the hunt for talented and devoted people to be a part of the university, and the Male Chorale doesn’t just promote—it recruits.
After the performance in Santa Maria, CBU will hold scholarship auditions for any interested high school or community college music students.
“The philosophy here in the School of Music is that we don’t just take extremely talented people,” DeVries said. “Our philosophy is that if you can carry a tune, you are in, and that way, when you go back home, you can lift up the music at the congregation at your church.”
CBU has several ensembles, including two women’s choirs and the CBU Orchestra and Chorale. The Male Chorale doesn’t perform alone; it includes a small instrumental ensemble featuring drums, guitars, and a sizeable horn ensemble.
“They are not like a straight, stiff choir in robes,” DeVries said. “They move to the music, and it is really fun to be with them in the audience.”
The chorale is made up of both music majors and non-music majors, DeVries explained. The college offers a bachelor’s degree in music for performance, composition, and education for interested music majors, as well as a master’s program.
The Male Chorale tries to perform at least two to three times a month at Baptist churches in and around California, with the mission not just to recruit, but to convert or inspire.
“One of the things that our university president is big on is the Great Commission, which is going out into the world to make disciples” DeVries said. “The School of Music uses the tool of music to reach and be heard and touch people’s hearts.”
Keeping music open
Lucia’s Wine Co. is host to an open mic event weekly on Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lucia’s Wine Co. Tasting Room, 126 East Clark Ave., Orcutt. More info: 332-3080.
Favoloso music
The Santa Maria Philharmonic presents its “Rendezvous House Concert Series” presented quarterly in benefit of the Philharmonic Society in intimate settings. The second concert features the Favoloso Quartetto in concert on Nov. 11 at 3 p.m. at the Lake Marie Estate Club House, 2400 Glacier Lane, Orcutt. Cost is $50; reservations required. More info: 928-0412.
Jazzin’ the Radisson
The Radisson Hotel presents live music every Friday and Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. with Juan Marquez and Sangria. Sunday brunch with guitarist Mike Tibault is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the hotel, 3455 Skyway Dr., Santa Maria. More info: 928-8000.
Music paired with wine
The Addamo Tasting Room and Bistro presents “Wine Down Wednesdays” featuring live music on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Addamo Tasting Room and Bistro, 400 E. Clark, Old Orcutt. Free. More info: 937-6400 or [email protected].
Live at the 510
The 510 Event Center presents a live blues jam featuring local musicians led by Juan Marquez and Sangria Wednesdays from 7 to 10 p.m. DJ Orlando entertains Thursday nights starting at 10 p.m. (dress code enforced). DJ Orlando also spins for “Margarita Night” every Monday from 9 p.m. to midnight. Saturdays feature an open mic from 4 to 7 p.m., and Saturday nights are Latin night featuring live norteño and banda music. Call for times. The 510 Event Center is at 510 South Broadway, Santa Maria. More info: 928-5510, [email protected], facebook.com/510eventcenter, or 510eventcenter.com.
Asia at the Chumash
The Chumash Casino and Resort presents Asia performing in concert on Nov. 8. The Chumash Casino Resort is at 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez. More info: 1-800-CHUMASH or chumashcasino.com.
Serving up swank
The Santa Maria Inn presents “A New Twist on an Old Favorite” in the Tap Room featuring performances by Mezcal on Fridays. Mofongo performs the first Saturday of each month, the Sammy Labastida Jazz and Blues Band performs the second Saturday of each month, Louie Ortega performs the third Saturday of each month, and Lawless and Dean perform the fourth Saturday of each month. The shows take place in the Tap Room, Santa Maria Inn, 801 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. More info: 928-7777 or santamariainn.com.
Maverick jams
The Maverick Saloon offers live entertainment, including live music, on Nov. 9 at 8:45 p.m., followed by “Late Night with guest DJs” at 11:30 p.m. “Concert on the Deck” is Nov. 10 at 3 p.m. A live band performs on Nov. 10 at 8:45 p.m., followed by “Late Night with guest DJs” at the saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. More info: 686-4785 or [email protected].
Contact Calendar Editor Joe Payne at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
