This last year gifted our local live music venues with motivated and skilled soloists and ensembles, representing the fine-art music sphere to the late-night rock groups that kept feet on the dance floor. A wealth of musical knowledge was shared with young people who proudly showcased their new skills in various ways. Whether casual or finer affairs, music rang throughout the county pleasing ears of all persuasions.
Our music-loving community will happily end 2014 and ring in the New Year with plenty of live music at local establishments. A list can be found in the community calendar highlighting some of the musical New Year’s Eve celebrations throughout the Central Coast. From the sound of the first chords and notes of the New Year, Local Notes will be there with an ear trained on any upcoming concerts, new albums, or other musical efforts.
GIVING THE GIFT OF MUSIC
Circle V Ranch Camp campers participated in Flutes Across the World by John Zeretzke, who gives handmade and decorated flutes to deserving kids worldwide.
PROXIMA PITCH
Próxima Parada won Best Live Performance at the New Times Music Awards on Aug. 28 at SLO Brew.
SINGING HIS SONGS
Jim Messina and collaborators performed a live set of his music to benefit the Solvang Festival Theater in October.
¡VIVA MUSICA!
¡Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara! brought in beloved LA-based group La Santa Cecilia for the first Viva concert series of the year in Guadalupe.
PASSING THE TORCH
The Righetti High School Marimba Band and Ballet Folklórico bade farewell to founding director Ricardo Gabaldón this year, after he spent 40 years teaching young dancers and musicians.
Contact Arts Editor Joe Payne at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Dec 25, 2014 – Jan 1, 2015.
