Unlike the barbecue lunch included as part of their upcoming performance, the eclectic quintet Cafe Musique can’t be put in a box. Known for blending gypsy, tango, swing, and their self-defined genre, “wild classical,” this Central Coast-based group is performing on the lawn of the Santa Maria Country Club on Sunday, July 21, starting at 4 p.m. The outdoor concert, titled Pops on the Lawn, is presented by the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society.
The five members of Cafe Musique stem from various musical backgrounds, led by Brynn Albanese (violin and vocals), whose resume includes SLO Opera, Symphony of the Vines, and the Boston Philharmonic. Albanese is also credited as one of the recording artists on the soundtracks for not one, not two, but THREE Steven Spielberg films (Schindler’s List, Jurassic Park, and Saving Private Ryan). Her personal biography on the band’s website describes the violinist as “gluten-free but not fun-free.”
According to Duane Inglish’s (accordion) bio, the former Live Oak Music Festival director studied under master accordionists Frank Umbro and Ray Gibson and “loves bluegrass but won’t tell anyone.” He also loves chick flicks and watching Singing in the Rain late at night with a glass of cheap wine.
Meanwhile, Craig Nuttycombe (guitar and vocals) claims to have been French romanticist Jean Pierre in another life and enjoys picnics, showers, and taking photos of the audience (not simultaneously). Fred Murray (bass and vocals), a self-described recluse and computer wizard, joined his first band at age 14. Last but certainly not least, multi-instrumentalist Eric Williams (guitar, ukulele, bouzouki, and vocals) has been a recording artist and producer on more than 100 albums.
Doors open to Pops on the Lawn at 3:30 p.m., with the band performing from 4 to 6 p.m. Admission starts at $25 and go up from there to include additional perks, such as a box lunch (tri-tip sandwich or vegetarian wrap, potato salad, and fresh fruit) and access to the no-host bar. Tickets are available in advance at my805tix.com. The Santa Maria Country Club is located at 505 Waller Lane, Santa Maria. Call (805) 925-0412 or visit smphilharmonic.org to find out more.
Fray it forward
Grammy-nominated rock band The Fray performs at the Chumash Casino Resort on Friday, July 19, at 8 p.m. Originally from Denver, Colorado, it was their emotionally charged single, “How to Save a Life,” that brought the group worldwide fame in 2007. Just typing the title out is enough to keep the tune stuck in my head for the next hour or so. Attendees can expect to hear other nostalgia-inducing hits (at least to millennials), such as “Over my Head (Cable Car”), as well as some of their latest singles, including “Hurricane” and “Singing Low.”
Admission to this performance, which takes place in the casino’s Samala Showroom, ranges from $69 to $99. The resort is located at 3400 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez. Call (800) 248-6274 or visit chumashcasino.com for tickets and more info.
More music
Retro-country and neo-surf band The Excellent Tradesman performs at the Cold Spring Tavern off of Highway 154 on Friday, July 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. The tavern’s weekend lineup continues with blues, rock, and gospel duo Tom Buenger and Teresa Russell (1 to 4 p.m.) and country group Grass Mountain (from 6 to 9 p.m.) on Saturday, July 20. The weekly series concludes with funk and soul act Soul Biscuit on Sunday, July 21, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Harmonica blues and rags pair Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan will open for the group, performing from 1:15 to 4 p.m.
The Molly Ringwald Project, an ’80s tribute band, performs at the Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez on Friday, July 19, from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. This Central Coast-based cover group is best known its special lighting and laser effects during their performances. The Just Dave Band takes the saloon’s stage on Saturday, July 20, from 8 to 11 p.m., followed by the Nate Latta Band on Sunday, July 21, with an afternoon concert from 1 to 5 p.m.
The Molly Ringwald Project will also play the following evening, Saturday, July 20, at Blast 825 Brewery in Orcutt from 9 p.m. to past midnight. The brewery also hosts local solo artists Russ Douglass, who opens for the band from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., and Eric Knierim, who performs on Sunday, July 21, from noon to 3 p.m.
Also in Orcutt, musical duo Bender and Jack will be performing at Vino et Amicis Wine Bar on Friday, July 19, from 7 to 10 p.m. Admission to the show is complimentary. Head just a bit farther north to Santa Maria, and you’ll find Moxie Cafe and its full weekend lineup (starting a day early as usual), featuring solo guitarist Bob Clark on Thursday, July 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., cover group The Wavebreakers on Friday, July 19, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and local artist Yael Gott on Saturday, July 20, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. m
Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood wrote this week’s Local Notes. Contact him at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jul 18-25, 2019.