Joe Payne

A syncopated rhythm blends with the smell of barbecue and other kinds of smoke under the eaves of the oak trees. A wailing harmonic melody flies like a bird over the earthy guitar/bass combo and shuffling beat. It’s a familiar scene at the Cold Spring Tavern near the top of the San Marcos Pass, where […]

Lompoc may still be a relatively small town, but for nearly a century, it’s been part of a much bigger musical tradition. The fact is illustrated by the Lompoc Concert Association, which opens its 71st season this year on Sept. 15. The organization began in 1947, explained the association’s president, Molly Gerald, and has operated […]

A blasting horn section, screaming Hammond organ, bouncing baseline, and popping snare drum coalesce in one organic sound, like a party in your ears.  It is a party, at least according to The California Honeydrops lead singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Lech Wierzynski. “We try to keep this fun,” he said, “first and foremost.” It’s a party […]

Local musicians Nataly Lola and Jaxon Camaero have more in common than their love for American guitar rock–they’re also into some weird stuff. Lola grew up in a household that loved horror movies and Steven King, she told the Sun, so she has an affinity for anything supernatural. Camaero on the other hand loves mythology […]

Gale McNeeley and Méami Maszewski are at polar opposite points in their acting careers, but the unlikely duo connect over one thing–the classic songs from the Broadway tradition. McNeeley’s acting career began more than 50 years ago on Broadway, but he’s lived in Santa Maria since the 1980s when PCPA, the Pacific Conservatory Theatre, brought […]

The Russian-born pop singer/songwriter Marina Verenikina, who goes by Marina V, has wowed audiences and critics across the U.S., Europe, and her home country with her starling voice and piano-centered pop music. Based in LA, the artist is currently on tour, and will make a stop on the Central Coast for an Aug. 10 show […]