Capitola is celebrating the return of summer with the return of the Wednesday nights Twilight Concerts series and other fun events. For the last two summers, due to the pandemic, the Twilight Concerts have been canceled, curtailed and zoomed. Now that large outdoor gatherings are safe again the Twilight Concerts are scheduled to return from 6-8 p.m. June 15 beginning with the band Sasha’s Money.
Each Wednesday night thereafter until Aug. 31, the bands performing will be, in order; Extra Large, John Michael Band, Mike Hammar & The Nails, The Joint Chiefs Band, Live Again, Santa Cruz Latin Collective, Billy Martini Show, Jive Machine, Dirty Cello, B-Movie Kings, and, ending on Aug. 31, with the Digbeats. Come out to see, hear, and dance to your favorite band playing your favorite genre of music whether it be blues, rhythm and blues, soul, funk, salsa & latin, or classic rock. The bands perform at the Capitola village Esplanade Park bandstand and the admission is free.
The Twilight Concerts would not be possible without the generous donations from our sponsors: Green Waste Recovery, Devcon Construction, Capitola Mall, Lanai Financial Solutions, Capitola Beach Suites, Steve & Dianne Pereira, Marriott Fairfield Inn and Best Western. Thanks to all the sponsors for making the Twilight Concerts possible. It’s such a beautiful setting on the Monterey Bay to attend an outdoor concert, to enjoy the scenery, and to feel the sounds. Bring a blanket and picnic on the beach or enjoy one of the fine dining establishments in Capitola Village. Even though it’s summer, bring a jacket because the fog may embrace you.
In addition to the Twilight Concerts there will be Sunday Art at the Beach from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 26, July 10, July 31, and Aug. 14. On these select Sundays, there will be booths with quality artwork including painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry and mixed media from local artists. If you arrive early you may be serenaded by the impromptu ukulele players.
Later in the summer, there will be family friendly Friday night Movies at the Beach featuring Jungle Cruise on Aug. 26 and Sing 2 on Sept. 2. The movie times will be at dusk. Also, during the summer, the Capitola Recreation Department is sponsoring food trucks at Monterey Park from 4- 7 p.m. on June 17, July 15, Aug. 19 and Sept. 16. These are family friendly events featuring some of Santa Cruz County’s best food trucks, as well as, a beer garden for the adults. Catch up with your neighbors while having food and drink in an outdoor setting.
These events take a lot of worker from city staff and volunteers. The Twilight Concerts and the Sunday Art at the Beach are brought to you by the volunteers from the Capitola Art & Cultural Commission. The Capitola Art & Cultural Commission advises the City Council about allocation of public funds for the support and encouragement of existing and new programs in the arts; acquires works of art; initiates, sponsors, and directs special programs that enhance the cultural climate of the City; and implements Capitola’s Art & Cultural Master Plan.
There are nine members of the commission. Each serves a maximum of three, two-year terms. The commission is composed of one City Council member; one Planning Commissioner; one Artist or Arts Organization Representative member; one arts professional member and five “at-large” members. Appointments are made by the City Council following recommendation by the current commission members. We are thankful for all the Art & Cultural Commission volunteers and the city staff that work to make Capitola a more beautiful, inspiring and enjoyable place to live and visit.
Many of the wonderful events that are sponsored by the Art & Cultural Commission are only successful because of the volunteers and donors. If you would like to be a volunteer or donor with Art & Cultural Commission, visit City of Capitola’s website or call 831-475-7300.
Enjoy a safe and fun-filled summer.
Sam Storey is the mayor of Capitola.
