April-September
Historic Garden Tours
Monterey
Tel: 831-649-3364
The Historic Garden League leads 90-minute guided walks of several Old Monterey gardens Thursdays and Fridays (meet at 10:30am at Casa del Ora garden, Pacific and Scott Streets). Reservations required; groups can be accommodated with advance notice on other days as well.
April-October 12
10,000 Poems
Salinas
Tel: 831-755-6905
www.10000poems.com
Calling all poets. The National Steinbeck Center and Hartnell College's Steinbeck Chair, poet Lawson Fusao Inada, are seeking 10,000 poems of every description. Poems will be collected in the archive at the Steinbeck Center, and submission is free to poets of all ages and genres.
Saturdays April-October
"Bring Back the Music" Concerts
Monterey
Tel: 831-373-2705
www.delmontecenter.com
Do some Saturday afternoon (2-4pm) retail therapy at Monterey's Del Monte Center shopping plaza, and you'll hear some very special live music, raising funds for musicians who lost their instruments and their livelihoods in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, sponsored by the Center, KRML jazz radio, and the Dixieland Monterey Festival.
April 1
April Fools Concert
Carmel
Tel: 831-333-1283
www.ensemblemonterey.org
Brace yourself for a fit of giggles at Ensemble Monterey's spring concert. Pieces they'll admit to include Bach's Coffee Cantata, Barney Oldfield's Race for Life from film-maker Mack Sennett's comedy, and the world premiere of Stephen Tosh's Concerto Grosso for Cell Phones, Pagers, Breath Mints & GameBoys.
April 1-2
Big Sur Songwriting Workshop
Big Sur
Tel: 831-667-2574
www.henrymiller.org
Hone your songwriting skills at this two-day workshop sponsored by the Henry Miller Library and led by Ellis Paul, known for his urbane, literate and thoroughly modern folk-pop songs. Plus: special concert at Big Sur River Inn on April 1st.
April 2
Intricacies of Taste
Carmel Valley
Tel: 831-624-2600
www.chateaujulien.com
Enlighten your tastebuds with this afternoon class in wine-pairing, including cheese and chocolate, held at Chateau Julien.
April 1
Spring Into Nature Celebration
Marina
Tel: 831-384-6961
Discover plants that thrive in sandy soil amid ocean breezes during the 2nd Marina Gardener's Exchange event, held during the weekly Everyone's Harvest farmers market (10am-2pm), complete with live music from Para La Gente.
April 2, 22
Birding Excursions
Moss Landing
Tel: 831-633-5555
www.elkhornslough.com
Tour Elkhorn Slough by nearly-silent pontoon boat, guided by expert naturalists, to observe spring migratory and nesting birds.
April 5-9
Pebble Beach Spring Too Show
Pebble Beach
Tel: 831-624-2756
www.ridepebblebeach.com
Level A horse show featuring hunter jumping and other classes; the Stirrup Cup Horse Show takes place on April 8-9.
April 6
Don McLean in Concert
Carmel
Tel: 831-620-2048
www.sunsetcenter.org
His gentle, country-tinged voice is instantly recognizable from platinum-selling hits like "Vincent (Starry, Starry Nights)" and rock's greatest story-song, "American Pie." Don McLean, inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame in 2004, appears in concert at the Sunset Center.
April 6-9
Sea Otter Classic Cycling Festival
Laguna Seca, Monterey
Tel: New Telephone Number TBD
www.seaotterclassic.com
Called the Bikestock of North America, this massive cycling event features fun rides, road racing, mountain bike racing, BMX, kids' events, and a consumer tradeshow that highlights the latest in cycling hardware, clothing and goods. Racers range from first timers to Olympic champions. All kids'
events are free. Camping is available.
April 7
Paul Taylor Dance Company
Seaside/CSUMB
Tel: 831-582-4580
http://worldtheater.csumb.edu
A dominant force in modern dance for over five decades, Taylor�s imaginative choreography, rare sense of beauty and superb musicality - not to mention the brilliance of his dancers - are beyond compare.
April 7
John Pizzarelli Trio
Carmel
Tel: 925-275-9255
www.montereyjazzfestival.org
The Monterey Jazz Festival presents one of the masters of the American songbook in its spring concert series. Pizzarelli's warm, husky voice evokes Nat King Cole, while his guitar artistry matches the great Les Paul.
April 7-30
Annie!
Monterey
Tel: 831-372-1373
The sun'll come out... not tomorrow but any weekend in April, as the Bruce Ariss Wharf Theater on Fisherman's Wharf presents Annie!, the sunny musical about America's best-loved orphan.
April 7
Oldtown Artwalk
Salinas
Tel: 831-758-9126
www.artistasunidos.org
Amble around Oldtown Salinas and discover the very lively art world of Monterey's county seat. Forty venues (open 5-8pm) present art, live music, snacks, book-signings and more. Free parking at Amtrak station includes new photo exhibit "Train 99" at the Railway Express Building.
April 7-9
Bouquets to Monterey
Monterey
Tel: 831-372-2608
www.montereyhistory.org
Twenty works of art and artifacts from the Maritime Museum of Monterey will challenge and inspire florists and designers to create floral arrangements that are equally beautiful or intriguing. Lectures about the artifacts and the creative process complement the event.
April 7, 21
Trail Hikes
Fort Ord Public Lands
[email protected]
Former military lands are often unexpectedly rich in wildflowers, animals and history, undisturbed by modern development. These half-day, morning hikes, led by students at CalState University Monterey Bay, explore the former Fort Ord, in search of flora, fauna, historic tidbits, and more.
April 7-23
The Reluctant Dragon
Monterey
Tel: 831-646-4213
www.mpcfaculty.net/drama_dept/sroplays.htm
The SRO/Studio Theatre presents Mary Hall Surface's adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's beloved story of a dragon who prefers poetry and tea parties to fire-breathing, and the boy who befriends him.
April 8
Brunch with the Bunny
Monterey
Tel: 831-646-5665
www.monterey.org/rec/
Tots aged 3-6 are invited to brunch with the Easter Bunny, with story-telling, crafts and a grand finale egg hunt at Casanova-Oak Knoll Park.
April 8-9
49th Annual Good Old Days Celebration
Pacific Grove
Tel: 831-373-3304
www.pacificgrove.org
Celebrate a bygone era with a parade, a Victorian fashion show, numerous contests, street dance, and the California Police Motorcycle Competition. It�s one of the county�s largest arts and crafts shows, with more than 225 arts and food vendors.
April 8, 30
Sea Otter Focus Tours
Moss Landing
Tel: 831-633-5555
www.elkhornslough.com
Learn all about the cutest critter in Elkhorn Slough � the threatened sea otter � as you tour by pontoon boat, guided by expert naturalists. Reserve early!
April 9
Wildflowers for Beginners
Fort Ord Public Lands, Marina
Tel: 831-394-8314
Novice plant enthusiasts, or those who simply don't know California wildflowers well, will enjoy this easy hike into the grasslands, chaparral and oak woodlands of the former Fort Ord. BLM hike leader Sue Hubbard introduces botany basics and a tremendous variety of plants; meets at 10am.
April 9
Clairemont Piano Trio
Carmel
Tel: 831-625-2212
www.chambermusicmontereybay.org
Chamber Music Monterey Bay presents the first winners of the KLR International Trio Award in a special matinee performance.
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April 12-16
Foundation of American Show Horse Show
Monterey County Fairgrounds, Monterey
Tel: 805-969-9812
www.montereycountyfair.com
Superb showmanship encourages these elegant horses to strut their stuff in the Pattee Arena.
April 13-May 7
Lolita
Salinas
Tel: 831-675-0521
www.paperwingtheatreco.com
Paper Wing Theatre Co. presents Vladimir Nabokov's strange tale of Humbert Humbert and his desperate, fruitless, effort to recreate his first love with the nubile girl - his own step-daughter - that he comes to call "Lolita." (No children under 17 admitted.)
April 14-16
45th Annual Wildflower Show
Pacific Grove
Tel: 831-648-5716
www.pgmuseum.org
Prepared with the collaborative efforts of the Monterey Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, presenting over 600 species and varieties of Central California wildflowers at PG's Museum of Natural History.
April 15
Peak Season Wildflower Tour
Fort Ord Public Lands, Marina
Tel: 831-394-8314
BLM botanist Bruce Delgado is your guide on this driving tour with frequent pauses for easy-to-moderate hikes into the heart of wildflower heaven. Sites include vernal pools, the scene of a grasslands/oak woodland fire in 2005 (perfect opportunity to see fire-following flowers), and a maritime chaparral area. Meets at 10am; call for details.
April 15
Eggstravaganza Breakfast with the Bunny
Carmel
Tel: 831-521-5958
www.carmelcalifornia.com
The 8th annual Spring Celebration takes place in Devendorf Park on Carmel's Ocean Avenue, 8:30am to noon.
April 20
Third Thursday at MMA
Monterey
Tel: 831-372-5477 ext 12
www.montereyart.org
Enjoy a mellow cocktail hour of art, wine and nibbles at the Monterey Museum of Art, during this free monthly event.
April 20
Kurt Elling in Concert
Carmel
Tel: 925-275-9255
www.montereyjazzfestival.org
As part of its Next Generation Festival, the Monterey Jazz Festival showcases the talents of Kurt Elling, its artist in residence for 2006. Recent reviewers raved: "a musical tour de force, incorporating swing and scat, philosophy and funk, and topped by a heaping dose of vocalese."
April 21
Andreas Vollenweider
Carmel
Tel: 831-620-2048
www.sunsetcenter.org
How many harpists can perform as comfortably in jazz nightclubs as on stage at Carnegie Hall, or collaborate as happily with Bobby McFerrin as Luciano Pavarotti and Carly Simon? Only one: Andreas Vollenweider, now in his 25th year composing and performing his unique music.
April 21-23
Next Generation Jazz Festival
Monterey
www.montereyjazzfestival.org
The Monterey Jazz Festival turns the spotlight on the young up-and-coming musicians that will form the vanguard of jazz music in the coming decades, with a newly expanded event that includes performances and activities. This year's artist-in-residence: Kurt Elling.
April 22
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Carmel
Tel: 831-620-2048
www.sunsetcenter.org
In a timely performance coinciding with the Next Jazz Fest, the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band performs at Carmel's Sunset Center. They're the essence of New Orleans trad-jazz: don't miss it!
April 22
Winemaker's Dinner: Heller Estate
Monterey
Tel: 831-659-6220
www.hellerestate.com
Winemaker Rich Tanguay and members of the Heller family conspire with the talented chefs of the Culinary Center of Monterey to present a delicious dinner that really shows off the winery's award-winning organic wines.
April 22-23
Spring Home Show
Monterey County Fairgrounds, Monterey
Tel: 800-237-0551
www.montereycountyfair.com
This year's Spring Home Show, displaying everything from fixtures to furnishings for the perfect home, coincides with the Northern California Alpaca Show, so there's something for the whole family at the Fairgrounds this weekend!
April 22-23
Brazil Ranch Wildflower Hike & Survey
Big Sur
Tel: 831-384-1376
www.brazilranch.org
Brazil Ranch, part of Los Padres National Forest, is a beautiful setting for a conference - or a hike. Volunteers are invited to join USFS staff and BLM botanist Bruce Delgado for a series of hikes around Bixby Creek, through redwood groves, and across the meadows to identify even more than the 175 plants so far found on the property. Reservations essential.
April 22-24
Monterey Symphony
Salinas (22), Carmel (23-24)
Tel: 831-624-8511
www.montereysymphony.org
Guest conductor James Paul directs the orchestra in a romantic program including Smetana's Overture to The Bartered Bride, Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4, and Ravel's Piano Concerto in G major with Philippe Bianconi at the keyboard.
April 23
Vintage Affair
Carmel Valley
Tel: 831-624-2600
www.chateaujulien.com
Chateau Julien's barrel room doors swing open for a full day of special wine-tasting opportunities, including vertical tastings, library wines, and much more.
April 23
Dia del Nino
Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey
Tel: 831-648-4888
www.montereybayaquarium.org
With Cinco de Mayo just over the horizon, the Monterey Bay Aquarium honors both the Spanish and Mexican heritage of Monterey with a day of cultural events and crafts for kids.
April 26
Quetzal
Seaside/CSUMB
Tel: 831-582-4580
http://worldtheater.csumb.edu
Proclaimed by no less an authority than Los Lobos as ready to carry the torch for Los Angeles� Chicano community, Quetzal embodies the soul and the struggle at the heart of the Mexican-American legacy.
April 29
3rd Annual Pinnacles Wine Festival
Soledad
Tel: 831-678-2400
www.innatthepinnacles.com/
Vineyards and winemakers from the Chalone Appellation present their finest wines - complemented by hors d'oeuvres and nibbles by nine of Monterey County's top restaurants - at the Inn at the Pinnacles, at the foot of Pinnacles National Monument.
April 29
Convergence 2006: The Abalone Connection
Monterey
Tel: 831-239-0212
www.pacificcurrents.org
Have you seen abalone run? Celebrate all things abalone and the 109-year historical connection between Japan and the Monterey Bay Region. Event highlights include abalone diving demos, stories and song - plus live abalone races!
April 29
David Sedaris Live
Carmel
Tel: 831-620-2048
www.sunsetcenter.org
Sardonic wit and incisive social critique, marbled into one humorous package: that's David Sedaris, NPR humorist and author of Me Talk Pretty One Day. On stage at Carmel's Sunset Center
April 29-30
Ventana Wilderness Wildflower Survey
Big Sur
Tel: 831-667-2879
www.pelicannetwork.net/ventanawilderness (general information)
Volunteers are invited to join USFS staff in charting locations of wildflowers and other plants in the Ventana Wilderness. Hikers will pass waterfalls and redwoods on a 5.5 mile trail to camp in meadow surrounded by ponderosa pines. Reservations essential.
April 30
Big Sur International Marathon
Hwy 1, Big Sur to Carmel
Tel: 831-625-6226
www.bsim.org
This marathon, consistently named the Best Marathon in North America by The Ultimate Guide to Marathons, is set along one of the most breathtaking routes in the world. Also includes a 21-mile power walk, 5K run, 9-mile walk, 10.6-mile walk, and marathon relay.
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