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Monterey County Art & Culture Overview



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Arts Council of Monterey County firmly believes that exposure to the arts improves the lives of all of us.

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Big Expectations

08/12/2023

Ritchie Lovejoy wrote a novel more than 80 years ago, and he was able to do it because of John Steinbeck’s faith in his talent. That novel, “Taku Wind,” finally got published last month, albeit in a very limited edition—24 copies.

Mural Magic

08/02/2023

Salinas, in the heart of California's agricultural landscape, has been a magnet for murals for several decades. Breathtaking new ones have just been added to three freeway underpasses.

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Going Out On Top

After 33 years as Artistic Director of The Monterey Jazz Festival, Santa Cruz’s Timothy Jackson is stepping back, but not before one more world class explosion of sounds on September 22-24. The Monterey Jazz Festival is known as one of …

Image caption: New legislation will impose penalties on local school boards that ban books for covering issues of diversity.
New California Bill Slaps Back at School Book Bans

California will penalize school boards that ban books based on inclusion of certain groups under a bill the governor is expected to sign into law. But some fear unintended consequences.

Image caption: Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to wait for more information before signing a bill that would remove TikTok from most state smartphones.
Newsom Halts TikTok Ban, App to Stay on State Phones

A bipartisan bill to prohibit TikTok on state phones is shelved until 2024. It had breezed through the state Legislature, but the authors want to tweak the measure. It's the latest social media regulation to get stalled in California.

Image caption: A 1911 production of “Twelfth Night” at the Forest Theater.
Arts History

Performing arts centers, galleries, theater troupes, music festivals—here are 20 reasons why the Monterey Bay is a haven for arts lovers.

Monterey County Weekly logo LOCAL NEWS
Pop and Hiss makes some noise at a Pacific Grove zoning hearing, and there’s more to come.

Kevin Bacon didn’t show up to Pacific Grove City Hall yesterday, but in his stead over 60 people did, both in-person and online, almost all to heartily support a proposed downtown all-ages live music venue with a bar and record…

Monterey County Weekly logo LOCAL NEWS
Salinas’ 30-year ban on cruising ends tonight with a celebratory cruise.

Celia Jiménez here, getting ready for tonight’s big event—the first legal cruising event in Salinas in over 30 years. I’ll be a copilot in Debbie Tigerina Martin’s car: “Tigerina 65” is a 1965 Buick Wildcat. I’m very excited because it…

Salinas Valley Tribune logo LOCAL NEWS
Thousands turn out for 2023 Salinas Valley Fair

SALINAS VALLEY — Once again the Salinas Valley Fair drew thousands of people to South Monterey County for a long weekend of family-friendly activities and entertainment, including its first-ever huge concert headlined by multiplatinum country singer Dylan Scott on Saturday …

Monterey County Weekly logo LOCAL NEWS
Local jazz musicians convene this weekend to pay musical homage to one of their own.

Agata Popęda here—with another weekend activity idea. A very special jazz gathering will take place at 5pm this Sunday, May 21, at the Monterey Community Church. More than a jazz concert, it will be a commemoration of the life and…

Monterey County Weekly logo LOCAL NEWS
The California Roots Music and Art Festival will not be live streamed this year.

The 2023 California Roots Music and Art Festival (which takes place Thursday, May 25 through Sunday, May 28) will not be available for streaming, the organizers announced on social media on Monday, May 15, describing the decision as a difficult…

Monterey County Weekly logo LOCAL NEWS
Lighthouse Cinema in Pacific Grove is back, and the owners are optimistic about movie theaters.

Agata Popęda here, suggesting: Let’s go to the movies tonight! Because the movies are B.A.C.K. in the city of Pacific Grove, after a few months of turmoil and cinematic anxiety. (The iconic Lighthouse Cinema stopped screening in March of this…

Upcoming Meetings & Events
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Museums and Cultural Arts Commission
Thursday October 5 2023   4:00 PM

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Art & History Commission Meeting
Tuesday October 10 2023   5:45 PM

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