Escapes: Listen to free jazz in downtown Monterey
Monterey_Jazz_Festival-Cole_Thompson-217_0.jpg "More than 1,300 students will take the stage at the 11th annual Next Generation Jazz Festival next weekend. Most concerts will be at the Monterey Conference Center.")
MONTEREY
The next wave of jazz descends on Monterey
What will future jazz sound like? For a taste, listen to the country’s top student jazz musicians.
More than 1,300 of said talented students – middle school, high school and collegiate alike – will perform at the 11th annual Next Generation Jazz Festival. Expect to catch a variety of big bands, combos, vocal ensembles, trios and conglomerate bands over the weekend-long affair Friday through March 29. Forewarning: The air might be tense. In addition to casual jam sessions and special guest performances, students are competing for a slot in September’s Monterey Jazz Festival alongside seasoned professionals.
Catch most concerts at the Monterey Conference Center, at 1 Portola Plaza, but there are a few auxiliary stages around town. For more information, visit www.montereyjazzfestival.com/NGJF.
CALISTOGA
One muddy weekend
What: The first Mudder of All Weekends includes a scavenger hunt, muddy 5K run, restaurant and bar crawl, yoga, spa specials and more for women ages 14 and up. The citywide hunt kicks things off Friday, but the highlight is Saturday’s adventurous obstacle course through mud, ending in a celebration of food, drinks and live entertainment.
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Napa County Fairgrounds, 1435 North Oak St., Calistoga
Cost: $59 for mud run
Information: visitcalistoga.com
SAN FRANCISCO
Chocolatey Earth Hour
What: The lights at Ghirardelli Square will go off during Earth Hour, from 8 to 9 p.m. Celebrate by munching on Intense Dark Ghirardelli Chocolate, drinking wine, participating in nighttime yoga and exploring a labyrinth.
When: 6-9:30 p.m. March 28
Where: Ghirardelli Square, 900 North Point St., Suite E100, San Francisco
Cost: Free
Information: www.ghirardellisq.com
SANTA ROSA
Orchid show
What: Learn about orchid care and cultivation and the Symphony of Orchids, with plenty of vendors, docent tours, a silent auction and an orchid doctor to answer any of your orchid-related questions.
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 29
Where: Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building, 1351 Maple Ave., Santa Rosa
Cost: $8
Information:
TRUCKEE
Kids skiing and snowboarding
What: For the uninitiated, Ripperoo is Northstar at Tahoe Resort’s ski school mascot. Kids can join him for a parade and dance around the ice rink and then head to Ripperoo’s introductory park clinic. Kids 12 and under with their own skis or snowboard will learn fundamentals as well as general etiquette and safety.
When: 3:45 p.m. parade, 4-6 p.m. clinic Saturdays through April 11
Where: Northstar at Tahoe Resort, 100 Northstar Drive, Truckee
Cost: Free
Information:
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
Equinox Spring
What: Celebrate longer days with free concerts and parties at Equinox Spring Festival. Apart from live music, upcoming events include a group mini bike ride, giant pillow fight and salsa showdown.
When: Event times vary, through April 11
Where: Sierra at Tahoe Resort, 1111 Sierra at Tahoe Road, Twin Bridges
Cost: Free
Information:
Bee Staff
This story was originally published March 21, 2015 at 5:00 PM with the headline "Escapes: Listen to free jazz in downtown Monterey."