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American Music and Family Fun in the Surf City

Whether you're planning a quiet vacation with evening strolls along Carmel River State Beach or a day trip browsing the shops on the Boardwalk, Santa Cruz is the perfect destination for your next California getaway. The city boasts youthful and counter-cultural vibes that stem from the large student population at the University of California-Santa Cruz, and shines through in city art galleries, restaurants, and shops. Make your next Central California vacation one you’ll never forget in Santa Cruz!

 

The Santa Cruz American Music Festival is a showcase that highlights blues and folk music, Americana, and more. It will take place May 27-28, at Aptos Village Park which is about six miles east of Downtown Santa Cruz. The event features 10 world-class performers including Melissa Etheridge, The Devil Makes Three, and Mavis Staples. Some of the artists will be available at the artist's booth for conversations and autographs before and after their performances. A variety of food vendors will be available, and a merchandise area will sell items related to the event and individual performers. Proceeds from the event go to a variety of organizations that benefit others including various cancer research nonprofits, the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce, and more. We got the chance to interview Margie Way, a representative of the event, to learn more about this unique music celebration.

 

RAL: How long has the event been running?

MW: The festival started in 1993 as the Santa Cruz Blues Festival. In 2015, we decided to open up our musical offering to encompass all types of American Music and re-named the event Santa Cruz American Music Festival.  

 

RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?

MW: Our event caters to people who are looking for an intimate musical experience with a top-to-bottom lineup of high-quality artists, both established and new to the scene. The quality of our lineup is rare in an intimate setting the size of Aptos Village Park, which is a natural amphitheater surrounded by oak and redwood trees.   

 

RAL: What demographic does your event attract?  

MW: The festival attracts fans from all age groups, and the common thread between all of them is appreciation of high-quality music.

 

RAL: What makes this event unique?

MW: Aptos Village Park sits just a mile from the Monterey Bay. It's a tree lined natural amphitheater with incredible sound quality from the front to the back. It's also a great destination to enjoy Memorial Day Weekend. A diverse selection of music includes blues, Americana, and other traditional American Roots genres.  

 

RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?  

MW: Occasionally, guest appearances happen at the festival. Attendees occasionally do get a chance to meet the artists when the artist sells CD’s after their set.

 

RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?

MW: We have a variety of food options, and some vendors have vegetarian and vegan options. Plus, local wines and craft-brewed beers will be available.

 

RAL: What is the overall environment like?

MW: The atmosphere is friendly, vibrant, and welcoming. Attendees are always forming new friendships and relationships in this intimate setting.

 

RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?

MW: Book early! There are several hotels, vacation rentals, and quaint beach bungalows in this area. The Santa Cruz Visitors Council is an excellent resource.  

 

RAL: What does this event mean to the community?  

MW: We donate a percentage of the proceeds to nonprofit community programs in the area.

 

RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?  

MW: Yes, restaurants and hotels book up in short order and attendees spend money at various Santa Cruz businesses.   

 

RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community?

MW: We support many nonprofits including, but not limited to, cancer research organizations, the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce, rowing club, and more.

 

RAL: Why should people come to your event?

MW: This is a large concert production set in a boutique festival setting. People meet and get married at our festival, and we even had to rush one expecting mother to the hospital to have her baby because she wouldn’t miss the show. Attendees discover new American music that they did not know existed. There is chair seating in front of the stage and lawn seating behind. It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy great music and make new friends.


For more information about the Santa Cruz American Music Festival, please visit the event website.