Predicted weather patterns for the Monterey Peninsula around March deliver some classic Mediterranean-style mildness that help make it the Salad Bowl of the World: easygoing precipitation, modest highs in the 60s and temperate lows just under 50.
But they don’t include the steady downpour of events. The events below represent a small sample size of the intriguing adventures that await. The resident wealth of city, regional and state parks offer another main draw, as do whale watching, beachcombing and general coastal cruising.
Featured Photo by Lauren-MacNeish
Monterey Jazz Festival & Kuumbwa Jazz Present Rosanne Cash & John Leventhal
March 4
The MJF-Kuumbwa collaboration continues with more powerhouse programming, this time at Carmel By-the-Sea’s Sunset Cultural Center. Prolific singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash — whose 15 albums have earned four Grammy Awards and 12 nominations, as well as 21 top-40 hits — appears behind her latest release She Remembers Everything. Described by Rolling Stone as “one of the most ambitious and literary songwriters of her generation,” she’s joined on this evening by her longtime producer and collaborator John Leventhal.
More info: kuumbwajazz.org
Buddy Guy at Golden State Theatre
March 4
There are many ways to describe legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and seven-time Grammy Award winner Buddy Guy — whether by way of his record 37 Blues Music Awards or his presence on Rolling Stone’s “Greatest Guitarists of All Time.” But it might be best to let him tell his own story. “I worry a lot about the legacy of Muddy, Wolf, and all the guys who created this stuff…” he says. “They all told me that if they left here before I did, then everything was going to be on my shoulders. So as long as I’m here, I’m going to do whatever I can to keep it alive.”
More info: goldenstatetheatre.com
Jazz Bash by the Bay
March 4-6
The remodeled Valhalla that is the Monterey Conference Center and adjoining Portola Hotel & Spa unleash seven venues, six dance floors and seemingly endless jazz genres, including — but not limited to — traditional, ragtime, swing, gypsy and blues. Across three days, dozens and dozens of bands participate, from Fig Jam to Le Jazz Hot to Fast Mama Excitement to Ivory & Gold to Holy Crow, stacking as many as 12 hours of music per day.
More info: jazzbashmonterey.com
Streetlow Lowrider Car Show & Brenton Wood Concert
March 6
On this afternoon at the Salinas Sports Complex, Streetlow Magazine organizes a rare lowrider spotlight and accompanying line up with old-school singer-songwriter Brenton Wood headlining and Chicano All-Star Band, Troublez and more joining the bill. Much more than low rollers and live music carry the day, given the selection of custom trucks, bikes, motorcycles, Euro entries, food and drinks and many of the most lifted lowrider merch vendors.
More info: eventbrite.com
Whalefest Monterey
March 19-20
The 12th annual installment of this self-described “edutaining” family-leaning event specializes in fun activities for all ages, live music, boat displays and a swell of captivating marine-related interactive exhibits by numerous local organizations like American Cetacean Society, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Save the Whales and Surfrider. This year NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries celebrates its 50th anniversary of ocean protection and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary marks its 30th year, while a two-day symposium with world-renowned marine experts and historians happens in harmony with all the other inspired insight.
More info: whalefest.org
Melissa Etheridge at Sunset Center
March 26-27
Etheridge’s One Way Out Tour brings one of rock’s most memorable influences to swanky Sunset. The audience can expect a rousing regimen of hits like “Bring Me Some Water,” “No Souvenirs,” “Ain’t It Heavy,” “I’m the Only One” and “Come to My Window.” She can claim multiple Grammys, an Oscar and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Tonight she’ll also claim listener ears — and hearts.
More info: sunsetcenter.org
Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!
