Join us for a fun Thursday evening of trivia, tacos, wine, and good friends. Host and Americana songwriter/musician Michael Gaither hosts this weekly event starting at 7 PM each Thursday. Typically, 60-80 regulars and newcomers join us for the fun and the chance to win one of three bottles of wine. There’s no cost to play, and no reservation is needed.

The topic and associated hints are posted each week on the Instagram and Facebook accounts of El Vaquero Winery and Michael Gaither. The game consists of 20 questions related to the week’s topic, including five video questions and five audio questions. If you’re confident in your answers for the video and/or audio questions, you can play Double or Nothing. Michael may even perform a couple of live songs!

Chubby's Tacos will be parked outside the winery and available starting about 6:30 pm. They make killer Quesabirria tacos.

THIS WEEK: June 26th is sitcom trivia! Everyone has a favorite, we will be covering everything from Friends, The Office, and How I Met Your Mother to classics like Sienfeld, Scrubs and More!

Broken Shades consists of Rich Cowan and Jewl Sandoval who have played blues together for over 25 years. Spencer Ellison on drums and Doug Mancini on bass round out the line up providing a high octane rhythm section.

Jewl Sandoval has been rockin’ the Bay Area and Santa Cruz for decades. He's written a number of blues tunes, produced three CDs, and in the process he has mixed it up with many of today's blues stars, Coco Montoya for one. His blues harp and soulful vocal style has brought smiles to folks of all ages.

Rich is a mean guitar picker and vocalist. He’s been supplying his soulful and bluesy lead and slide guitar to various bands he’s played with over the years here in Santa Cruz. Freddie King, T-Bone Walker, Albert Collins, Elmore James and numerous other legendary guitar players all figure into his funky mix of blues guitar.

Broken Shades performs high energy music ideal for dancing away your blues. Everything from classic Muddy Waters to Chris Stapleton with a little Amy Winehouse on the side.Broken Shades is a classic blues band that has been entertaining folks in the Bay Area, Santa Cruz and Capitola for years.

$10 Cover (100% to band), we’ll have award winning wine and great burgers and fries from Gabe’s Grill. Reservations are highly recommended at http://reservations.elvaquerwinery.com

Make reservations at http://reservations.elvaquerowinery.com for Salsa Night with Flor de Cana.

A decade ago, when locals Flor De Caña were just getting started, there were several traditional Latin bands. Nowadays, most Latin bands are fusing in other elements like ska, reggae, electronic and hip-hop. Flor De Caña, however, stays true to the sounds of authentic Cuban son and cumbia.

Enjoy an evening of friends, dancing, delicious food by a local food truck and wine and beautiful music by Flor De Caña. $10 Cover at the door, great food truck food and award winning wines.

Reservations ARE REQUIRED and available at http://reservations.elvaquerowinery.com

Welcome back the Ripatti Rose Band for an amazingshow.

“This is a great rocking band with amazing guitar work by Dylan Rose and David De Silva on bass, drums by Keith Wieland and three great vocalists. Alisha Ripatti and Jocelyn Olson’s cover a broad vocal spectrum beautifully from Fleetwood Mac to Heart to Led Zeppelin” - Bob Prikazsky (EVW Reviews)

Rooted in the Santa Cruz music scene, this talented lineup can traverse rock, blues, soul, funk, and everything in between. Be ready for a rock and roll show!

Reserve at reservations.elvaquerowinery.com

Make reservations at bit.ly/evwevents for the return of Big Bad Wolf to El Vaquero Winery.

Big Bad Wolf Hailing from Aptos, in Santa Cruz County, California, Big Bad Wolf howls with a special off-the-beaten-path brand of tasty and danceable blues-based classic rock from groups and artists like Creedence, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Steely Dan, Jon Hiatt, John Don’t Fogerty, The Hollies, and many more. A party with The Big Bad Wolf is always a high octane, rip-roaring good time.

Jefferson's John Fogerty vocals are spot on! Their “One Headlight” rendition is as good as the Wallflowers!

Reservations are highly recommended at http://reservations.elvaquerowinery/com Cover charge is $10 at the door. We’ll have award winning wines and food by a quality local food truck.

Celebrate the 4th of July with Music, Food & Fun! 🇺🇸
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of live music, local flavor, and good vibes!
🕐 1PM – 6PM | 🎟️ $20 Cover | 📍All-day Parking Available

Kick off your Independence Day with Alex Lucero & The Swagtones—bringing their signature soul-infused rock sound to the stage! Enjoy two sets of live music (with a short intermission), plus delicious bites from Shockwave, a local fusion food truck favorite.

🎶 1PM – 3PM: First set
🥤 3PM – 3:30PM: Break
🎶 3:30PM – 6PM: Second set

Come early, stay late, and celebrate the 4th with us in style! Reservations available soon so mark your calendars!

We are fully booked for this event however the wait-list is still available. Use reservations.elvaquerowinery.com to add yourself!

Bean Creek is a beloved bluegrass band from Santa Cruz known for their traditional sound, tight harmonies, and lively stage presence. Led by award-winning vocalist Billy Pitrone, the group blends bluegrass standards with heartfelt originals, featuring standout instrumental work on banjo, mandolin, and fiddle. Regulars at local venues and festivals across Northern California, Bean Creek delivers foot-stomping sets that stay true to the roots of classic bluegrass.

Reserve at reservations.elvaquerowinery.com

Stormin’ Norman & the Cyclones are a dynamic Santa Cruz-based band known for their high-energy performances and eclectic mix of rock, blues, and roots. Fronted by the charismatic Stormin’ Norman, the group features vibrant sax and guitar interplay, tight rhythm grooves, and soulful vocals that keep audiences on their feet.

With a reputation built on lively local gigs—from cozy clubs to community events—their setlists blend upbeat originals and familiar favorites, offering something for both blues enthusiasts and casual listeners. Expect spirited solos, danceable beats, and a fun, engaging stage presence that captures the essence of live music in the Monterey Bay area.

Reserve at reservations.elvaquerowinery.com

Make Reservations for SPUN at El Vaquero Winery at reservations.elvaquerowinery.com

SPUN is one of the top cover bands in the Santa Cruz/SF Bay Area including some of the best local musicians: Patrick Buonsante (lead vocals/guitar), Ted Welty (guitar/vocals), Daniel Vee Lewis (bass), and Andy Ziker (drums/vocals).

Members of SPUN have performed with or opened for: Smashmouth, Third Eye Blind, No Doubt, Train, Jason Bonham, The Beat Farmers, REO Speedwagon, Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers, The Tokens, & Mother Hips, to name a few.

As the name suggests, SPUN spins a mix of cover tunes: rock, reggae, blues, dance, & country. SPUN also has a selection of original material to bring to the table.

SPUN takes the music seriously (but not themselves) with three-part harmonies and precise instrumentation. It's all about the audience having a good time.

Reserve at reservations.elvaquerowinery.com

PET ROXX is an authentic, fun-filled tribute to the great songs of the 70s Singer/Songwriter era (as well as a few from the 90s) featuring the iconic music of: America, Cat Stevens, Neil Young, Jim Croce, David Bowie, and many more.

Reserve at reservations.elvaquerowinery.com

Make reservations at http://reservations.elvaquerowinery.com to Join us for The Joint Chiefs opening our OUTSIDE music season!
The Joint Chiefs Band is a premier dance band in California, captivating audiences with electrifying performances and infectious grooves. Element of Classic R&B, Funk and Soul, creating a signature sound that keeps the dance floor alive and pulsating.
As one of the most versatile and exciting dance bands the band’s enchanting music resonates throughout Santa Cruz County and beyond!
http://reservations.elvaquerowinery.com

Touch’d Too Much is a high‑octane AC/DC tribute band hailing from Santa Cruz, channeling the raw energy and unmistakable grit of Bon Scott–era rock. Known for delivering “nonstop, uncompromising, powerful performances,” they have become a local favorite at venues across the Monterey Bay and major regional events like El Vaquero Winery, Capitola’s Sand Bar, Monterey Rock Fest, and the Hollister Motorcycle Rally .

Their show is a faithful sonic recreation—“Close your eyes, you won’t believe your ears!”—complete with fierce vocal mimicry, searing guitar riffs, and a relentless rhythm section that keeps the room charged

Reserve at reservations.elvaquerowinery.com

Hall Pass is a four piece band that strives to bring rock and roll back to the forefront. A blend of hard charging guitars, grooving bass lines, smooth vocals, and classic songs all create a fun experience for all. Drawing from a wide variety of song choices that will keep you on your toes, Hall Pass promises to turn the volume up and help you turn back the clock once more and remember the simpler times in your life. Bands they cover include Food Fighters, Sublime, Cheap Trick, Green Day, AC/DC, Van Halen, Johnny Cash, The Ramones, The Clash R.E.M., Stone Temple Pilots, UB40 and many more.

Reserve at reservations.elvaquerowinery.com

The Vinny Johnson Blues Band brings over two decades of gritty, soulful grooves to the Santa Cruz music scene. Blending funked-up blues, rock, and soul, Vinny (guitar/vocals) and his tight-knit crew—including Les Rosenthal, Spencer Ellison, and Rick Hornbeck—deliver electrifying sets packed with heartfelt originals (check out his 2006 album 112 in the Shade) and dynamic crowd-pleaser covers .

A staple at local favorites like Capitola’s Cork & Fork and Brookdale Lodge—and spotlighted at community festivals and brewpub gigs—the band is known for its warm energy, expert musicianship, and feel-good vibe!

Reserve at reservations.elvaquerowinery.com

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Previously the Apple City Slough band, South County Rising is a Santa Cruz Mountain Jam Band that will tap into your rock & roll roots. Spirited songwriting layered with gutty rolling leads and keys… the Apple City Slough Band delivers a loud and proud Americana rock sound. Hailing from the original Apple City (Watsonville, Ca) they’re a close-knit band that plays for the love of a good time.

Reserve at reservations.elvaquerowinery.com

Make reservations at http://reservations.elvaquerowinery.com to see the return of FISHHOOK OUTSIDE at El Vaquero Winery.

FishHook delivers a double dose of high-energy musical magic! For an electrifying musical experience that echoes the charm of historic rock bands, catch FishHook! The band that never lets off the gas. They’re one of the best dance bands in Santa Cruz…no lie! Maybe they’ll take a break this time…but I doubt it… they played 3 hours straight last time.

Fishhook Delivers What They Advertise. They are excellent musicians and a very FUN band.

Audience favorite tunes they play include tunes by The Beatles, The Stones, The Cure, Tom Petty, The Cars, Cheap Trick, CCR, Aerosmith, The Clash, Queen, Sublime, Green Day, and much, much more.

Make reservations at http://reservations.elvaquerowinery.com to see Poi Rogers Concert for Cowboy!

Join Poi Rogers on Saturday, August 2nd for a special show benefiting the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. Gerard and Carolyn hit the jackpot back in 2011 when they adopted Cowboy the Dog, and they were fortunate enough to spend the next thirteen wonderful years with him always by their side. In his honor, and to thank the shelter for all they've done for us, they want to throw a party with all the admission proceeds going to help other animals at the shelter. Get ready for a big ol' Americana, western swing, Hawaiian cowboy dance party with Poi Rogers and special guest Dave Roda on drums. Bring your friends, bring your pooch and be ready to get down for a good cause! www.poirogers.com

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Reservations for this will go out to Wine Club Members first, so keep an eye for updates in your email!

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Lacy J Dalton

with Dale Poune and Bill Laymon

Americana and Country



Lacy J. Dalton is an Americana and alt-country singer and songwriter with a career that has spanned many decades and touched the hearts of millions of music fans. Her hit records are legendary million-airplay cuts: 16th Avenue (the Anthem for Nashville songwriters), Crazy Blue Eyes, Hillbilly Girl with the Blues, Takin’ It Easy, Everybody Makes Mistakes, and the worldwide hit Black Coffee.



She has received numerous awards including 1979 Academy of Country Music’s Top New Female Vocalist, 3 prestigious Bay Area Music Awards, a Platinum Record for her part on Willie Nelson’s Half Nelson album, and 2 Gold Records for her support performances on Hank Williams Jr’s Five-0 Tour.



Her first independent album Last Wild Place Anthology went #1 on the World Independent Chart and the American Western Music Chart. She is a member of the North American Country Music Association International Hall of Fame, and was awarded a Lifetime Career Achievement Award from the Josie Music Awards, the largest independent music awards show in the country.



In 2024 Lacy released her most recent album titled For The Black Sheep, a collection of songs with meaningful lyrics and messages of unity and acceptance for all of us.

Save the date and stay tuned for more information coming soon!

Save the date and stay tuned for more information coming soon!