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This is the story of Steve Poltz:

Some people start life with a plan. Not Steve. He opens himself up to the universe in a way most of us will never be loose enough to achieve, and the universe responds with a wink, a seemingly bottomless well of inspiration, and the talent to truly connect with an audience. While 2021 could have found him adrift, faced with a tour moratorium the likes of which he hadn’t experienced in decades, it opened a door — literally, his friend Oliver Wood of The Wood Brother’s door — to creating an exuberant, thoughtful batch of songs that celebrate life in all of its stages. The resulting album is "Stardust & Satellites" [Red House / Compass Records].

“I just make stuff up,” he exclaims, quipping, “it sounded good to say that.” Steve is the sort of prolific writer and collaborator who downplays what seems like a non-stop geyser of creativity. “I have no rhyme or reason for what I do. It’s all magic. I go by instinct. It just felt right, so I went with it.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxUuAvyfy3A
Website: https://poltz.com/

Opening for Steve will be local singer/songwriter, journalist, radio DJ, trivia host, and animal lover Michael Gaither

From Iceland to Italy, and all over the U.S., San Francisco based band Dirty Cello brings the world a high energy and unique spin on blues, rock, and Americana. Led by vivacious cross-over cellist, Rebecca Roudman, Dirty Cello is cello like you’ve never heard before. From down home blues and rock with a wailing cello to virtuosic stompin’ Americana, Dirty Cello is a band that gets your heart thumping and your toes tapping!

"Dirty Cello’s music is all over the map: funky, carnival, romantic, sexy, tangled, electric, fiercely rhythmic, and textured, and only occasionally classical." Oakland Magazine

"The band plays every style imaginable, and does some fantastic covers. (Their rendition of “Purple Haze” is incredible.) But what is most spectacular about them is hearing the depth of soul in Roudman’s playing—it goes beyond what most people would expect from the instrument. She plays it with so much heart, you’ll wonder why more bands don’t have a cellist." Good Times Santa Cruz​

HEY NOW...Because your booty was meant to bounce, Extra Large is the perfect soundtrack for ‘throw your hands in the air’ fun. Voted Best Local Band in Santa Cruz County nine times running, Extra Large splices together funk gyrations, Latin spice, fun-in-the-sun reggae, and classic California rock vigor. This veteran six-piece ensemble has become a California coast staple adept at heating up dance floors, concert stages, and festivals. What sets Extra Large apart from the ‘dance band’ pack is that their dance music is original, upbeat, positive and fun! Bursting with screaming horns and steaming strings, with drums and bass bulldozing any listener’s attempt to stand still, this band continues to reign as the ultimate party starter for any upbeat occasion. Sometimes size does matter, and Extra Large dutifully fills every musical gap.​​

At the end of a long, tough day, all we want to do is blow off some steam, and get reacquainted with the things in life that really matter to us-that's where EL comes in. Like a six-piece pressure release valve, EL is there with a cool blend of the funk, reggae riffs, latin beats, essence of jazz and soul that rejuvenates. Proclaiming their role as "fiesta facilitators", they dare us to dance (it's their motto), and we obey. Their lyrics hear our strife and speak of love, optimism and fulfillment. Frontman Russ Leal steps up to the mic. The consumate showman- generous, confident and full of energy- he is plainspoken and charismatic. "It's our goal to make you whole, by doing what we do with unadulterated soul," he sings. Why do we love you Extra Large? Because you know what we mean when we say we're tired, but you're not jaded. You give us permission to forget ourselves and relax, to rediscover fun and lightness of spirit, and as such, we are restored in the funky earnestness of your unfalteringly well-adjusted worldview.

The Rayburn Brothers Band bring a broad range of influences to their music and play songs that are a mix of folk, rock, blues, world, and Americana. All songs feature the effortless harmonies of Craig and Keith Rayburn, augmented by the dulcet voice of Eliza James that give texture and intimacy. Nick Heinz adds fluid guitar lines evoking classic rock greats, while the driving rhythm is provided by the band's own TnT, Tom Levenhagen on bass and Tom Duncan on drums, as keyboard player Kevin Taylor weaves in and out of the songs with grace and harmony.


The entire collection of songs provided by the band are full of surprises and unexpected twists. Eliciting comparisons to bands such as the Eagles, Neil Young, Los Lobos and Jackson Browne, the Rayburn Brothers Band has built up a strong following and are expanding their range along the Central Coast.

"BOOM DRAW specializes in the sweet soulful sounds of foundation-era rocksteady, the musical link that brought Jamaican music out of ska and into reggae, highlighting the best qualities of both. BOOM DRAW features an all-star multi-generational lineup known for backing many Jamaican reggae artists on tour and in the studio. Its mission: to rock dance floors with classic tunes from reggae's formative years, when good vibes were crucial, rhythm was king and gorgeous vocal harmonies were a must."

BOOM DRAW has been opening for international reggae bands at Moe’s Alley for the last few years.

Don’t miss Salsa Night with Flor de Cana, Friday October 6th from 6-9 pm at El Vaquero Winery, 2901 Freedom Blvd in Corralitos.


Flor de Cana, a septeto from Santa Cruz, CA plays high energy dance music, including Cuban Son, Colombian Cumbia and various other Caribbean styles. They blend the obscure with the known, old time with the new, keeping true to the roots while creating their own sound. The impressive rhythm section, composed of upright bass, guitar, cuban tres, button accordion, congas, bongo, timbales, maracas, guiro and bell, is sure to get you moving. On top of that impressive mix you have the high energy of the horn section w/ trumpet & saxophone. Last but not least is the lead vocal and choral harmonies. Add all that together and you have a sound that will inspire all audiences who want to see, hear and experience vibrant latin music. A Bailarrrrrrr!

Cover is $10 at the door. @MyMomsMole will be selling their delicious mole based dishes and we’ll have award winning wines by Alex. This always sells out, so book your reservations soon at bit.ly/evwevents!

Don’t miss SPUN rocking El Vaquero Winery Friday October 13th from 6-9 pm.

Spun is the best 80s and 90s Rock Cover Band in the Santa Cruz Area. They are some of the best local musicians (including lead guitarist Ted Welty, bassist John Vee Lewis and drummer Rob Ouse), with fun front man (Patrick), add award winning wines and you have an EXCELLENT rocking Friday Night. They'll spin a mix of great tunes covering rock, reggae, blues, dance, funk & punk. Hear the sound track of your life, including: Van Halen, Tom Petty, Sublime, CCR, T Rex, Jet, Rolling Stones, The Ramones, Marshall Tucker Band, Queen, Red Hot Chili Peppers and many, many more.more.


SPUN is a regular band at El Vaquero Winery because they are great musicians, and always deliver a fun evening of great rock. They never disappoint. -Bob


$10 Cover, Reservations are recommended at bit.ly/evwevents, Food to be announced.

Don’t miss the BIG ROCK sound of Locomotive Breath Saturday October 14th at El Vaquero Winery from 6-9 pm.

A tribute to an era, 1967-1976, LOCOMOTIVE BREATH is a classic rock band covering some of the greatest iconic rock bands, including Jethro Tull, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, The Who and more!

$10 Cover, Food to be announced and award winning wines by Alex.

FUSE is an excellent rock and blues band made up of key lead musicians from other great local bands. Fuse includes - Ted Welty on guitar and vocals (of SPUN, Locomotive Breath, T Rollins Trio, Bobcats, etc.), - Don Caruth on guitars and vocals (lead of the Joint Chiefs), Rob Ouse on drums and vocals (of Locomotive Breath, Acis Grass Boys) and Ryan Price (of Mokili Wa and solo looper extraordinaire). FUSE is a great vehicle for these guys to enjoy some of their favorite music outside of their standard gigs…and they do it so well!

Don’t miss one of our favorites, Apple City Slough Band, (@applecityslough) Friday October 27th from 6-9 at El Vaquero Winery.

Apple City Slough Band 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. Their music covers the range from classics like The Band (The Weight) Bruce Springsteen ( Atlantic City) to New Indie Railroad Earth (Bird in a House).

Ten O'Clock Lunch Band plays Old and New School Blues, Rock Classics and Motown Gems to get you moving on the dance floor. They're a fun to watch, fun to listen to dance band with a sense of humor, all about the groove and the songs they love to share.