Travel: Monterey – The Ultimate Californian Musical Getaway

Love music?

Love California?

Check out the upcoming musical lineup in Monterey, CA:

October 7-8, 2011 – Furthur: Fans can expect Lesh & Weir to push the musical envelope with jaw-dropping improvisations and loving renditions of Grateful Dead classicsin the musical journey “Furthur.” Monterey County Fairgrounds, Monterey, CA.  831.372.5863; www.montereycountyfair.com

October 13, 2011 – Henry Miller Memorial Library Presents Ryan Adams + Jason Isbell: Enjoy an evening under the stars celebrating the library’s 30th anniversary with this dynamic duo. 831.667.2574; www.henrymiller.org

February 2, 2012 – Preservation Hall Jazz Band: The Preservation Hall Jazz Band is a piece of living American history, direct and uncomplicated, improvisatory and unabashedly joyful. Sunset Center, Carmel, CA. 831.620.2048; www.sunsetcenter.org

March 2-4, 2012 – Dixieland Monterey: Three days of Dixieland and swing in downtown Monterey, featuring top national bands, youth bands and more. Monterey, CA. 831.675.0289; www.dixieland-monterey.com

March 30 – April 1, 2012 – Next Generation Jazz Festival: The Monterey Jazz Festival turns the spotlight on the young up-and-coming musicians who will form the vanguard jazz music in the coming decades with a newly expanded event augmented by fresh performances and activities. Free. Portola Plaza and Conference Center, Monterey, CA. 831.373.3366; www.montereyjazzfestival.org

April 7, 2012 – Harlem Gospel Choir: The world-famous Harlem Gospel Choir is America’s premier gospel ensemble, and has traveled the globe for 25 years sharing its joy of faith while raising funds for children’s charities. The Choir’s rich harmonies and dynamic sound are always unfettered, joyous and inspirational. Sunset Center, Carmel, CA. 831.620.2048; www.sunsetcenter.org

May 18-20, 2012 – Monterey Rock n’ Rod Festival: The annual festival draws admirers and collectors of classic and custom cars and trucks as well as rock n’ roll. Children five and under are admitted free of charge. Monterey County Fairgrounds, Monterey, CA. 831.649.0102; www.montereyrockrod.com

June – October, 2012 Henry Miller Memorial Library Concert Series: This historic venue tucked deep in Big Sur offers a surprising array top-flight artists during its annual summer concert series. Past performances have included Arcade Fire, Patti Smith, Philip Glass, John Waters, the Dodos and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Big Sur, CA. 831.667.2574; www.henrymiller.org

June 22-24, 2012 – Monterey Bay Blues Festival: Considered one of the premier blues festivals in the country, the 27th Monterey Bay Blues Festival brings together the perfect blend of world-renowned blues artists as well as young budding artists that will sooth the soul. Monterey County Fairgrounds, Monterey, CA. 831.394.2652; www.montereyblues.com/index.html

June, 2012 – Spirit West Coast: A multiple-day Christian Music Festival and the largest of its kind on the West Coast. Well over 50 artists appear at each festival, presenting a wide variety of music styles on multiple stages. Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, CA. 408.377.9232; www.spiritwestcoast.org

July 14-28, 2012 – Carmel Bach Festival: The Carmel Bach Festival has a 75-year history of celebrating music and ideas inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach. The Festival offers a compelling array of national and international artists who will perform in a variety of unique venues including the Sunset Center, Carmel Mission Basilica, Church in the Forest, Pebble Beach and All Saints Church. Carmel, CA. 831.624.1521; www.bachfestival.org

July 27-29, 2012 – Monterey Bay Reggaefest: The 17th annual Monterey Bay Reggaefest features over 25 performances from star reggae performers, dancehall acts, and cultural dancers throughout the three-day celebration. Monterey County Fairgrounds, Monterey, CA. 831.394.6534; www.mbayreggaefest.net

August, 2012 – Philip Glass’ Days and Nights Festival: One of the most prolific artists in recent decades celebrates music, dance, poetry and film at this annual festival held in Big Sur and Carmel Valley. Exact dates tbd. 831.659.7445; www.daysandnightsfestival.com