Carl Cherry Center for the Arts

Jazz at The Cherry: Julie Capili and Friends
2026-01-18 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | The Carl Cherry Center, Fourth and Guadalupe, Carmel, CA, 93921, United States
To kick off our 2026 concert season with elegance and energy, Jazz at the Cherry is thrilled to welcome local jazz vocalist Julie Capili to our stage. Julie’s subtle phrasing and exquisite vocal control radiate both creativity and playfulness, bringing a joyful sense of exploration to every song she sings. Influenced by a wide range of artists — from Aretha Franklin and Ella Fitzgerald to Eva Cassidy and Tori Amos — she draws from many traditions while forging a style uniquely her own.
While her voice may recall echoes of the great singers of the past, Julie brings a personal touch and emotional depth to each performance, delivering her music with the grace, soul, and spirit of jazz’s legendary women. She’ll be joined by three of the Monterey Bay area’s finest jazz musicians: Bill Spencer on piano, Pete Lips on bass, and Ben Herod on saxophone. Together, they promise an enchanted afternoon of timeless, joyful jazz.
Sunday, January 18th, at 2pm. Doors open at 1:30pm for wine and light fare included in the $45 ticket price. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.com.

BOTH SHOWS SOLD OUT - Bruce Forman & Paul Contos Performing "A Letter to Duke"
2026-02-15 17:00 - 19:00
Guitarist Bruce Forman and saxophonist Paul Contos join forces in this joyful, swinging tribute to one of jazz’s most revered icons: Duke Ellington.
A legendary bandleader, composer, and pianist, Duke Ellington is widely regarded as jazz royalty — and through their inspired interpretations of his timeless music, Bruce Forman and Paul Contos remind us why. Both artists have worked with members of the Ellington orchestra and will share some fun “insider” stories and personal reflections that bring the Duke’s legacy to life. With deep musical chemistry, storytelling flair, and a heartfelt reverence for Ellington’s genius, Bruce and Paul promise an afternoon that’s as illuminating as it is entertaining.
Don’t miss this unforgettable afternoon of jazz at its finest — a heartfelt tribute to one of America’s greatest musical voices.
SOLD OUT: Sunday, February 15th, at 2pm. (Doors will open at 1:30pm for wine and light fare included in the ticket price)
SOLD OUT: February 15th at 5pm. (Doors will open at 4:30pm for wine and light fare included in the ticket price) Tickets are $45.

About the Artists
Bruce Forman began his musical journey on piano before picking up the guitar at age thirteen. After relocating to San Francisco in 1971, he became a fixture on the Bay Area jazz scene, performing with artists such as Eddie Duran, Vince Lateano, Ray Brown, George Cables, Freddie Hubbard, Joe Henderson, and Woody Shaw. He was a regular at the Monterey Jazz Festival and gained national attention while touring with Richie Cole from 1978 to 1982. His 1992 album Forman on the Job reached #14 on the Billboard Top Jazz Albums chart. Bruce has also contributed to several Clint Eastwood film scores, including Million Dollar Baby.
Paul Contos has been a vital figure in West Coast jazz for nearly five decades, both as a performer and educator. He has served as Director of the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra and the Monterey County All-Stars, and is a longtime Saxophone Clinician for the Monterey Jazz Festival’s Education Program. Paul has shared the stage with jazz greats including Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Wayne Shorter, Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Regina Carter, and Christian McBride. Contos is in his 17th year conducting the SF JAZZ All-Stars Orchestra in San Francisco.

Porchlight Stories - Now Accepting Submissions
2026-02-18 - 2026-04-18
The Carl Cherry Center for the Arts announces “Porchlight Stories,” a live spoken-word storytelling series that brings together authentic personal narrative by members of the community.
Everyone has a story to tell. We want to hear yours! At Porchlight Stories, each participant will share a five to seven-minute true story about themselves performed from memory and centered on a transition, a turning point when something real was at stake and the outcome truly mattered.
Submissions close Saturday, April 25th. Select storytellers will be invited to perform May 14th on the Cherry stage. For detailed guidelines and entry information, please use this LINK.

2026 Thinking Out Loud Regional Art Competition
2026-03-07 - 2026-03-28
The Carl Cherry Center for the Arts is proud to announce Thinking Out Loud 2026, a regional art competition that challenges high school students to create works inspired by their lives. Each year, students from across Monterey County are invited to display their artwork across a wide range of media for exhibition in our gallery.
Thinking Out Loud will open with a reception for the student artists on Saturday, March 7th, from 2-4pm. The event is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 4pm or by appointment. The exhibit will close Saturday, March 28th.

Established in 1948, the mission of the Carl Cherry Center for the Arts is to enhance the quality and diversity of artistic, educational and cultural programs in Monterey County by encouraging public programs and interactions between artists and the community.
Thinking Out Loud is made possible, in part, through a grant from the Arts Council for Monterey County, Monterey County Board of Supervisors, and funds from:
Carmel Woman’s Club
Carmel-by-the-Sea Rotary
Community Foundation for Monterey County
Dion and Judith Dow
Gibson Family Foundation
Mitchell Family Charitable Fund
Pebble Beach Company Foundation
Yellow Brick Road Benefit Store

Pictured: “The Neighborhood” – Regan Takashima, York School
First Place, 2025 Thinking Out Loud Art Competition

Portraits in Song: Sabelle, featuring Jewel Arianna
2026-03-27 19:00 - 21:00
Portraits in Song is a new intimate concert series highlighting the craft and storytelling of exceptional emerging artists. Each limited-capacity evening invites audiences to experience songwriting up close — sharing not only original music, but the stories and creative journeys behind it.
The inaugural concert features Carmel native Jewel Arianna, whose original world music explores connections between human behavior, philosophy, and science. Headlining the evening is Sabelle, a beloved Carmel artist blending folk, Americana, and soft pop with a poet’s voice and modern sensibility.
The performance will be held Friday, March 27th, at 7:00pm, doors open at 6:30. Tickets are $25 (wine and light fare provided), available on Eventbrite.com.
About the Artists
The daughter of a Jazz singer and a Salsa dancer, Jewel Arianna is a singer/songwriter whose stylistic influences range from Jazz to Latin to Indian classical music, which entranced her with its intricate melodic nuances and poetic themes. An academic background in astrophysics and non-dual Hindu philosophy strongly influence her lyrics, and many of her original songs seek to convey scientific concepts through the metaphors of human emotional experience. Her overarching artistic ethos is to explore the liminal space where science, philosophy, and embodied experience intertwine through the medium of music.
Sabelle is a Canadian/American Singer-songwriter based in Monterey, California, known for her soft, resonant sound and poetic lyricism. Drawing inspiration from John Mayer and Kacey Musgraves, and the folk stylings of the ‘60s and ‘70s, her music blends timeless storytelling with a fresh emotional depth. Her original songs are a perfect mix of eclectic soft-pop and country-folk, to bring forth a new, exciting sound to the world of music. Sabelle has been performing all around the Central Coast for the past few years, while growing an active YouTube audience with almost 1,500 subscribers, where she posts weekly original compositions and covers. She released three new songs in 2025 and released her newest song, “Sold on Your Love,” alongside a music video debut this February 2026.

Learning Curve: Threads of Influence
2026-04-03 - 2026-05-09
Learning Curve: Threads of Influence is a group exhibition exploring the revered “arch of inspiration” that exists between teacher and student, mentor and mentee, sensei and seito. An opening reception will be held Friday, April 3rd, from 5-7pm. A panel discussion with selected artists will be held Sunday, April 12th, from 2-3:30pm. Both events are free and open to the public.
Timed to coincide with the region’s PhotoCarmel celebration, Learning Curve honors the mutually enriching relationship between mentor and student. Mentors open doors, offering respect, guidance, and creative license while the student is allowed to evolve, discover, and pursue their fresh, personal vision. This tradition of reciprocal exchange may occur in or out of academia and explores how generational creativity is shared, transformed, and renewed.
Tbe exhibit is curated by Richard Murai, featuring works by the following photographers (bold) and their mentors and/or students:

Edna Bullock, Wynn Bullock, Henry Gilpin
Yon Sim, Ann Jastrab, Katharine Kreisher
Don Gregorio Antón, Vivianna Curiel Flores, Greg Mettler
Kevin Levesque, Richard Murai, Kimberly Sullivan
Ansel Adams, Manuello Paganelli
Paul Caponigro, William Giles, Kenneth Parker, Eliot Porter
Brian Taylor, Lesha Rodriguez
Vicki Nakamura, Robynn Smith, Stan Welsh
Binh Dahn, Shelby Graham, Brian Taylor
Nikki Green, Chanell Stone, Lewis Watts

Pictured (left to right): Paul Caponigro, Kimberly Sullivan, Ann Jastrab

Portraits in Song: Peter Barnes Martin with special guest Rags Rosenberg
2026-04-18 15:00 - 17:00
The music of Peter Barnes Martin is born from a love of Indie-Folk, Jazz & Bluegrass. His act is characterized by its down-to-earth sense of storytelling and vocals, paired with high energy instrumentals and creative improvisation. The evening will open with poet/songwriter-storyteller Rags Rosenberg.
The performance will be held Saturday, April 18th, at 3:00pm. Doors open at 2:30. Tickets are $25, and can be purchased at Eventbrite.com. (Wine and light fare included in ticket price.)
About the Musicians:
Peter Barnes Martin is a full-time musician from Rochester, New York, based out of Monterey, California. His composition and performance is influenced by indie folk, americana and jazz and can be compared to artists such as Nick Drake, Iron and Wine, John Mayer and Chet Baker. In addition to his work on the Central Coast, he has toured throughout Michigan and the Carolinas and was a professional jazz musician in New York City from 2019-2020.
In March 2023, Peter self-released his debut album, “Anywhere is Home,” followed by a 10-date tour spanning from San Diego, California to Seattle, Washington. In September 2024, Peter started working on his second project, “The Lake,” with a full release expected Fall 2026. Additionally, he continues to perform frequently, building a presence and following throughout the Central Coast. He looks forward to working with new festivals and venues interested in emerging artists.
________

Rags Rosenberg has been playing guitar since he was nine years old and writing songs since Bob Dylan proved that songs could change the world. He spent 14 years in Nashville honing his craft, but having grown up listening to the likes of Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits and Kris Kristofferson, he wasn’t a good fit for country music. In 2008 he moved to a small cabin in Joshua Tree and returned to the poetic style of songwriting he loved. With a weathered voice and a watchful eye, he channels the witness, the poet, and the man with a go-bag by the door. His new album, Song of the Bricoleur debuted at #6 on the Folk Music charts in September and his song “John Doe” was a finalist in the 2026 International Acoustic Music Awards.

Kenny Stahl and Friends - Jazz at The Cherry
2026-04-19 14:00 - 16:00
SOLD OUT
Jazz At The Cherry is pleased to welcome back to our stage flautist, Kenny Stahl. A mainstay in the Monterey jazz scene, Kenny is a multi-faceted and highly talented jazz journeyman. One of jazz’s finest flutists, Stahl has performed with numerous jazz heavyweights such as guitarist Kenny Burrell, trumpeter Art Farmer, and tenor saxophonists David Murray, Benny Golson, Stan Getz and George Coleman. Joining Kenny will be the legendary Bruce Forman on guitar, drummer Billy Jones, and bassist Michael Marcus. Get ready for a soul-pleasing afternoon of jazz with some of the Monterey Peninsula’s standout jazz musicians!
Sunday, April 19th, at 2pm. Doors open at 1:30pm for wine and light fare included in the ticket price. Tickets are $45, available on Eventbrite.com. SOLD OUT

Lear, Munich 1945 - POSTPONED
2026-05-01 - 2026-05-02
We regret to announce the run of the play will not take place at this time due to unforeseen circumstances. If you have not been contacted about a ticket refund, please call (831) 717-7373.
One of Germany’s greatest actors and his wife are hunkered down in a Munich hovel waiting anxiously for the conquering Americans who are about the take the city. Before the war, Manfred Lohre was celebrated for his portrayal of King Lear. That stage is now dark, and the city is in ruins from constant bombarding while the couple struggle to make sense of the war and find an elusive peace in their own tension-filled lives.
The play opens Friday, May 1st through Sunday, May 24th. Performance times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:00pm. Tickets are $35, available by calling (831) 717-7373.

Elliot Ruchowitz-Roberts High School Poetry Awards Ceremony
2026-05-09 14:00 - 16:00
The Carl Cherry Center for the Arts is pleased to announce the Elliot Ruchowitz-Roberts Monterey County High School Poetry Awards. This long-standing program recognizes and promotes excellence among high school poets while fostering a lasting interest in creative expression through the written word.
A reading and awards ceremony honoring the student poets will be held 2pm on Saturday, May 9th, at the Carl Cherry Center for the Arts in Carmel. Students will receive a cash prize, certificate of merit, and poetry anthology that includes their award-winning poem. The event is free and teachers, students, friends and family are encouraged to attend.

Porchlight Stories
2026-05-14 19:00 - 20:30
SOLD OUT
Follow this LINK to participate in upcoming performances.
Inspired by the weekly NPR “Moth Radio Hour,” storytellers tell a 5 to 7 minute true story about themselves without prompts or notes. Each personal story defines an event or series of united events where something could be gained or lost . Their stories tell tales of love, midnight adventure, childhood misconception, teenage thugs, and more. The storyteller’s perception of reality, themselves, or their relationships is altered in unexpected ways as is our own. Expect to be intrigued, amused and moved by these very personal stories, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself bursting out with laughter or holding back tears. The performance will be held Thursday, May 14th at 7pm. Tickets are $20.
The evening is hosted by the celebrated musician, composer, and theatre producer, Mark Governor, who returns to Carmel for this one night event. Among the storytellers are Moth regulars, Mindy Myers and JP Frary; Henry Miller Library executive director Magnus Toren; actor, singer, and storyteller, Michael Lojkovic; 93-year-old German immigrant and author, Hans Lehmann; prize winning artist and architect, Polly Osborne; and painter, photographer, Elizabeth Murray.
The event is produced by the Carl Cherry PorchLight Committee which includes Carl Cherry Center Executive Director, Robert Reese; Board Members: Ellen Osborne, Jim Dultz, Anne Mitchell, Kris Swanson, Camille D’Avenas, and Robin Mckee. This is the first show of a planned 3 part series.

Participants
Host:
Mark Governor is a composer, songwriter, playwright and record producer most well known for his work on films like “The Hobbit” and “Pet Sematary 2”, the ubiquitous SpongeBob SquarePants track “Jellyfish Jam”, and his rock musical “shAme”. A former Carmel resident, he now lives In San Francisco where he continues to create and produce music and theater.
Storytellers:
JP Frary designs and builds furniture and sculptures in a wood shop on the old Alameda Naval Base. He specializes in using recycled materials in ways that make them look new. He is the Resident Storyteller at Redwood Nights in Fairfax, CA. Otherwise, his stories can be heard in hardware stores and lumber yards.
Hans Lehmann, 93, was born in Germany, and immigrated to the United States in 1939. He graduated from the Webb Schools. Received degrees from the University of Colorado, Harvard, and an honorary discharge from the US Army. Worked at Macy’s for 28 years, has published 3 books, and lives in Carmel. He writes a blog twice a week.
First appearing on-stage as ‘Rumpelstiltskin’ in grade school, Michael Lojkovic has performed many staged readings at the Cherry. As a community songleader, he’s taught songs from Orcas Island to Soledad Prison to Big Sur and founded Vocal Activists Monterey Peninsula (VAMP) in 2025. Acting every fall at Colton Hall’s California Constitutional Reenactment, Michael is currently writing a musical ‘TrumpelThinSkin: Gagging on Gold Amidst Samsara Beds of Straw.’
For over 50 years Elizabeth Murray’s passion for nature and spirit has inspired her dedication to cultivating beauty through painting, writing and diverse projects around the world. Her work has shown around the world in Museums with Monet, permanent installments in corporate collections and in her historic Bohemian Artist home and Gardens in Monterey, California.
Mix 2 cups humor and word-smithing, with 1 cup New York wise-crackings. Sift through a lens of creativity. Add a dash of nightly story telling practice from her childhood dinner table, with peppery sarcasm. Stir well and you have the unique stylings of Mindy Myers. Mindy is a playwright, storyteller, young adult book author, and culinary educator.
Polly Osborne is an artist and architect living in Monterey, California. She was mentored by her uncle in art, her stepfather in architecture, and her parents in humor and good sportsmanship. She shows her work at the Carmel Art Association. Her pesky little sister made her tell this story.
Magnus Toren is Executive Director of the Henry Miller Memorial Library in Big Sur, a Swedish-born former sailor whose life spans ocean crossings, remote islands, and cultural curation. A storyteller, musician, and podcaster, he blends adventure with stewardship, sustaining a unique literary haven while exploring ideas, places, and people through conversation and art.
This event was sponsored, in part, through funding from:
Arts Council for Monterey County,
Carmel Woman’s Club
Carmel-by-the-Sea Rotary
Community Foundation for Monterey County
Monterey County Board of Supervisors
Gibson Family Foundation
Monterey Peninsula Foundation
Monterey Peninsula Volunteer Services
Pebble Beach Company Foundation
Yellow Brick Road Benefit Store

"Book/Art"
2026-05-29 - 2026-06-28
The Carl Cherry Center for the Arts is proud to present “Book / Art”, a group exhibition featuring Pamela Takigawa, Anna Rheim, Julia Nelson-Gal, Tracey Harris, Esther Siegel, Joy Colangelo, Susan Giacometti, Jamie Dagdigian, Robert Armstrong, Ingrid Brook-Kothlow and Raven Cook.
With an Opening Reception on May 29th from 5-7 pm and running through June 28th, this exhibition brings together 11 artists who have spent many years between them, making highly personal hand-stitched or handwritten books, books that chronicle family members in the process of dying or of being incarcerated; natural history books that open and unfold in unexpected ways or making art from the covers and pages of books: glued, collaged and painted over to create unique narratives, or folding book pages in specific ways, to make objects that look like teapots or scenes from a Busby Berkeley musical.
Assembled under one roof, these 11 artists are each working at the top of their craft, painting photo-realistic books with titles that address social norms and gender roles (with a clever sense of humor), carving out and adding sculpture or illustration to BANNED books to create new works of art, in PROTEST of the banning of books; or deconstructing and repurposing an entire two-story “Burning Man” collaged installation titled “UnBound” into dozens of collectible works of modern art.
Some of the books in this show have been used in service of a pun, as an object to decorate (or sink a ship into) or simply to feature the rich textures and colors of their natural deterioration. Taken together, this exhibition celebrates the ingenuity, style, humor, pathos, and individual aesthetic of 11 remarkable artists who each have something they need to say.
We are pleased to share that book artist Joy Colangelo will be present in the gallery during the current Book/Arts exhibition to share her process and answer questions.Starting this Saturday, June 6, Joy will be working on-site during gallery hours. Visitors are welcome to stop by, view the exhibit, and see a bookmaker at work.
Live Demonstrations: Watch Joy create handmade books at her workspace in the gallery.
Gallery Q&A: Joy will be available to answer questions about the current exhibition and book arts techniques.
Upcoming Workshops: You can preview and sign up for future bookmaking workshops directly with Joy during her gallery hours.
There will also be a Free Artist Walkthrough on Saturday, June 13, beginning at 1 pm.

Portraits in Song: Dan Frechette & Laurel Thomsen, featuring Kito Rayburns
2026-06-18 19:00 - 20:30
Portraits in Song is an intimate concert series highlighting the craft and storytelling of exceptional emerging artists. Each limited-capacity evening invites audiences to experience songwriting up close — sharing not only original music, but the stories and creative journeys behind it.
The third concert in the series features Canadian-American Roots-Folk duo Dan Frechette and Laurel Thomsen, prodigious players whose soaring violin, diverse guitar styles, and unique vocal rapport make for a dynamic, polished performance. Opening the evening is Kito Rayburn, a Monterey-based multi-instrumentalist crafting a solo sound that blends indie folk and neo soul.
The performance will be held Thursday, June 18th, at 7:00pm, doors open at 6:30. Tickets are $25 (wine and light fare provided), available on Eventbrite.com.
About the Artists
Meeting in 2012 via a chance YouTube sighting and fueled by a once-in-a-lifetime musical chemistry and friendship, Canadian-American husband-wife Roots-Folk duo Dan Frechette and Laurel Thomsen are “prodigious players with songwriting that sets them apart.” With soaring violin, diverse guitar styles, compelling storytelling, a dash of harmonica and humor, and unique vocal rapport, they deliver a dynamic, engaging, polished performance. Based in the mountains above Santa Cruz, California, their third album, Between the Rain, was top ten on Canada’s Roots charts for 2016. Touted for being both “lyrically refreshing and musically diverse,” their original songwriting and composing spans the range of Roots-based genres, “pondering contemporary subject matter with vintage sensibility.” They have toured North America extensively — from Home Routes house concert tours of the Canadian Prairies to headlining spots at The Listening Room Festival in St. Petersburg, Florida, BBC Radio in Liverpool, UK, Canada’s definitive Winnipeg Folk Festival, Northern California’s beloved Kate Wolf Music Festival, and opening for The Wailin’ Jennys at a sold-out theater in Grass Valley, California. Beyond the US and Canada, they’ve toured Ireland, the United Kingdom, Denmark, France, and Germany.
Kito Rayburn grew up in El Paso, TX and Monterey, CA in a musical household. A multi-instrumentalist, he has participated in a number of different local projects, including Bayview, Pan Dulce, The Rayburn Brothers, The Fragonards, The Dead Cassettes, and the Danny V Project. More recently he has been focusing on developing his solo project and finding his own sound, a blend of indie folk and neo soul. He has released a number of singles, an EP Reach Out, and is currently working on writing, recording, and producing a full-length album.

SOLD OUT Bookmaking Workshop with Artist Joy Colangelo
2026-06-20 13:00 - 15:00
The Carl Cherry Center for the Arts is pleased to announce an exclusive, hands-on makers workshop led by celebrated book artist and nature illustrator Joy Colangelo. Scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, this unique workshop invites participants to explore the tactile world of bookbinding and artistic paper folding.
Designed for individuals of all creative backgrounds, the workshop focuses on crafting three distinct, custom artists’ books:

The Lotus / Exploding Book: A surprising and dynamic structural fold. Participants can customize their book’s content during the session, choosing from natural motifs such as feathers, insects, or seahorses.
The Hop-Top Book: A themed structure featuring pre-provided environmental content. Attendees can choose to feature Yosemite, Point Reyes, or Elkhorn Slough at the time of the class.
The Reverse Piano Hinge Book: A sleek, seemingly complex blank book designed with easily removable pages.

“Book folding requires no prior experience or special skills,” says instructor Joy Colangelo. “It is an incredibly accessible medium that allows anyone to transform simple paper into a deeply personal piece of art.”
Colangelo, a self-taught watercolor, ink, and book artist based in Pacific Grove, California, brings a wealth of expertise to the studio. Her environmentally themed books are featured in thirteen distinct galleries and institutions across the country, including Yosemite National Park (The Ahwahnee), Asilomar State Park, the Pacific Grove Natural History Museum, and Brown’s Gallery in Jackson, Mississippi. She is also a regular participant in the Arts Council for Monterey County and the Seaside Art Association open studio tours.
Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: The Carl Cherry Center for the Arts, Carmel, CA
Cost: $90.00 (All-inclusive; covers the cost of all necessary tools and supplies)
Due to the very limited number of seats available, early registration is highly encouraged. Interested participants can secure their spot by contacting the Cherry Center for the Arts via email: Cherry_center@yahoo.com, or (831) 624-7491

SOLD OUT Peter Zak Trio
2026-06-21
New York Jazz Comes to The Cherry!
Jazz at The Cherry is delighted to welcome the New York–based Peter Zak Trio for a thrilling afternoon and early evening of swinging, straight-ahead jazz. Pianist and bandleader Peter Zak is joined by two remarkable artists with West Coast roots who are now fixtures on the New York jazz scene: bassist Essiet Okon Essiet and drummer Sylvia Cuenca. With its rich and celebrated jazz heritage, the Monterey Peninsula has long been home to an extraordinary community of world-class jazz musicians. This performance brings an exciting East Coast perspective to that tradition and offers Jazz at The Cherry audiences a rare opportunity to experience the distinctive sound, spirit, and energy of the New York jazz scene in the intimate setting of the Cherry Center.
SOLD OUT: Sunday, June 21st • 2pm. Tickets are $45 (includes wine and light fare).
About the Musicians
Peter Zak
Peter Zak, pianist and bandleader, was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Ohio, where he began playing piano at the age of five. At sixteen, his family relocated to Oakland, California, where an inspiring high school band director sparked his lifelong passion for jazz. Zak went on to attend UC Berkeley, performing with the university’s Jazz Ensemble while earning a B.A. in History. After several years performing in clubs throughout Northern California, Zak moved to New York City, where he established himself as a deeply respected voice on the jazz scene. Over the years, he has appeared with a number of jazz luminaries, including Eddie Henderson, Jon Hendricks, and George Coleman. Peter’s playing reflects the influence of many of the great bop and post-bop pianists while maintaining a distinctive voice of his own. Widely admired for his mastery of the classic piano-bass-drums format, Zak is considered one of today’s finest practitioners of the straight-ahead jazz trio tradition.

Essiet Okon Essiet
Essiet Okon Essiet first received critical acclaim as a member of saxophonist Bobby Watson’s acclaimed post-bop ensemble, Horizon. Since then, he has established himself as one of New York’s premier jazz bassists. Essiet was also a member of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, remaining with the legendary drummer and educator until Blakey’s passing in 1990. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has performed with an extraordinary roster of jazz greats, including Freddie Hubbard, Cedar Walton, Benny Golson, and the Blue Note All-Stars, among many others. In addition to his work as a sideman, Essiet leads IBO, an innovative Nigerian jazz project that reflects his deep connection to African musical traditions and contemporary jazz.

Sylvia Cuenca
Sylvia Cuenca is a highly respected and active presence on the New York jazz scene, known for her dynamic, sensitive, and swinging drumming in a wide variety of musical settings. She performed with saxophone legend Joe Henderson for four years and with trumpet master Clark Terry for seventeen years. With the Joe Henderson Quartet, Cuenca toured extensively throughout Europe as well as major venues across the United States. In smaller group settings, she also performed in trio collaborations with Joe Henderson and Charlie Haden in 1989, and later with bassist George Mraz in 1994. As a member of the Clark Terry Quintet and Big Band, Cuenca appeared at many of the world’s premier jazz venues, including the Village Vanguard, Birdland, and the Blue Note.

Cherry Jam in the Garden - Annual Summer Fundraiser
2026-06-28 14:00 - 17:00
Spread the Love: Our Summer Cherry Jam is Back!
Get ready to mix, mingle, and make a difference! We’re heading back to the garden for our annual summer Cherry Jam in the Garden, a breezy afternoon dedicated to celebrating the arts and raising much-needed funds for the Carl Cherry Center.
This year’s celebration holds a special note as we honor board member and jazz aficionado Richard Cannon. Join us as we toast to Richard’s passion for the arts and his tireless rhythm in keeping our community vibrant!
Sunday, June 28th, from 2–5 PM
• The Main Squeeze: Groove to the soulful sounds of the Al James Band.
• Sips & Snacks: Enjoy delicious light fare and refreshing drinks in the sunshine.
• Art & Fun: Explore our beautiful grounds while supporting a local treasure.
Auction Items Include:

Three day private artist’s retreat
“MidnighT Walk” by Roman Loranc
Full Day Use of The Cherry Theater, Gallery and Gardens
Portrait Session with Randy Tunnell
“Tulips” by Pamela Carroll
“Dinner for Eight at the Cherry” Hosted by Robert Reese
Tor House-Private Tour for Six

Tickets: $75, available on Eventbrite.com, by calling (831) 624-7491, or at the door.

LOOK CLOSER
2026-07-10 - 2026-08-15
“LOOK CLOSER” Art Exhibition
Opening Reception: July 10th • 5-7pm
LOOK CLOSER, a group show dedicated to the art of scientific illustration, opens with a reception on Friday, July 10th, from 5-7pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to view the collection and meet the artists. The event is free and open to the public.
The exhibit features a diverse collection of carefully rendered depictions of the natural world that are both scientifically accurate and visually striking. Inspired by local talent and the respected certificate program at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB), the exhibition displays artwork ranging from monarchs to marine life, and dahlias to dinosaurs. In total, twenty artists have contributed pieces capturing the biodiversity of the Central Coast and beyond.
The participating illustrators bring varied backgrounds to their work. While some entered the field from biology and naturalist backgrounds, others pursued a scientific education after established careers in art and design. Many are recent graduates of the CSUMB program (which was originally developed at UC Santa Cruz), and several now teach there. Their field research spans the globe—one artist currently lives in Germany and has been diving in the Antarctic, while another draws inspiration from the tide pools near Marin County. All share a dedication to exploring oceans, shorelines, and forests, using field books to record and share their unique observations of the environment.
The exhibit will close August 15, 2026.
Pictured: “Emperor Angel” – Calene Luczo and “La Moule Bleue” – Monica Loncola

Porchlight Stories - 2nd Show Added!
2026-07-16
Inspired by the weekly NPR “Moth Radio Hour,” 8 storytellers take the stage each presenting a 5 to 7 minute true story about themselves without prompts or notes. Each personal story is central to the storyteller and defines a turning point. This round of stories includes tales of love, sailing, education, wisdom, proposals, and guilt. The storyteller’s perception of reality, themselves, or their relationships is altered in unexpected ways as is our own. Expect to be intrigued, amused and moved by these very personal stories, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself bursting out with laughter or holding back tears. The performance is approximately one hour long, followed by a half hour reception in the Cherry gallery with the storytellers.
The evening is hosted by former Monterey County Supervisor, Mary Adams. Storytellers include Moth regulars, Mindy Myers and Hope Silver; Henry Miller Library executive director, Magnus Toren; author and journalist, Alison van Diggelen; 94-year-old German immigrant and author, Hans Lehmann; renaissance man, Paul Riley; artist and photographer, Robin Sawyer; and jazz guitarist, Bruce Foreman.
Two Shows: Thursday, July 16th, at 5pm and 7:30pm (Sold Out). Tickets are $25, available on Eventbrite.com. This event is produced by the Carl Cherry PorchLight Committee which includes Carl Cherry Center Executive Director, Robert Reese and Board Members, Ellen Osborne, Jim Dultz, Anne Mitchell, Kris Swanson, Camille d’Avenas and Robin McKee. This is the second show of a planned three part series. The next show is October 29th.
Participants
Host:
Mary Adams has devoted much of her life to public service. She served as the lobbyist for the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association during the “Tobacco Wars,” was President and CEO for United Way of Monterey County, and served as Monterey County Supervisor from 2017 to 2025. Mary’s heart lies in theater, making her stage debut at three years old singing “Angel of God” before a packed house. She is delighted to be hosting tonight’s performance of PorchLIght Stories.
Storytellers:
Hans Lehmann, 94, was born in Germany, and immigrated to the United States in 1939. He graduated from the Webb Schools. Received degrees from the University of Colorado, Harvard, and an honorary discharge from the US Army. Worked at Macy’s for 28 years, has published 3 books, and lives in Carmel. He writes a blog twice a week.
Hope Silver, was born in Siberia on a freezing December day, 1,981 years after Jesus and on the day Charlie Chaplin died, Hope Silver won a green card, moved to the U.S., and translated her lengthy Russian name into English. Hope is always on her way: while driving, she creates new stories and screenplays. Even without a single wisdom tooth, she still hopes to become as wise as Jesus and as funny as Chaplin.
Mindy Myers: Mix 2 cups humor and word-smithing with 1 cup New York wise-crackings. Sift through a lens of creativity. Add a dash of nightly story telling practice from her childhood dinner table, with peppery sarcasm. Stir well and you have the unique stylings of Mindy Myers. Mindy is a playwright, storyteller, young adult book author, and culinary educator.
Magnus Toren is Executive Director of the Henry Miller Memorial Library in Big Sur, a Swedish-born former sailor whose life spans ocean crossings, remote islands, and cultural curation. A storyteller, musician, and podcaster, he blends adventure with stewardship, sustaining a unique literary haven while exploring ideas, places, and people through conversation and art.
Paul Riley: Some might call him garrulous or loquacious, while others might call him just chatty. After a brief dalliance treading the boards in Summer Stock, Paul settled down to a career as an artist in Showbiz. Now retired, Paul has devoted his life to building a retaining wall in his backyard in San Francisco.
Bruce Forman has spent the last five decades playing jazz guitar on recordings, movie soundtracks, festival and concert hall stages, and nightclubs. A raconteur and comedian, his critically acclaimed one-man show The Red Guitar has been performed around the world…and at The Cherry Center!
Robin Sawyer: Born a long time ago, Robin is an artist living in Carmel Valley, CA. Painter, photographer, quasi-musician, and adventurous spirit.
Alison van Diggelen: is a journalist and author of “The LOVE Project.” She has interviewed Meryl Streep, Martin Sheen and Elon Musk for the BBC and other media. But the people who taught her most about life weren’t famous. Inspired by her Scottish mother’s late-life romance, her book explores how we can find healing, purpose, and joy. Kirkus Reviews praised “The LOVE Project’s” reminder that “Love remains a vital and animating force.”
PorchLight Stories Sponsors
Robin McKee & Bob Walker
Anne Mitchell
This event is also supported, in part, through funding from:
Arts Council for Monterey County,
Carmel Woman’s Club
Carmel-by-the-Sea Rotary
Community Foundation for Monterey County
Monterey County Board of Supervisors
Gibson Family Foundation
Monterey Peninsula Foundation
Monterey Peninsula Volunteer Services
Pebble Beach Company Foundation
Yellow Brick Road Benefit Store

Monterey Comedy Improv
2026-07-17 19:00 - 20:30
The Monterey Comedy Improv is back! The premier improv comedy troupe on the peninsula will be back in action on Friday, July 17th, at 7pm.
Similar to “Whose Line is it Anyway,” Monterey Comedy Improv takes audience suggestions or volunteers and instantly creates hilarious scenes right on the spot. Join us for a night of fun and laughs! For audiences 16+.
Tickets are $25, available on Eventbrite.com.

SOLD OUT Songs and Stories of Old Carmel
2026-08-14 19:00 - 20:30
Master musicians and master singers, freshly returned from their triumph at Carnegie Hall, Dixie Dixon and Steve Mortensen, are joined by Doug Borer, a local educator, poet, and long-serving docent at Tor House and the Pacific Biological Laboratory, in a presentation of “Songs and Stories of Old Carmel.” Friday, August 14th at 7:00 p.m. The Carl Cherry Center for the Arts is located on the northwest corner of 4th and Guadalupe, Carmel, CA.
This show features the origins of the Abalone Songs, origins of the Forest Theatre, Tales of the South Coast, music and songs of the times, and pieces of poetry.
This performance is sold out.

Portraits in Song Presents Victoria Lynn, Special Guest Simon Stewart
2026-08-22 15:00 - 16:30
Monterey County local Victoria Lynn will be performing Americana/folk music rooted in self-love, justice, and reflection. Victoria recently recorded an album with Sierra Ferrell’s band, so she will be sharing those songs as well as performing some covers and more. Accompanied by Kelly Goldberg.
Simon Stewart is a songwriter and guitarist from Marina, California who currently helms the progressive rock band Venus Daze. Growing up in a musical household, he was exposed to a wide variety of music and started playing and performing at a young age. Simon’s highly original music defies categorization, ranging from grooving psych-metal to 70’s folk and space rock balladry, layering philosophical lyrics with improvised solos and intricate guitar riffs.
The performance will be held Saturday, August 22nd, at 3:00pm, doors open at 2:30pm. Tickets are $25, available on Eventbrite.com.

Rick Forschino Trio Performing the Music of Cedar Walton
2026-08-23 14:00 - 16:00
Jazz at The Cherry is pleased to welcome back to our stage one of the Peninsula’s favorites, Rick Forschino and his trio. Rick will once again share his skillful interpretation of another established jazz great. In his past performances at the Cherry, he has explored the works of Michel Petrucciani and Enrico Pieranunzi.For this performance the trio will turn its attention to stalwart bebop pianist Cedar Walton (1934-2013).
Walton enjoyed a distinguished career that placed him among jazz royalty. He performed with such notable artists as: Lou Donaldson, Sonny Rollins, Kenny Dorham, J.J. Johnson, Art Farmer, and Benny Golson. His years with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers helped cement his reputation. He later anchored rhythm sections for Milt Jackson, Frank Morgan, Dexter Gordon and vocalists Ernestine Anderson and Freddy Cole. His trio with Ron Carter and Billy Higgins further distinguished him as one of the most accomplished musicians in jazz history.
Forschino became a Cedar Walton fan after seeing him perform live in the 1980s and was captivated by his compositions which bridged modern and classic jazz. This performance will showcase Walton’s modern harmonies, distinctive compositional ideas, and the unique style that secured his place as a jazz legend.
Joining Rick for this outstanding show will be versatile bassist, Bill DeLap and seasoned drummer, Mike Shannon.
Performance Sunday, August 23rd, at 2pm. Doors open at 1:30pm for wine and light fare included in the $45 ticket price. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.com.

Bob Phillips' Album Release Party
2026-09-06 14:00 - 16:00
Join us for a special Jazz At The Cherry performance as the Lighthouse Jazz Quartet Plus One celebrates the release of its new vinyl recording, Live at the Cherry Center, made during their performance on February 9, 2025. The recording captures a memorable Jazz At The Cherry concert and now stands as a lasting tribute to one of the Monterey Peninsula’s most venerable jazz leaders and its exceptionable musicians. This beautiful album was generously produced by Pacific Grove’s Wild Fish Restaurant.
Led by Bob Phillips, the ensemble—Dennis Murphy, Mike Shannon, Stu Reynolds, and Paul Contos—will perform many of the standout selections from that recording, along with an engaging program of jazz standards and other audience favorites.
The afternoon will also feature the group’s acclaimed Legacy Program, highlighting talented young musicians who have been mentored by these distinguished artists. It is a fitting celebration of the Peninsula’s rich jazz tradition—honoring both the masters who have shaped it and the next generation who will carry it forward.
Whether you’ve followed these musicians for years or are discovering them for the first time, this promises to be a memorable afternoon of outstanding music, camaraderie, and celebration.
Sunday, September 6th, at 2pm. Doors open at 1pm for wine and light fare (included in the $45 ticket price.) Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.com.
