SOLD OUT Songs and Stories of Old Carmel
2026-08-14 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | The Carl Cherry Center, Fourth and Guadalupe, Carmel, CA, 93921, United States
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.

Porchlight Stories Workshop with Robin McKee
2026-08-29
Do You Have a Story to Tell?
You are invited to join the Porchlight community!
Porchlight – a NPR “Moth Radio Hour” inspired storytelling program produced at the Cherry Center for the Arts is offering a workshop for would be storytellers! The next performance of Porchlight Stories will be held October 29, 2026.
Workshop Leader: Robin McKee – Longtime Director, Producer and Performance Coach, Robin McKee, will guide a small group of storytellers through crafting, editing and live presentation on stage – 1 to 3 stories. The all-day workshop will be held at the Cherry Center on Saturday, August 29th. $75 per person, available on Eventbrite.com. Space is limited.
10:30am – 1:30 pm – Public Reading, Crafting and Editing Material with group and input.
1:30 – 2:15 pm – Working lunch break – for individual re-writes and BYOB lunch/refreshment in the Sculpture Garden at the Cherry Center
2:15 – 5:30 pm – One-on-one stage rehearsal of stories continuing to carve and shape individual’s stories with coaching from Robin.
Round-table storytelling experience
5:30 – 8:00 pm – Light dinner (pizza anyone?) and adult beverages (provided by workshop organizers)
Time to relax and refresh followed by telling of refined and rehearsed stories in a “dining room/friends and family” setting. Maybe we will have time for you to tell a brand new story with your freshly honed skills.

Bob Phillips and the Lighthouse Jazz Quartet Plus One 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 their new vinyl LP, “Live at the Cherry Center” recorded during one of their recent performances at our theater. The album captures a memorable Jazz At The Cherry concert and now stands as a lasting tribute to Bob Phillips, the group’s originator, and some of the Peninsula’s most exceptionable musicians. This beautiful album was generously produced by Pacific Grove’s Wild Fish Restaurant.
The ensemble— Stu Reynolds, Dennis Murphy, Bob Phillips, Paul Contos, and Mike Shannon—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.
