Concerts near Aromas

The country's leading festival for brand-new orchestral music, right in Santa Cruz: new commissions and adventurous programming without a long drive. Pick a program in the Jul 26–Aug 9 run.

Funk, Latin, and global sets alongside the jazz, spread across downtown stages: plenty here you can actually dance to. 3-day GA is the value tier; book hotels early.

Byrne's stage design is as much the draw as the songs, and the Greek's open-air bowl suits that better than an arena would. Doors 6:30, show 8; leave ~4:15–4:30 PM; home after 1 AM.

Reliable radio pop-rock for a singalong amphitheater night. Easy if you want familiar hits, not discovery. Leave ~5:20 PM; expect a late return.

Nas, an Illmatic legend, with The Roots as his backing band, at an amphitheater that's an easy drive from Aromas. Leave ~5:20 PM; home near midnight.

Tori Amos at the piano with Bartees Strange opening, in the Greek's amphitheater setting instead of an arena. A Saturday show, so the drive in is a little easier. Doors 7, show 8; leave ~4:15 PM.

Close out August in town: Jeff Hardy & the Quarry Boys at our very own Aromas Grill on the last Saturday of the month, country, bluegrass and blues, no cover and no reservations. 6–8 pm at Aromas Grill. Grab dinner and just walk in.

A pops program of New York-themed orchestral favorites in Carmel's open-air Forest Theater. Relaxed and scenic. Leave ~5:30 PM; bring layers for the outdoor seats.

The closest major jazz festival to Aromas: Herbie Hancock & Ron Carter, Miles/Coltrane centennial tributes, and artist-in-residence Ambrose Akinmusire. Leave 90 min before gate, not first music.

Perfume Genius at the Henry Miller Library is a one-off, not a tour stop you'll see repeated. Inventory is showing almost full, so this is close to your last shot. Gates 6, show 7; leave ~3:45 PM.

The local orchestra marks the semiquincentennial with American repertoire. The closest serious symphony night to Aromas. Singles go on sale Sep 1.

The Grammy Album-of-the-Year winner brings joyful jazz-soul-pop to the Greek. Currently a hot ticket. Leave ~4:15 PM; late return.

High-energy Celtic rock in a club that suits the pints-up atmosphere. Leave ~6:15 PM for Santa Cruz.

Dvořák's irresistible Slavonic Dances plus a two-piano showcase in Carmel's excellent Sunset Center. Two performances, Nov 21–22.

An all-Mozart program in San Jose's gorgeous restored movie palace, one of the best classical rooms still drivable. Weekend matinee or evening; Dec 5–6.

The orchestra's festive holiday pops. A seasonal night out in a beautiful hall. Two performances, Dec 12–13.

Mussorgsky's blockbuster in Ravel's dazzling orchestration. A showpiece for a full orchestra. Jan 23–24, 2027.