Cabrillo Music Festival Various venues thoughout Santa Cruz; (831) 426-6966 www.cabrillomusic.org Running for more than 45 seasons, this festival highlights contemporary orchestral music performed with the participation of the composers. Festival runs for 10 days in August.
Music at Kohl Mansion 2750 Adeline Dr., Burlingame; (650) 762-1130 www.musicatkohl.org Chamber Music Series runs October-May
Shoreline Amphitheatre 1 Shoreline Amphitheatre Pkwy., Mountain View; (650) 967-3000 www.shorelineamp.com This laid-back venue hosts a wide range of big-name acts from all genres, including rock, R&B/hip-hop and pop. Tickets thru LiveNation.
Shakespeare Santa Cruz University of California at Santa Cruz Campus, Santa Cruz; (831) 459-2159 www.shakespearesantacruz.org Noted for its innovative interpretations of Shakespeare’s plays, Shakespeare Santa Cruz performs Shakespearean as well as other dramatic and comedic productions. Three selections annually alternate on two stages—one indoor and another outdoors under the redwoods. July-Sept.
Stanford Lively Arts Stanford Campus, Palo Alto; (650) 725-ARTS; http://livelyarts.stanford.edu
Presents top performers from around the world in both music and movement, with names such as Kodo, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Kronos Quartet, Michael Mischen and Compañia Vincente Sáez. October-May.
Montalvo Performing Arts Series 15400 Montalvo Rd., Saratoga; (408) 961-5858 www.montalvoarts.org Year-long series with the bulk in the summer showcases some of the very best performers from around the world, featuring everything from pop, blues, jazz and country to classical music and dance. (Performances also held at the historic Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Rd., Saratoga.)
