Thursday, July 4 FREEDOM RUn Besides, parades, fireworks and barbecues (and there are plenty of those—for a Fourth of July lineup, see p. 28), here’s another Independence Day tradition to consider: running for a cause. One race happening locally is a short one: the Gonzales Rx Pharmacy 10th Annual Orange & Black 5K. It’s a great excuse to dust off your running gear and get some exercise in before the rest of the party starts. The race has different divisions so everyone in the family can participate. Pre-registered participants get a T-shirt and goodie bag. Proceeds go to Gonzales High School scholarships. [CJ] 7-11am Thursday, July 4. Central Park, 207 5th St., Gonzales. $45. 675-3643, gonzalesrx5k.com. Friday, July 5 Pacific Groovin’ Summer is a time for picnicking and music, and a new concert series combines the best of both. The Discover Pacific Grove Concert Series makes its debut on July 5 and will run the first Friday of the month through September. Sloan’s Place Productions (run by the Weekly’s Sloan Campi) is partnering with the City of Pacific Grove to present the concerts as a way to encourage people to check out what downtown has to offer. Various businesses will offer goodies and specials throughout the night. Performing on stage for the first night is Monterey’s Adam Behan and friends, adding to the upbeat, family-friendly vibe of the series with his pop rock. Bring chairs and blankets, and soak in the good times. [EC] 5-7pm Friday, July 5. Jewell Park, Central and Grand avenues, Pacific Grove. Free. instagram.com/sloansplaceproductions. Dance Revolution Every summer on Friday nights the region’s biggest dance party breaks out inside Carmel Plaza, host to a live music series featuring some of the most beloved regional bands. Hundreds of locals and visitors crowd the makeshift dance floor on the lower level of the plaza while others hang out on the walkways above enjoying the music and engaging in the second best thing about the Plaza’s series: people watching. Some regulars dress to the nines and dance like no one’s 24 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY july 4-10, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com ESTA Mural Santa Rita Union School District celebrates the new ESTA mural at McKinnon Elementary School, located at 2100 McKinnon St. in Salinas. This vibrant mural, created in collaboration with Artists Ink and the Environmental Science Through Art (ESTA) teaching community, symbolizes commitment to integrating arts and STEM education. The ESTA mural is not just a celebration of creativity and science, but also a testament to the potential of Santa Rita students. This artwork is designed to inspire and remind all who pass by of the limitless possibilities when art and science converge. The artists are members of Artists Ink. The lead muralist and art instructor was Adrian Cornejo, an Alisal High School Art Instructor. The lead instructor for ESTA is Jose Valdovinos; he teaches participating students about the importance of agriculture. Artists Ink Program Manager is David Tapia. [AP] 4-10 july HOT PICKS To see more local events, and add your own, visit calendar.montereycountynow.com courtesy of Artist InK Courtesy of Pacific Grove Art Center VISUALS Pacia Platzek Pacific Grove Art Center presents Artists’ Exhibit. It’s a sampling of the creative work generated by the thriving art hub’s studio artists, including Pacia Platzek, Reiko Michisaki, Dante Rondo and many more. The above work by Platzek is titled “Penguin Momma.” A number of these artists contribute through exhibitions, as well as teaching workshops, classes and volunteering. They support that creative endeavor through a variety of programs and collaborations that give back to the community. This exhibit (at 568 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove) features their own work. [AP] Dolly Parton wrote the music in 9 to 5, the classic movie from 1980. Since then this feminist story has hit Broadway and countless other stages. You can see it now at the Outdoor Forest Theater in Carmel, thanks to PacRep. Courtesy of PacRep Mandolinist Jacob Jolliff started out at age 7 at the urging of his father. The two played together in a bluegrass gospel band as Jolliff kicked off his professional career. Aiden Grant
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