30 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 11-17, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com MUSIC Barbra Ann Wagner struts around on stage to Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Midnight Special,” swiveling her hips and shaking her head to emphasize the ending and kicking up her heel at the song’s finish, looking like she was born for the stage. Her confidence may be due to her familiarity with the California Rodeo Band, a group she’s been playing with since she was 9 years old—half of the 18-year-old’s life. The teen is already a stage veteran. After surprising her dad with her singing talent during one of his rehearsals, Wagner started jamming with her dad’s band at American Legion venues. She won her first fairgrounds talent contest before she turned 7. (There were two more wins in the following years.) Along the way, she met some of the California Rodeo Band members. They invited her to sing the National Anthem at the California Rodeo Salinas. Wagner vividly recalls hearing the crowd roar as she performed—and one of the color guards prompting her to come off stage as she lingered to drink it all in. She was hooked. Wagner has been performing with the California Rodeo Band every year since. “Everyone’s so excited to be at the rodeo,” she says. “It’s really like the pride and joy of our county. The musicians are so much fun to be around. I’ve practically grown up around them, so I’ve looked up to them, they’ve taught me things.” As the years have passed, Wagner’s perspective has changed. Inspired by local musician Hayley Jane and her ability to connect with the audience, Wagner now sees music as a way to uplift people. “Music is therapeutic and inspiring,” Wagner explains. And Wagner walks the walk. She performed for a senior social in Soledad and led seniors in the Electric Slide that ended with impromptu hugs all around. Perhaps it’s this compassion that led to what she says is her most enjoyable gig. Three years ago, while busking at Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey on a weekend afternoon, Wagner caught the ear of Pastor Vince Chabarria of Freedom, Friendship and Fellowship Church in Prunedale, and now leads worship services on Sundays. A selection of Christian songs originally recorded for the pastor will be Wagner’s first EP. It will be available in October. Wagner also began writing original pieces. Just two days after graduating high school this year, Wagner landed a job at the Monterey County Office of Education’s Early Learning Program, teaching preschool children music over the summer. “I love to see their eyes light up,” Wagner says. So it seems at the ripe ol’ age of 18, Wagner has come full circle and is passing on encouragement to young talent. California Rodeo Band performs at 8:30pm, Saturday, July 13. Live @ Heirloom Pizza, 344 Main St., Salinas. No cover. 998-8824, heirloompizzapie.com. AUTUMN BANKS Full Circle Barbra Ann Wagner looks forward to performing with the California Rodeo Band every year. By Tonia Eaton Barbra Ann Wagner will attend CSUMB in the fall, excited for the next phase of a musical career that already includes performances, contest wins and an EP. “I love to see their eyes light up.” Orbea Wild eMTB Pinkbike’s eMTB of the Year Open Tuesday ThrOugh saTurday In Downtown Santa Cruz – 585 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz See website or phone for details • 831-621-2309 • www.currentebikes.com EvEry BikE includEs: • Free LiFetime tune-ups • proFessionaL assembLy • assistance with sizing & adjustments • discounts on accessories, racks, etc. • compLete post saLe service mention this ad For an additionaL $50 off any BIKE In stocK eLectric bicycLes CAN YOU SOLVE THE MYSTERY BEFORE TIME RUNS OUT? Follow the rabbit. Rob the bank. Travel through time to save the world....and many more. A 60 minute adventure, 9 rooms to choose from each with a different theme. Great for birthdays or special events. Kid friendly. All locations surrounded by great local restaurants. 3 MONTEREY LOCATIONS 765 Wave St, Ste A2 • 599 Lighthouse Ave and Oscar’s Playground 685 Cannery Row (Third Floor) 831.241.6616 BOOK TODAY! Escaperoom831.com Oscar’s Playground Voted Monterey County’s Best New Business ’23 FRESH. LOCAL. TASTY. Fisherman’s Wharf FRESHEST SEAFOOD with PANORAMIC VIEWS Open Daily at 11:30am • At the end of Fisherman’s Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375
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