ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 200 years ago. After that, it became home to establishments where, on occasion, men would lose their entire land grant in a game of cards. It’s a part of Monterey where, for the past two centuries, it’s likely some sort of game is being played. So it’s a glovelike fit for Easy Street at its spot on Tyler Street, a part of town where no matter the time of day, there are always people out and about—it’s a transit hub. But inside Easy Street, the walls and windows shut the commotion out, and there are just the silences in between the cracking of billiard balls. With plenty of tables, approachable prices and super-chill vibes, Easy Street embodies its name, and is the go-to place for a game or more of pool—it goes with the territory. BEST PLACE FOR ROCK BEST PLACE FOR COMEDY Golden State Theatre 417 Alvarado St., Monterey (831) 649-1070, goldenstatetheatre.com If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to get into the spotlight as a comedian or rock star, a couple of board games can show you the way. Do you remember stand-up comedian Lenny Henry? Neither do we, but back when he was touring in the ’80s he created the board game Lenny Henry’s Stand-up Comic Game, the goal of which was to be the first player to be named “Star of the Show.” Several years later, former bassist for The Runaways Jackie Fuchs created Rock Hard: 1977, where players attempt to become a successful rock star (ironically in the disco era). Released last year, Rock Hard was named one of the best board games of 2024 by the Smithsonian, no less. In the case of us audience members, there’s no need to throw the dice and strategize what move to make when looking for the Best Venue for Comedy and the Best Venue for Rock as picked by readers—the winning ticket is Golden State Theatre. BEST VENUE FOR JAZZ Monterey County Fair & Event Center 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey (831) 372-5863, montereycountyfair.com Yes, yes we know it’s only for one long weekend every September, but our readers understandably found it difficult for anyone else to compete with the size, scope and longevity of the annual soiree that is the Monterey Jazz Festival. It’s like playing Scrabble with a human dictionary. Having just completed its 68th uninterrupted year, it is truly the grandaddy of all jazz fests in the world, as the amazing music, killer camaraderie and steady venue with multiple stages, indoors and out, all attest. BEST VENUE FOR BLUES Deja Blue 500 Broadway Ave., Seaside (831) 324-0044, dejabluelive.com As the name would imply, there is a sense of having been here before upon hearing the blues, not unlike the feeling when consulting a Ouija board. That “the blues is a way of life” is a sentiment that reflects a deep emotional connection and cultural significance of the genre, and this ethos is evident seven nights a week at this unassuming corner hangout. This place was “founded on the idea that food, art and connection can bring people together,” according to Deja Blue’s website—and it shows. 32 BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY® 2025 montereycountynow.com/bestof ’24 5 ’25
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