32 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MARCH 26-APRIL 1, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com MUSIC Monterey County cannot complain about a lack of live music. The music scene is vibrant, with regular jazz concerts at hotels and restaurants, singer-songwriters playing original music and bands gigging at local pubs. “Monterey attracts and supports musicians,” says Peter Barnes Martin, himself a musician, who moved to the area in 2021 and has been playing at wineries and recording ever since. “We have an excellent community of musicians here. Thanks to year-round opportunities, it’s a good environment to grow as a musician—and stay here.” Yet Barnes Martin felt something was missing. Fans listen to the songs, but don’t hear the craft of making music. At the suggestion of jazzman Bruce Forman, he took his idea to recording engineer Robert Feist at the Carl Cherry Center for the Arts. In late 2025, the two started talking about a new series, calling it “Portraits in Song.” Rooted in storytelling, the series highlights local musicians and their craft, making for an intimate music event (up to three instruments on stage), richly garnished with commentary on how a given song was born and made. “The focus is on local musicians,” Barnes Martin says. “It’s a deep dive into the craft of making music, which considers songwriting as a form of art.” The events will take place at the 50-seat Black Box Theater in the Cherry. Each will have an opener and a main gig, starting on March 27 with poetic folk-pop rising star Sabelle; Carmel-based Jewel Arianna opens. Next month it will be Barnes Martin, with Rags Rosenberg as the opener. “Sabelle was one of our top picks,” Barnes Martin says. “She is exactly the individual we are looking for—active, consistently pulling out recorded music. She does a lot to develop her music and career.” Originally from Rochester, New York, Barnes Martin has been working on his own project, The Lake, continuously releasing songs and working on a book that captures the process. He produced and self-released his debut album Anywhere is Home in 2023. Rosenberg’s 2025 album, Song of the Bricoleur, is climbing on the folk charts; he is being compared to Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen. Portraits in Song launches with Sabelle, featuring Jewel Arianna, at 7-9pm Friday, March 27. Carl Cherry Center for the Arts, 4th and Guadalupe, Carmel. $25. (831) 624-7491, carlcherrycenter.org. DANIEL DREIFUSS Craft Music A new performance series invites the audience into the minds of local songwriters. By Agata Popęda A new series devoted to music as a craft launches in Carmel. Local singer-songwriter Sabelle (left) will open the series; musician Peter Barnes Martin (right) will follow. Domenico’s on the Wharf features Cioppino-a house specialty, Boat to Table Wild Alaskan Salmon, Oysters Rockefeller are a sample of the many great menu choices. Also enjoy Fine Wines and Cocktails, Desserts and Great Service. A local favorite celebrating 44 YEARS on Old Fisherman’s Wharf. 50 OLD FISHERMAN’S WHARF MONTEREY • 831-372-3655 www.domenicosmonterey.com Open Daily 11:30am to close Fresh Seafood, Italian Classics, Prime Steaks , with Beautiful Harbor Views. Voted Best Restaurant - Fisherman’s Wharf ’25 Make Your Easter Weekend Reservations! fri-sun mar 27th-29th carmel plaza carmel-by-the-sea luxury denim trunk show custom shirting khakis private reserve “I brought my Subaru to Hartzel on advice of a friend and I was so pleased with the service & attention I got from them. Not only finished on time, but under the estimate I was given. Very rare these days. So pleased with the whole experience & great peace of mind knowing it was done correctly. Highly recommend this guy.” —David F., Seaside 2/14/19 510 California Avenue | Sand City | 394.6002 hartzelautomotive.com EXPERT SERVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT. Subaru Mazda Lexus Infiniti Saab vintage MG SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT SERVICE ONLINE TODAY
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