Thursday, April 2 SWEET SOUNDS Tana Yonas is a DJ, tech wizard and creative producer with a mission “to ‘unstranger’ the people who come to the events I’m a part of.” In this case—her appearance in the loungey bar at La Playa Hotel— the “people” means you. As for Yonas’ role, she will be in town from LA appearing under her DJ name, Passionfruit, spinning vinyl with a focus on disco music collected from around the globe. You can expect to hear records from places like Ethiopia, Australia, Japan and Jamaica, a diversity of sounds and styles all on a turntable in Carmel. [SR] 6pm Thursday, April 2. Bud’s at La Playa, Camino Real at 8th, Carmel. No cover. (831) 293-6100, fadeawaysessions.com. Friday, April 3 FROM THE HEART A Salinas-based poet involved with the local artistic scene in Monterey County brings a piece of her work to downtown Salinas. Adela Castillo is celebrating the re-release of her poetry book, Mundo Mío. The poems take the readers on an exploration journey in which Castillo explores her life as an immigrant, woman and artist. Her poems, such as “Mujer Bravia,” “No ignores mis consejos,” and “Es es un secreto,” address topics such as love and resilience. This bilingual gathering includes refreshments and live music. Castillo will recite some of her poems and sign books. The event also includes a short live Q&A on YouTube. [CJ] 6-8pm Friday, April 3. Downtown Book & Sound, 213 Main St., Salinas. Free. (831) 477-6700, downtownbookandsound.com. DAZZLING DUO If there were a single feeling to define the music of The War and Treaty, it would be a powerful sense of togetherness. The husband-and-wife duo is remarkable—each bringing impressive individual talent, but truly dazzling when performing together. Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter’s originality has earned them two Grammy Award nominations; they have also taken home Duo/Group of the Year at the 26 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY APRIL 2-8, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com ROBERT MURAI The Carl Cherry Center for the Arts is ready for PhotoCarmel 2026, a weeks-long festival across multiple venues. Learning Curve: Threads of Influence is an exhibit that features work by 10 photographers and their students or mentors. The list includes recognized masters alongside established, mid-career and emerging artists. Photographers such as Ansel Adams, Wynn Bullock, Edna Bullock, Eliot Porter, Ann Jastrab and Brian Taylor are represented. The above piece, “Higher Ground,” is by Robert Murai who curated the show. An opening reception takes place 5-7pm Friday, April 3. On display until May 8. The gallery is located at 4th and Guadalupe, Carmel, and is open noon-4pm Wednesday-Saturday. [AP] 2-8 APRIL To see more local events, and add your own, visit montereycountynow.com/events RICHARD MURAI RUBÍ HERNÁNDEZ VISUALS RUBÍ HERNÁNDEZ In 2011, multidisciplinary Mexican artist Rubí Hernández moved to California to participate in shaping its culture through art. She is inspired by social and identity issues and focuses on graphic design, photography, mixed-media and sculpture. Her exhibit, Con El Corazón Abierto (With an Open Heart)—now on display at ArtWorks @Salinas— consists of a series of charcoal and pencil drawings that shift between realism and surrealism. Hernández is showing her work next to pieces by Holly Kristina Rose and ArtWorks @Salinas resident artist Brenda Scettrini Saglio. The studio/exhibit space is at 262 Main St., Salinas. Open 11am-2pm on Tuesdays; 2-4pm on Wednesdays; 10am-4pm Fridays-Sundays, and noon-8pm every first Friday of the month. An opening reception happens at 5pm Friday, April 3. On display until June 26. [AP] Singer-songwriters Michael Trotter Jr. (left) and Tanya Trotter are a husband and wife duo. They record and perform music as The War and Treaty. See them in Carmel on Friday, April 3. COURTESY OF SUNSET CENTER You can catch the local band The Transducers live, or now on their first record. To celebrate, join them at an album release party on April 4 (see p. 28 for details). SARAH GAUDOIN HOT PICKS
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