Thursday, July 9 BLUEGRASS BREAKTHROUGH Is there anything new in bluegrass music? Otter Opry answers in the affirmative by bringing in Barkley Cove, an East Coast student group featuring Jillian Dolan (guitar, vocals), Sila Gross (guitar, banjo, vocals), Yusuf Miller (mandolin, bass, vocals) and Robert Myers (bass). The group created a sound that blends folk, rock, country and bluegrass with original songwriting. This is the band’s (and bandmembers’) first trip to California. Otter Opry organizers invite everyone to give them a warm welcome to the West Coast. [PM] 7pm Thursday, July 9. Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey. $35; free/ages 15 and under. larry@ otteropry.org, otteropry.org. Friday, July 10 INTO GOLD While the material goals of the alchemists of old consisted of seemingly impossible tasks like converting base metals such as lead or mercury into gold or silver with a philosopher’s stone, and creating an elixir of eternal life, among other lofty pursuits, the underlying aim of the alchemist was to transform the self in the process. New York-based author, artist and modern-day alchemist Eliza Swann will wax philosophical about alchemists throughout history and the practice of self-transformation, discussed in her latest work, The Alchemical Imagination: Alchemy and Radical Creativity at the Henry Miller Memorial Library, where all levels of alchemists and non-alchemists are welcome. [AS] Noon-1pm Friday, July 10. Henry Miller Memorial Library, 48603 Highway 1, Big Sur. Free. (831) 667-2574, henrymiller. org. CONTROLLED CHAOS A good comedian is many things. They’re comfortable with awkward silence. They’re probably comfortable with being awkward themselves. They must be good storytellers—but with a twist—intertwining punchlines with a personal flair. But there’s also a secret sauce that truly seals a great act: the ability to improvise. Improv typically involves ditching the script and riding the vibes, relying on quick wit and, 26 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 9-15, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com SUSAN GIACOMETTI Carmel-based multimedia artist Susan Giacometti is showing her newest fairytale collages in a dual exhibit, Moments, in the Carmel Art Association’s gallery next to fellow CAA member (and another animal-oriented artist), Alice Geller-Robertson. A professional illustrator, Giacometti creates mixedmedia paintings, prints and drypoint etchings; her work features scenes of the historic Cannery Row and nature, including maritime life along the Monterey waterfront. The piece shown above is titled “Bird House.” Opening reception: 4-7pm Saturday, July 11. The gallery is located on Dolores Street between 5th and 6th, Carmel. Open daily 10am-5pm. On display until Aug. 3. [AP] 9-15 JULY HOT PICKS To see more local events, and add your own, visit montereycountynow.com/events SUSAN GIACOMETTI MONICA LONCOLA VISUALS MONICA LONCOLA Monica Loncola is a multimedia artist who focuses on the natural world, fractals and micro/macro environments. The above piece is part of a group exhibit, Look Closer, now on display at the Carl Cherry Center for the Arts. The show, inspired by the scientific illustration certificate program at CSU Monterey Bay, celebrates the intersection of science and art, featuring rendered depictions of the natural world that are as beautiful as they are scientifically accurate. Expect to see a range of colorful artwork showing monarchs, marine life or flowers. Some artists approached the process through a biology and naturalist framework, others pursued scientific training as trained artists. Opening reception: 5-7pm Friday, July 10. The Cherry is located at Guadalupe and 4th in Carmel. On display through Aug. 15. [AP] Barkley Cove is a talented group of young musicians who are making some noise in the world of bluegrass, blending folk, rock, country and bluegrass with original songwriting to create a new sound. They play in Monterey on July 9. TYLER KONDASH WITH QOQ PRODUCTIONS Featuring a cast of local performers, the show—beware— may even use you, the audience, to create a spontaneous scene. Controlled Chaos performs in Carmel on July 10. CONTROLLED CHAOS
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