Sunset Cultural Center has released its upcoming 2025/26 Sunset Presents Season schedule of events with ticket on sale dates offered in tiers, from top Bravo! members through to the general public. The curated series is created by Artistic Director Christine Sandin and managed by the nonprofit organization that oversees the many artistic events that take place throughout the Sunset Center complex, located at San Carlos and 9th in Carmel.

The “Marquee, Musical Masters, Broadway & Beyond, Cultural Affairs and Fun for All!” series launches with An Evening with Frankie Avalon, Saturday, Sept. 13, 7:30 p.m. For those who have been on the planet for at least the past 60 years or more, you’ve probably heard of Avalon, who was successful first as a teen idol who ruled the charts between 1959 and 1962 with chart-topping singles like “Venus” and “Why.” Unlike the other manufactured teen idols, Avalon had a real musical background to go with the pretty boy looks. A product of South Philadelphia, he broke into show business as a child prodigy trumpet player. When the hits dried up, he went on to reinvent himself as a clean-cut surfer in the Beach Party movies, where he teamed up with Annette Funicello through the ’60s, and even did an update on the trend in the ‘80s with “Back to the Beach.”

He’s still going strong with sell-out shows at places like The Fontainebleau and Eden Roc Hotels in Miami Beach to the Rainbow Grill and Copacabana in New York City. Tickets range from $65 to $115, available on the Center’s website. www.sunsetcenter.org, or by calling the Box Office at 831-620-2048 Monday-Friday, noon to 4 p.m.

You can go to the website to get the complete rundown of shows, not only for the new series, but for all the other events that are presented there. Here are some of my favorites for the Sunset Presents 2025/26 season.

Comedy with W. Kanau Bell is a lesson in U.S. history within cultural and race-based explorations and delivered by this “political provocateur.” Bell is known for many things, but primarily for his acclaimed CNN series “United Shades of America.” His program is titled “Are You With Me?” set for Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m., $45 — $75.

For jazz aficionados and those who also love the symphony and the Grateful Dead, The Branford Marsalis Quartet is a not-to-be-missed experience. The music is always exciting, and there’s a reason why Sting, The Dead, Bruce Hornsby, The Allman Brothers Band and other rock musicians have called on him and his sidemen to add a touch of musical sophistication to their music. His work with the quartet has produced a variety of great albums, focusing on various musical styles. And I’ve very much appreciated his turning me on to the various members who have come and gone, or stayed in his band. While his brother Wynton Marsalis focused on the classic jazz format, Branford went swinging for the bleachers with his explorative and contemporary jazz leanings. The quartet returns to Carmel, Oct. 5, 3 p.m., $55 — $85.

I haven’t heard the group Reelin’ in the Years: Celebrating the Music of Steely Dan, but I was a big fan of the original recordings by the celebrated duo who masterminded the jazz/pop/rock strange brew that was Steely Dan, Donald Fagen and Walter Becker. I’d check them out Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m., $40 — $65.

Nice booking Christine, bringing in Las Cafeteras on the actual Day of the Dead, Nov. 2, 3 p.m. The program is subtitled “Hasta La Muerte,” and in contrast to a song-by-song concert, this is a two-act theatrical concert that reimagines the Indigenous/Mexican practice of Día de los Muertos through music, dance, poetry and storytelling. Tickets range from $45-$79.

There are a lot of other acts appearing during this season. I’m going to wrap up with a May 8 concert, 7:30 p.m., An Evening with Meshell Ndegeocello. The bassist, vocalist, songwriter, producer and recipient of the inaugural Grammy for Best Alternative Jazz Album has something really special in store for those who will take a chance on her performance next spring. The three-time Grammy Award winner and one of the founders of neo-soul presents music from her second Blue Note record label album, “No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin.” The music blows away boundaries and genres, facing off with themes of race, sexuality, religion, and other recurring themes explored in Baldwin’s work. She’s bringing a great band with her.Tickets $45 — $75.

There’s a couple more pieces of business attached to the Sunset Cultural Center I’d like to quickly mention. Friday is the last performance in the Terrace Hour free outdoor concert series, featuring the acoustic folk/rock band Cement Ship. Based in Santa Cruz, the group performs the music of singer/songwriter Tim Brady. Cellist Lars Anderson and drummer Zach McDaniel accompanies guitarist/singer Brady. Terrace Hour is free. The bar opens at 5:30 p.m. and the music starts at 6 p.m., sponsored by KRML Radio.

Where one thing ends another begins. Third Thursdays are back and this Thursday, the Carmel-by-the-Sea Farmers Market presents this free monthly community party in Devendorf Park, Mission Street at Ocean Avenue, beginning at 4 p.m. There are the usual farmers market vendors, with prepared food, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and live music. This month’s featured performer is award-winning multicultural indigenous artist, songwriter and sound healer LiSára, backed by percussionist Jayson Fann, keyboardist Nathan Dennen, drummer Jason McIntosh, bassist Will Kahn and horn player Neal Battaglia. Pianist Chris Martinez will open. As it is, June 19 is also a Celebration of Juneteenth. Sponsored by KRML Radio.

For the 18th year and for the last time, the Monterey Rock & Rod Festival is taking place this Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Custom House Plaza Monterey State Historic Park near Old Fisherman’s Wharf. The event’s co-founder Terry Wecker passed away June 2 and his wife of 57 years, Angela, co-founder of the beloved event that served as an annual fundraiser for the Gateway Center, will both be honored at the combination classic car show and music festival. Over the years the event has gone from a gathering of three or four days to this one-day last hurrah. The car show features hundreds of 1975 and older classic and custom hot rods, street rods, muscle cars and trucks, all on display around the Custom House Plaza area. Awards are given out and all the proceeds from the car show go to the Gateway Center, a nonprofit corporation providing life skills to adults with intellectual disabilities.

Music headliner is Heart By Heart, with two of rock band Heart’s former members, bassist Steve Fossen and drummer Michael Derosier, performing the legendary music of Heart. Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson are really the heart and soul of Heart, but they don’t tour much anymore with the band, and so all the great tunes like “Crazy On You,” “Barracuda,” “Magic Man,” “These Dreams,” and a whole lot more will by performed by the band that features vocalist Somar Macek, guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist Lizzy Daymont and guitarist Chad Quist.

“We take the music very seriously,” said Fossen. “Ann and Nancy Wilson are rock’s premier sisters, and with Heart By Heart, we respect and honor that music we made together.”

Jeremy “Elvis” Pearce & The Memphis Sons, Yard Dogs, Todd Morgan & the Emblems, and David Conley are also on the bill, performing at the stage in the middle of the action and all the cars. The public is invited free to enjoy all the sights and sounds, with Merchandise Vendors and great food and drinks.

The Monterey Jazz Festival has some news for a number of different community concerts this coming week. Starting this Sunday, the Monterey Jazz Regional All-Star Combos will be back at Folktale Winery each Sunday going forward, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., reservations required. The Summer Jazz Camp Faculty Concert is Monday, 5 — 6:30 p.m. at the Casa Munras Garden Hotel, dinner reservations required. And Thursday, June 26, 4 — 8 p.m., Summer Jazz Camp Community Concert with the Regional All-Star Groups takes place at Stevenson School Auditorium. Visit www.montereyjazz.org for more details.

Friday, June 20, 6 — 9 p.m., Pebble Beach Food & Wine hosts its inaugural Summer Solstice celebration, a golden hour, walk-around tasting featuring 12 acclaimed chefs, exceptional wines, craft cocktails and live music on the famed 3rd Fairway. Set against a sunset backdrop, this event kicks off Pebble Beach’s new lifestyle events programming, with more experiences on the horizon. Details and ticket purchase ($250) can be found at www.pebblebeachfoodandwine.com/event/summer-solstice/.

Also on the Solstice Friday, 5:30 — 8 p.m. is a four-year anniversary event for the Chuck Brewer Band at Big Sur Vineyards, 1 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley, celebrating the band’s first show way back when. Music starts at 6 p.m., $10 suggested donation to reserve a spot. Luca Fredericksen will be a special guest with the band on keyboards and vocals. For how to purchase tickets, call BSV at 415-686-4550.

Deja Blue, 500 Broadway Ave., Seaside, is having a Grand Opening Celebration for its new Event Center, Friday, 5-7 p.m. There will be live music and complimentary refreshments. I checked the space out last weekend, and it’s looking good. It’s a nice, big room with a big stage. It’s got an industrial vibe to it, and with a full room, the sound will warm up and I look forward to seeing some great concerts there. It’s available to rent for private parties and special events. Call (831) 324-0044 with questions.

Salinas’ Heirloom Pizza, 344 Main St. is hosting ’80’s Night featuring The New Wave Band, Saturday, 8-11 p.m., $10 cover. The music is a tribute to the era of New Wave music, late 1970s- early 1980s. There’s a costume contest for best ’80s attire and big hair look. Winner receives $40 Heirloom gift card. 21 and over only.