Upcoming events.

Richard Gans 5:00-7:00PM

May 10th

Richard Gans brings new life to the old folk tradition. With wailing harmonica, rhythmic guitar and mystifying lyrics… Richard’s soulful voice speaks to your depths and rattles your bones.

Jim Aceves 5:00-7:00PM

May 11th

Hails from the Monterey Bay Area of California, this long time member of the International Western Music Association is a featured artist at county fairs, music festivals, horse events, & many public venues.  He has portrayed the role of Town Marshal at Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton, CA since 2016.  This Saddle Serenader entertains shoppers and tourists in Downtown Santa Cruz, CA with western music, western humor, and feats of horseback antics.  Cisco lives on a small horse ranch in Aromas, California..


Nomad
Jun
19

Nomad

Nomad has been performing solo-acoustically in various states and locations for over 25 years. In 1996, he released his first solo album, which was titled, "Full Circle”. Being recorded in true DIY style on a small 4-track recorder that he traveled with, it was only released on cassette and featured guitar and vocals. In 2001, he released another solo album, titled “Trails To Hear And Now”. That album featured a full band sound, on which Nomad played all of the instruments.

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Moonshine Crossroads
Jun
12

Moonshine Crossroads

From Santa Cruz, CA, Moonshine Crossroads plays Rollicking Americana Music - everything from jazz standards and doo-wop classics to outlaw country and classic rock. With strong vocal harmonies, vibrant electric guitar, and tin-kanzoo solos, their eclectic repertoire is sure to include a song that is “your” song and will get your toes tapping.

The band members are Mark Becker on acoustic guitar, Quinn Becker on electric guitar, Peter Thomas on accordion, harmonica, ukulele and the tin-kanzoo, and Michele Whizin on bass.

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Dirt Rakers
Jun
11

Dirt Rakers

The Dirt Rakers are an Americana band featuring Erik Rozite (guitar and vocals), Jayne Williams (mandolin and vocals), Paul Stevens (drums and percussion), Sean Woodward (lead guitar), and Doug Semler (bass). We're a home-brewed group out of the redwoods in the Santa Cruz mountains, blending a high octane / cask-fermented feel, purdy harmonies, and a deep love of all rootsy genres of music.

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Sandy Mountain
Jun
4

Sandy Mountain

A local Favorite in folk… Sandy Mountain will be taking the stage and sharing their lovely music with us mid May! This dynamic duo will bring a smile to your face and a sound that blends in perfectly to the scenery. Hope to see you all there.

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The Goat Hill Girls
May
28

The Goat Hill Girls

“It’s Good Time Music” “Bluegrass has that summertime feel to it” “It lifts the spirit” “If it’s bluegrass, you can feel it” “Bluegrass is foot tapping music, the audience can’t seem to sit still”

Just a few quotes from listeners over the years, but for us that play bluegrass, this holds true and much more. There is nothing quite like playing bluegrass with a bunch of your long time friends to set your mood straight and realize you are doing what you are meant to do.

This is the story of The Goat Hill Girls, the harmonious blending of old and new friends, some of whom have played music together for 40 years or more. All native Californians, the Goat Hill Girls are named for a landmark in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California and feature the song writing talents of several people in the band. Many of their songs present the feeling of Old-time California. Most bluegrass songs are about the mountain areas of the East Coast so The Goat Hill Girls are doing their part in having California being represented in the Bluegrass song world. In addition to their song writing talents, the Goat Hill Girls feature plenty of traditional bluegrass, vintage country, old timey, Irish and some fun novelty tunes. If you come to see the Goat Hill Girls you will see the joy they share in playing together, writing and arranging tunes together and just plain having fun together and especially with their audience.

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Eyes Like Lanterns - Featuring Valley Taylor
May
22

Eyes Like Lanterns - Featuring Valley Taylor

Eyes Like Lanterns is an Indie-Folk Rock act originally based out of Chico, CA. Founding member and vocalist/guitarist Joshua Cremer seeks to bring a new sound to the Northern California Folk-Rock scene by blending Indie-Rock influences with Southern Blues styles to create a fresh take on an age-old genre. Pre-covid, Eyes Like Lanterns had played over 200 gigs at all types of venues and events across California, Nevada, and Texas. With soulful lyrics as well as catchy melodies E.L.L has something for every age and genre of music lover. His music has been featured by the North State Symphony and he has played up and down the state and abroad at bars, coffee shops, cruise ships, private events, festivals, and breweries as well as wineries and resorts in the Santa Cruz mountains and bay area.

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Rocks & Salt
May
20

Rocks & Salt

Rocks & Salt is an Oakland based roots duo birthed out of whiskey soaked hardships and an unadulterated love for the mysticism that pulses through the American music lexicon. A tumbleweed of sound that can’t help itself from blowing through the cold hard plains of broken hearts, empty bottles and the seamlessly unending abyss of self exploration.

We are beyond excited for Jared Griffin to be playing a solo show at The Sawmill!
Join us for great times, tasty grub, and good tunes!

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Heathen Hill
May
14

Heathen Hill

Heathen Hill plays a mix of original and cover songs in the Americana style of music, with a progressive bluegrass edge. Heathen Hill the band, originated at Heathen Hill, the place – our camp at the Strawberry Music Festival. We live and play in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Performing is our way of generating and sharing festival energy all year long. Heathen Hill features singer-songwriter Rick Ednie, the smoking hot guitar picker of Bluegrass Roundup; Ti Lamb on dobro; singer-songwriter Mark Becker on guitar, and Jeff Hayes on Bass and vocals.

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Dan Frechette
May
8

Dan Frechette

Dan Frechette is a musical force; As anyone who has ever met him can attest, he is a living, breathing folk festival who's songwriting has been appreciated by the likes of Bob Dylan, Tim O'Brien, Doc Watson, and David Bowie. Raised in the small town of Pinawa, Manitoba, where the vast prairies meet the Canadian shield, Dan took an early obsession with music to the extreme, garnering the attention of major publishing which signed him a deal when he was just 17. To date he has recorded over 100 solo albums to date, learned to play 15 instruments across multiple genres, and has written lyrics and music to well over 1600 original songs.

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Dirt Rakers
May
7

Dirt Rakers

The Dirt Rakers are an Americana band featuring Erik Rozite (guitar and vocals), Jayne Williams (mandolin and vocals), Paul Stevens (drums and percussion), Sean Woodward (lead guitar), and Doug Semler (bass).

We're a home-brewed group out of the redwoods in the Santa Cruz mountains, blending a high octane / cask-fermented feel, purdy harmonies, and a deep love of all rootsy genres of music. Rock, country, bluegrass, blues, jam band and folk all swirl together in our magical musical brew.

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Gary Blackburn Band
May
6

Gary Blackburn Band

Gary Blackburn, Santa Cruz local, and Central Coast singer songwriter, brings together his smooth vocals, and stylized guitar picking to his original compositions in the Country, Rock, Folk, Blues genres. Blending old school with contemporary, Gary will weave a memorable musical performance of songs that tell stories of love, forgiveness, and the paths that we choose. Gary performs his original compositions that include songs off his CD,” Streak of Gray”, with some songs currently being aired on Santa Cruz County radio stations, KPIG 107.5 FM, and KBCZ 89.3 FM. With a well-rounded repertoire, Gary will show both his versatile soft folk blues side along with his high energy rock side, mixing in some cool cover songs that will make you get up, and dance! Gary provides vocals, and guitar, featuring Kevin Taylor on keyboards, Tom Levenhagen on bass, and Tom Duncan on drums. You will no doubt experience an enjoyable time listening to Gary’s, “Heartfelt Americana with an Edge”.

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Windy Hill
Apr
29

Windy Hill


Formed in 2008 by a couple of high school friends from the Bay Area, Windy Hill has covered a lot of ground in 10 years, performing all over the western states and recording four albums.

​While the band is steeped in the traditional style, they've cultivated their own distinct bluegrass sound. The balance between their love for classic bluegrass and keenness for exploring fresh musical ideas defines their style and approach, and makes them a fan-favorite for music lovers of all types. 

The grass is always greener when bluegrass is amongst us! Join us for a memorable night packed with great tunes!

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Joe Kaplow
Apr
23

Joe Kaplow

Kaplow describes music as his "currency for life. We all have something, or a few things that we do, we work at, we commit to and that's how we pay for our time here. It's like life is a Ferris wheel at the county fair. You can't just ride all night. Every 4 times around you have to stop at the bottom and pay for another half hour or whatever."

When faced with the question, "Why am I doing this?" Kaplow answered, "because this is how I feel best paying for my time."

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BLUE
Apr
16

BLUE

Get ready for a local favorite!
Blue is an institution from the San Mateo County Coast with tentacles reaching all over California.

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Bobcat Rob
Apr
2

Bobcat Rob

Bobcat Rob is a Songwriter / Multi Instrumentalist with a voice likened to honey drizzled over burning coals. His songs are as uplifting as they are haunting, drawing on visceral truths and common threads to weave captivating tales. From quiet to loud, reserved to explosive, each song carries its own weight and settles deep into the listener.

‘Engineer', ‘Drainpipes’ and ‘Beauty In The World’ - the first three singles released from the new full length album coming early 2021 - venture deeper into a sound Bobcat has been cultivating in recent years that he likes to call Surf Country. Swimming, sometimes psychedelic guitar and keyboard tones with the backbone of a solid rhythm section, paired with heartfelt honest songwriting, powerful vocals and lush harmonies.

You’re not going to wanna miss this one! Join us for an amazing afternoon of live music in the yard.

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Nomad
Mar
27

Nomad

Dave “Nomad” Miller has called the Santa Cruz, CA area his home for quite some time now and continues to perform regularly, doing engaging solo-acoustic performances as Nomad and high-energy full band performances with Drifting Compass. The performances of both acts feature his original songs as well as interpretations of a variety of cover songs from across the genre map, mixing it up and turning it all into the sound of Rock & Roll, Americana, and even some Alt-Country.

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Dirtrakers
Mar
26

Dirtrakers

The Dirtrakers are a home-brewed group out of the Santa Cruz Mountains that blend a high octane / cask fermented feel, harmonies and a deep love of all genres of music.

“We mix our originals together with covers... Americana rock & good old mountain music”

The Dirtrakers are a local favorite and play monthly with us at The Sawmill.

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Rory Lynch
Mar
19

Rory Lynch

Rory Lynch is a singer/songwriter from Philadelphia. He is currently based out of Santa Cruz but tours throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Rory plays his own original songs as well as covers.

“Most of my songs have been recorded in living rooms, basements, and in a storage unit we like to call a studio. I just released "Steal Away" which is an EP I worked on with Tauvin Pursley at Invertebrate Records.”

We are beyond excited to have Rory play live at the Sawmill!

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Sugar By The Pound
Mar
13

Sugar By The Pound

We are beyond excited to announce that our good friends Sugar By The Pound will be playing this Sunday in the yard!

Sugar by the Pound is an incredibly talented, all-girl string band from the lovely Santa Cruz Mountains. They always bring the best energy to the neighbor and we are very excited to have them play this weekend.Bring the family, friends, and furry ones for a day of great tunes in the sun!

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