Join us for a fun Thursday evening of trivia, tacos, wine, and good friends. Host and Americana songwriter/musician Michael Gaither hosts this weekly event starting at 7 PM each Thursday. Typically, 60-80 regulars and newcomers join us for the fun and the chance to win one of three bottles of wine. There’s no cost to play, and no reservation is needed.

The topic and associated hints are posted each week on the Instagram and Facebook accounts of El Vaquero Winery and Michael Gaither. The game consists of 20 questions related to the week’s topic, including five video questions and five audio questions. If you’re confident in your answers for the video and/or audio questions, you can play Double or Nothing. Michael may even perform a couple of live songs!

Chubby's Tacos will be parked outside the winery and available starting about 6:30 pm. They make killer Quesabirria tacos.


THIS WEEK: You Don't Know Jack! (But you do have a few days to study before Thursday!)

Jack Nicholson turns 88 years old next week, so our trivia host Michael is bringing an entire night of Jack-themed questions this week, celebrating his movies and life. 20 questions, including double-or-nothing audio and video rounds.

As always, check Instagram on Thursday morning (@elvaquerowinery and @michael_gaither) for clues about this week's questions.

Please make reservations at bit.ly/evwevents to join us for an evening of Rockin Rhythm and Blues with the Vinny Johnson Band! Playing hits from Otis Redding, BB King, Ben Harper, Al Green and more! Bring your dancing shoes !


The band includes:
Vinny Johnson- Guitar and vocals
Spencer Ellison- Drums and vocals
Leroy Hoornbeck- Bass and vocals
Les "Blues Buddha "Rosenthal- Harmonica
Jan Hagge- Keyboards

It’s Gonna be a Funky good time!

Make reservations at bit.ly/evwevents for the return of The Radio. Last falthey played one of our wine club parties and kept folks from 21 to 90 Dancing all party long!

The Radio is a a 1990s (and beyond) rock cover band. Their goal is to play songs that get folks moving, having fun, and patronizing your business.

Some of our songs are:

Take Me Out – Franz Fedinand
Good – Better Than Ezra
Someday – The Strokes
Here Comes Your Man – Pixies
Are You Gonna Go My Way – Lenny Kravitz
Beverly Hills – Weezer
Creep – Radiohead
What's Up – 4 Non Blondes
My Own Worst Enemy – Lit
The Middle – Jimmy Eat World
Basket Case – Green Day
Man in the Box – Alice In Chains

Make reservations at bit.ly/evwevents for the return of “Not So Young” a Neil Young Tribute On Easter Sunday April 20th 4-7 pm.

Not So Young, out of Santa Cruz Ca, is a dedicated group of musicians that capture the mood and raw energy of the classic Neil Young song book. Representing over 40 years of Neil Young music, Not So Young delivers a wide assortment from the Godfather of Grunge. Every time you see “Not So Young” perform, you will be glad you came out to “Feel the Neil”!

The lineup is Jim Rosenberg lead vocals/guitar, plus THE DYLAN ROSE BAND (including Dylan Rose lead guitar/vocals, Alisha Ripatti vocals, Keith Wieland drums, David Handloff bass, and Jocelyn Olson keys/vocals). It really gets rocking at times with Rockin In The Free World, Southern Man, Hey Hey My My, Ohio, Down BY The River, etc. but also has the tender stuff like Harvest Moon, Heart of Gold, Old Man, Long May You Run, Needle and the Damage Done and so on. Dylan Rose and Alisha Ripatti have been very popular at El Vaquero playing as "Ripatti and Rose" and the "Dylan Rose Band". Hearing Jim Rosenberg's Neil Young vocals backed up by two Alisha and Jocelyn’s vocals is a real treat!

Their shows at El Vaquero Winery have fully booked quickly and were nothing shy of fabulous!

Make a reservation at bit.ly/evwevents to join the rasquaches at El Vaquero in celebration of the release of their debut single “Aie Cumbia”"


“I’m telling y’all — this record is the SHIT!” — Steve Berlin (Los Lobos)
Produced by Steve Berlin, Grammy Award-winning member of Los Lobos—Aie Cumbia, was written and recorded by Hook Herrera, Chris Gonzalez Clarke, Russell Rodriguez and Federico Zuñiga who were joined in studio by the legendary drummer Michael Urbano (Lindsey Buckingham, Third Eye Blind, Smash Mouth and many others)


Aie Cumbia is a featured song in the RLF live set—a relentless groove that features the internationally acclaimed bluesman Hook’s vocals along with Chris and Russell and a killer bass riff by Lico Zuñiga, Jr. and Michael’s monster drum part and Chris’ psychedelic guitar licks.


And the RLF will dig deep into their bag of Tex-Mex, cumbia, Chicano rock, soul-oldies and more to keep you on your feet!
¡Ajua!


The RLF’s debut album will be available for advance sale in vinyl.


We're super stoked to celebrate this single from one of our favorite super talented bands. The cover charge at the door is $10, we’ll have award winning wines and one of our favorite food trucks, My Mom’s Mole.

Make reservations at bit.ly/evwevents to welcome the B-Movie Kings back to El Vaquero Winery.

This group fills the dance floor and keeps it filled like no other!

The B-Movie Kings have been together for almost 25 years, playing classic rock dance music and watching audiences dance and enjoy their favorite songs.

The band has always been a local fan favorite playing at The Crow's Nest, The Catalyst , Sandbar, and the Cork and Fork. THERE WILL BE DANCING, LOTS OF DANCING.

Make reservations at bit.ly/evwevents for the return of FUSE at El Vaquero Winery.

If you like the Joint Chiefs, you’ll love FUSE! In addition to Don Caruth, the lead man from the Joint Chiefs, FUSE includes all star musicians Ted Welty (from SPUN, Loco, etc.), Rob Ouse (Locomotive Breath) and Ryan Price (Mokili Wa). FUSE is a great vehicle for these guys to cut loose and enjoy some of their favorite music outside of their standard gigs…and they do it so well!

From Bob: Fuse is readily one of the best 5 bands in Santa Cruz and also one you’ll frequently see the crowd giving a standing ovation too, pretty cool!

Make your reservations at bit.ly/evwevents for the Alex Lucero Band at El Vaquero Winery starring the winner of the 2023 and 2024 Good Times Best Local Solo Artist and Band award The Alex Lucero Band.

Alex Lucero might have grown up in “The Cowboy Capital of The World”, but don’t let that fool you. Despite being brought up in a very “country” esque environment in small town Oakdale, Ca, Alex actually grew up listening almost exclusively to the soulful music of the 60’s & 70’s. Artists such as Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Van Morrison and Stevie Wonder have played a huge part in his musical influences and overall feel. Alex Lucero & The Live Again Band have received incredible response across Northern California being played regularly on multiple radio stations and on permanent rotation on the well known KPIG 107 “oink” 5.

Make reservations at bit.ly/evwevents to see great Country/Blues with Sharon Allen and Dusty Boots Saturday.

From Bob: Sharon Allen has the distinction of drawing more musicians in her audience than any other musician at El Vaquero Winery. That says a lot about how many people love Sharon and her band!

Sharon Allen is a veteran performer from Santa Cruz who delivers her Americana with a filling blend of her own songs and favorites. Every song is delivered with her sweet voice and persona. Sharon has gained respect from radio and audiences as she weaves between genres she knows well; folk, country and blues.

To help Sharon bring a toe-tappin’ swinging good time is her band The Dusty Boots, all seasoned musicians who can bring you to your feet or pull at your heart strings. The Dusty Boots are: Mike Mongiello/guitar, Jerry Bradley/bass and vocals, Jim Hannibal/saxophone, Charlie Joe Wallace/steel guitar, and Jimmy Norris/drums and vocals.

Her past collaborations include The Back Alley Band, The Firebirds, Sherry Austin and Henhouse and currently The Dusty Boots. They have shared stages with notables such as B.B.
King, Etta James, Robben Ford, Lonnie Mack, Elvin Bishop, Jesse Colin Young, Laura Love and Paul Thorn.

Hailing from the scenic cliffs and redwoods of the Central Coast, The Slow Coast Band brings a fresh, feel-good blend of coastal rock, folk, and jam band vibes. With rich harmonies, laid-back rhythms, and soulful songwriting, their sound is like a perfect Santa Cruz sunset—warm, easy, and unforgettable.

Whether you’re dancing under the stars or chilling with a glass of wine, The Slow Coast Band sets the perfect soundtrack for your local escape.

Reserve now using the button below! Also, Mattia Pizza will offer amazing freshly baked pizzas and calzones during the show so come hungry!

Make reservations at bit.ly/evwevents for Jefferson’s Revival at El Vaquero Winery – it’ll be a rocking good time.

They’re comin' up around the bend with a heavy dose of CCR and John Fogerty hits and rarities. Jefferson's Revival is a Creedence tribute band composed of three veteran musicians who perform regularly in the Santa Cruz area. If you like CCR and want a rocking good time, come catch Jefferson's Revival. Close your eyes… and believe your ears, they sound just like the real thing.

Make reservations at bit.ly/evwevents to welcome Sweet Voodoo back to El Vaquero Winery.

Sweet VooDoo is a solid band of seasoned players bringing super danceable rock-n-funk-n-jams to the party. The voodoo that WE do will get you moving, grooving and singing along to a mix of epic hits and rare gems from the deep vault of all-time greats like Aretha, Hendrix, Zeppelin, Santana, Joplin, and many more. We’ll rock the house and tickle your funky bone with a tight rhythm section, a shredding guitarist, and a dynamic leading lady… come check out the show!

Make Reservations NOW at bit.ly/evwevents for a special Sunday May 11th Mothers Day performance of “Diamonds in the Rough” A Tribute to the Music of John Prine.

As the “Mark Twain of American songwriting,” John Prine was one of the most celebrated singer/songwriters of his generation. A master storyteller, his work is often witty and always heartfelt, frequently offering a sly but sincere reflection of his Midwestern roots, writing about the lives of ordinary people in a remarkable and perceptive way.

You are invited to spend an intimate evening with the acoustic duo “Diamonds in the Rough” featuring Jim Rosenberg and Paul Logan as they perform a sweeping assortment of John’s many masterpieces. From “Sam Stone” and “Illegal Smile” to “Summer’s End” and “When I Get to Heaven” as well as the in-between, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry and most likely even reconsider just how you view this goofy ‘ol world we live in.

$10 Coverc at the door (100% paid to the musicians) We’ll have award winning wine and a quality food truck.

By the way, you may have already enjoyed a Jim Rosenberg performance. Jim is the lead vocalist for the “Not So Young” Neil Young Tribute band which has sold out each time they’ve played at El Vaquero Winery.

Make reservations at bit.ly/evwevents to see Touch’d Too Much AC/DC Tribute Band at El Vaquero Winery.

Local musicians agree, these guys are great, they sound just like Bon Scott era AC/DC, just close your eyes and believe your ears.

Get your reservations at bit.ly/evwevents early, They sell out most times.

$10 Cover at the door, food by a quality food truck and award winning wines.

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Make reservations at bit.ly/evwevents for Salsa Night with Flor de Cana.

A decade ago, when locals Flor De Caña were just getting started, there were several traditional Latin bands. Nowadays, most Latin bands are fusing in other elements like ska, reggae, electronic and hip-hop. Flor De Caña, however, stays true to the sounds of authentic Cuban son and cumbia.

Enjoy an evening of friends, dancing, great food and wine and beautiful music by Flor De Caña. $10 Cover at the door, great food truck food and award winning wines.

Reservations ARE REQUIRED and available at bit.ly/evwevents

Make reservations at bit.ly/evwevents to welcome back the Ripatti Rose Band.

“Amazing hard rocking band from Santa Cruz with shredding guitars and bass and three great vocalists. Alisha Ripatti covers vocals from Led Zeppelin to Heart with gusto!” - Bob Prikazsky (EVW Reviews)

Led by guitarist/vocalist Dylan Rose, this band features vocalist Alisha Ripatti, Keith Wieland on drums, David DeSilva on bass, and Jocelyn Olson on keyboards. Rooted in the Santa Cruz music scene, this talented lineup can traverse

Tom Ralston is well-known among Santa Cruzans for his creative and innovative concrete work spread throughout the county on major public projects and private residential projects. He began singing and playing piano before he was 10 and currently leads a 15-member group that plays a mixture of rock, soul, jazz and his own original music. The full 15 piece band performs once a year, but for this special performance at El Vaquero, Tom breaks down the big band to six musicians: Tom on vocals and keys, Daniel Vee Lewis on bass, Gary Regina on saxophones, Bob von Elgg on guitar, Paul Tarantino on baritone sax and flute, and Mike Shannon on drums.

Find out more about The Tom Ralston Band at their website tomralstonmusic.com