Local Music Scene Thrives

By Michele Robertson

The live music scene is thriving in Carlsbad. From local bands to regional and globally touring musicians, a variety of venues and music genres are available to enjoy throughout the week and year.

All year long, indoor venues like Milton’s Brewing, Cal’s Shade Western, and Guadalupe Mountain Brewing offer weekly shows. During warmer months, live music can be found at restaurants with patios like YellowBrix and at outdoor venues such as the Carlsbad Downtown Farmers and Makers Market, the Beach Bandshell, the Gazebo by the water park, and during annual festivals like CavernFest, Brews on the Pecos, Septembeer Fest, and The Cavern City Renaissance Festival, to name a few.

Many area organizations—like Carlsbad Community Concerts, which offers members four performances a year—bring talent from around the country and often from other countries. Local schools host musical performances showcasing students’ work from band and choir. The Carlsbad Wind Symphony, comprised of community members, hosts seasonal shows. Even the Carlsbad Public Library and Carlsbad Museum host musical performances from time to time inside their buildings or outside in the Halagueno Arts Park.

The City of Carlsbad has the Walter Gerrells Performing Arts Center that brings in the occasional musical act, and the soon-to-open Cavern Theater will also host music in addition to other mediums of performing arts. Both Senior Citizen Centers in town have groups of individuals that get together for jam sessions and dances. Not to mention local churches and garage bands that fill souls and neighborhoods with the joy of music.

JJ Aguilar, a local musician who’s been playing from a young age, recently celebrated 19 years with his band LastChild. Hosting a birthday bash with current and former band members on Saturday, February 1, the band played to a crowded room of residents, all jamming out and enjoying tunes while dancing the night away.

“As the sole original member, LastChild is my baby. There have been a few member changes over the years, but I won’t go anywhere!” Aguliar enthused.

“I started playing music very young, about three years old. I started playing on an old piano at my grandma’s house that belonged to my great aunt. When they realized that I had an interest in music, my aunt would have me sit next to her on the bench and teach me little songs. The first song that I ever learned to play was My Country ‘Tis of Thee, then I discovered KISS and VanHalen when I was about 6; changed my life,” Aguilar said.

“My favorite thing about the music scene is that there are different places and more opportunities to showcase your talents. I can remember back when you couldn’t even get a local gig unless you were Spanish or country—not that those styles of music are not good,” he said.

“There was even a time in the first half of LastChild that we hardly EVER played in town. We traveled constantly to other towns and cities to play. Now, I am just ecstatic at all of the opportunities to play, and all of the local talent and artists are just phenomenal! We are also a tight-knit family. We are very supportive of each other and kind of push each other along, helping each other to get better,” added Aguilar.

“I am greatly appreciative of the opportunities to play here, and I’d like to give a special thank you to everyone who supports live entertainment wherever it is. Without any of you, we would not be able to do what we do. Your kind words and encouragement keep us going; thank you, thank you, thank you!” he said.

Holly Moon, an area singer and songwriter, echoes Aguilar’s sentiments. “I was lucky enough to be gifted a guitar at 15 by my parents but have been writing and singing as young as eight. I’d say my favorite thing about the music scene in Carlsbad is the inclusiveness. Everyone gets a chance to shine and show what they’ve got. I really enjoy playing at the Farmer’s Market in town, but I would be happy to play anywhere,” she said.

“Find your sound and believe that what you bring to the table is worthy and that your contribution to music matters,” encouraged Moon.

Aguilar’s words of encouragement are, “Play something that moves you. Music for me is very emotional, and sometimes, I get choked up when the crowd really gets involved. So, play something that really moves you emotionally, and always stay humble. Visit with your fans and make them feel special, and most importantly, just keep playing. Don’t ever give up. Don’t worry about if the other person is better than you; that doesn’t matter. What matters is you are playing.”

Some local venues shared their “why” for supporting live music:

Shawna Calhoun, owner of Cal’s Shade Western, said, “Cal’s Shade Western is proud to showcase the live music scene in Carlsbad. There are so many talented musicians that have played here, from local artists to bigger-name artists like Scott Bartlett from Saving Abel most recently,” she said.

“We have had many talented bands and solo artists throughout the years and look forward to bringing many more. Music is a universal way of bringing happiness to our valued customers and a place to dance or sit and enjoy a variety of different types of music, such as Spanish, Country, and Rock to name a few. We also have karaoke every Friday, hosted by one of our hometown favorites, Cody Zane Wells. We look forward to seeing you.”

Lucas Middleton, owner of Milton’s Brewing in Downtown Carlsbad, said, “Milton’s has been a cornerstone of live music in Carlsbad since day one, creating a space where all can come together to enjoy great performances. From the very beginning, we have been bringing in traveling artists from all over the US and even the world to provide Carlsbad with a wide range of music. It’s nice to bring a new taste for the people of Carlsbad to enjoy. Milton’s has become a go-to destination for music lovers looking for quality entertainment in a welcoming setting.”

To find out when the local venues listed have music or other forms of entertainment happening, follow them on their social media channels for the most up-to-date information, check their websites, look for the events calendar in the Carlsbad Local, or give the business a call to find out their performance schedule.