In a college town like Davis, not every music fan is old enough to get into a bar. Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities to hear music without being 21. And all ages live music concerts aren’t necessarily aimed at children. They include independent rock bands, jazz ensembles, classical performances, and nationally touring artists.
For younger audiences, these shows can be an introduction to music they might not otherwise encounter. They also give families, college students, and longtime Davis residents opportunities to enjoy performances together.
The All Ages Shows in Davis calendar brings together upcoming concerts and other music events that welcome audiences of different ages.
When Ozomatli Came to Davis
A good example took place when the Los Angeles band Ozomatli performed at the Veterans Memorial Theatre.
Known for combining Latin music, funk, hip-hop, and rock, Ozomatli presented an afternoon family concert featuring material from its OzoKidz project, which includes the children’s book Moose on the Loose. The band returned that evening for a performance of its regular repertoire.
The concerts, organized by the Davis Phoenix Coalition and Davis Live Music Collective, brought a nationally recognized group to Davis while introducing younger listeners to musicians whose work reaches well beyond children’s entertainment.
It was the kind of experience that can make an impression on a young audience, particularly when hearing an established touring band for the first time.
Music for Every Generation
Davis has other opportunities for audiences to experience music together.
The annual Fourth of July celebration includes performances in Community Park, while the Davis Farmers Market and Picnic in the Park bring musicians into Central Park throughout the year. These gatherings make music part of everyday community life, often introducing listeners to artists they weren’t specifically planning to see.
The Davis Jazz Beat Festival offers another example. Taking place each fall at the John Natsoulas Gallery and Davis Commons, the free festival welcomes all ages, combining live jazz with poetry readings and performance painting. Student ensembles have also been part of the festival, giving younger musicians an opportunity to perform alongside established artists.
All-ages performances aren’t limited to parks and theaters. Armadillo Music hosts in-store concerts, listening parties, and other music events, offering younger audiences opportunities to discover independent artists. At UC Davis, the Mondavi Center presents jazz, classical music, and visiting performers from around the world, with many concerts welcoming younger listeners.
Music at Restaurants, Breweries and Cafés
Some of the more relaxed opportunities to hear music in Davis take place at restaurants, breweries, and cafés, where a performance can be part of an afternoon or evening out.
At Cloud Forest Cafe, the Saturday at the Patio series brings local and regional musicians to the downtown café’s outdoor patio. Performances include jazz, blues, folk, rock, and other styles. The free afternoon shows give audiences a chance to hear music in a casual outdoor setting.
Sudwerk Brewing Company combines its restaurant and beer garden with concerts featuring local and touring musicians. Some performances welcome all ages, making it another option for people interested in combining a meal with a show.
These settings can be particularly appealing to people who might not ordinarily attend a concert. Music becomes part of a familiar outing, with opportunities to discover an artist without planning an entire afternoon or evening around a performance.
Finding the Next Show
For parents introducing children to music, students discovering new bands, or adults interested in hearing something different, all-ages programming offers plenty of choices. Being open to all ages doesn’t necessarily mean a performance is intended for children, and admission policies can vary depending on the event.
Davis Music Guide maintains an updated calendar of all-ages shows, with upcoming performances, event details, and information about where the music is happening.
