Los Lobos reminded the audience to “get out and vote!” The East L.A. rockers seamlessly dropped into the midway point of Santana’s “Black Magic Woman,” which led them into “Oye cómo va,” the second half of the beloved one-two punch. Another one of several unforgettable Los Lobos moments (see more on RC’s Facebook page): busting out Alvaro Carrillo Alacon’s classic love song, “Sabor a mi,” prompting the crowd to slow-dance in the aisles.
Auto & Diesel Repair student Devin (pictured below with John Muir Charter Schools Deputy Director Mirel Mejia) has never done any public speaking. On Sunday afternoon, he was asked to speak to an audience of more than 150 about his personal journey and how Rancho Cielo has made a difference. Before his moment on stage, the thriving student expressed that he’d never been so nervous. “Rancho Cielo has given me more opportunities and has helped me figure out my career path,” Devin said. “It’s also given me the opportunity to learn from my peers.” Devin nailed it!
Rancho Cielo’s community partnerships engaged with attendees every day. Montage Health’s Ohana, Salinas Valley Health, Harmonyat Home, Monterey County Behavioral Health, UCSF | UC Berkeley Schwab Dyslexia & Cognitive Diversity Center, Hope, Horses & Kids had a lot to share about mental health and the different approaches they are employing to address mental health and the youth. They also had an excellent array of swag, so everyone went home with something!
Celebrated jazz crooner and pianist Sarah Mckenzie and her band performed Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Corcovado,” bringing the pristine warm beaches of Brazil to a very chilly Salinas night on Saturday.
The Food Experience! Soul food that was knock-your-socks-off amazing, courtesy of Tacos on the Go; polenta topped with pork and mole from Cultura Carmel that transported you to Oaxaca; and an incredible assortment of local cheeses and beyond, which was the showcase of Star Market’s thoughtful charcuterie spread all three days. Eleven establishments (also, two breweries and a winery) and chefs donated 100% of their time, talent, food and beverages in support of Jazz at the Ranch, and boy, did they go all out!
Caleb Baker‘s (pictured below) presence was among the many JAR Food Experience memories that will forever live on in Rancho Cielo’s history. In front of many hungry eyes, the Drummond Culinary Academy (DCA) grad, now Bayonet Grill executive chef, tossed fresh shrimp in a pan over a hot flame with skillfully prepared reduction sauce before plating them with creamy homemade maseca polenta and his house-pickled onion. On a side note, Pedro Mendoza (pictured in stripes below) a DCA grad and the artistic force behind the original poster art for the 2024 Jazz at the Ranch (see below), jumped in the line to assist Baker with the cooking.
Whether it was using a slicer to provide expertly sliced tri-tip for killer sliders, adding the perfect dollop of crème fresh on top of tomato gazpacho or shucking fresh oysters, Rancho Cielo’s DCA students were a consistent presence all weekend. In addition to learning how to create their own culinary masterpieces, they shadowed and assisted all visiting chefs, served guests and ensured every inch of the venue was cleaned up daily.
DCA General Manager Wanda Straw, DCA Event Coordinator/Instructor Laura Nicola (pictured below), Executive DCA Chef/Instructor Esteban “EJ” Jimenez (pictured below) and Chef/Efren Diaz Ortigoza are the culinary instruction world’s answer to the 1996 NBA Dream Team. Nobody knows the industry better than this group, and all three days, they were passing on knowledge that their students will be using throughout their professional careers.
On Friday afternoon, the music kicked off with the Monterey Jazz Festival Regional All-Star Band, a program boasting some of the most talented musicians in the region. And most of them aren’t old enough to drive. One of the gifted players who made up the quintet that performed at RC was 14-year-old Evan Wiederanders, who Monterey Jazz Festival Executive Director Colleen Bailey described as one of, if not the most extraordinary young musicians she’s ever encountered. All five youngsters held their own, but Wiederanders navigated the black-and-white keys even on the most complex compositions with an expression of ease.
This three-day fusion of music and food took a lot of work. It couldn’t have happened without the generosity of our sponsors, local businesses and the community of volunteers who support Rancho Cielo! Remember, 100% of the proceeds from this event will go to our Arts and Mental Health Programs!
