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Music On the Run Local runners – and local residents – know what the fourth Sun- day means in July. It's time for the annual Wharf to Wharf, a super scenic six miles along our coast where 15,000 runners, joggers, weekend athletes, walkers and parents with strollers make their way from Santa Cruz to Capito- la Village. But in true Santa Cruz fashion, it's much more than your typical road race. Along the route you'll find bands and musicians playing their hearts out and motivating the masses making their way to Capitola. Scott Mc- Conville, the event's Race Director, says this added element is indeed unusual. "There are some other races who do feature music, but they're usually on stages with big productions." Booking so many bands along the route helps maintain the Wharf to Wharf's "backyard BBQ, small-town" feel of the event, Scott adds. Brendan Kelly, the race's Entertainment Director and Vice President of the Wharf to Wharf organization, books the 50 bands who play along the race route each year. Most of the bands are "repeat, multi-year performers," Gerry says. He concurs with Scott that "it's definite- ly unique having this many bands play along a race route. There are bands every half mile. The density is amaz- ing!" "We always survey the runners after the event each year," Brendan says. "And the bands are always high up on the list of things that people remember and enjoy about the event. And it brings people back." Roarke Anderson, who ran the Wharf to Wharf for the first time last year and returns this Sunday, agrees. He adds, "it was a surprise to see so many bands playing. I think it's definitely awesome how Santa Cruz incorporates music into events and I appreciated having something to keep my mind occupied while running! The first band runners see every year, right as they pass the Board- walk, is local favorite Jim Greiner and a thir- ty-plus member drum- ming ensemble. Jim and his team have been a staple of the race for thirty-five years. Jim says, "I gather drummers of all levels for the race. We create and provide a groove so as the runners come streaming by - at all leaves of experience themselves – they get this groove that they can just flow along with that inspires and supports them. It's a thrill and an honor to be on the corner of beach and third every year." "The variety of mu- sic is outstanding," Brendan says, "expect everything, and expect the music to change faster than the weath- er. There'll be a heavy metal band, then a jazz band, and then maybe circus band, and we al- ways bring in The Santa Cruz Pipes & Drums. (I've personally ran the race many times in the past. Trust me. It's is amazingly cool to run past a team of bagpip- ers.) Nadia Petrovna Mi- lukhin, who walks the race regularly, loves the music along the route. She says, "in an event like this, you learn to sustain a pace against the race clock. It's all about forsaking that fin- ish line" and just taking it all in. In particular, "I love the ukulele group that plays near The Crow's Nest! They are lovely and enthusiastic, and they help me push through any mental blocks when you think you I can't finish." The race holds a spe- cial place The Coffee Zombie Collective, a string band who has played every Wharf to Wharf since 2010. "It was our first gig outside of busking on the mall," says bandleader Nate Lieby. And their music totally fits the event. "The zeitgeist of our group is to be fun and energetic. We'll get runners throwing their hands in the air and singing along as they run by! Or you'll see someone tired and then see the music picking them up." Another returning favorite is Watsonville Taiko, situated near the end of the race. Kay Miyamoto of the group says they've been playing for the Wharf to Wharf for nearly 20 years. "It such a fun event," Kate says. The runners say we give them energy, but they give us energy. We're near the finish, and we don't stop until the last person comes in." Besides the official booked music, there's an ad hoc community feel to the Wharf to Wharf, and it's some- thing you can only really experience on the ground as a participant. Brendan listed just a few things that runners get to experience along the race route: "You'll pass neighbors cheer- ing, banging on pots and pans or handing Contributed Photo By Michael Gaither MORNING NEWS # 1 RATED GINA DE VECCHIO | PAUL DUDLEY | LAUREN SEAVER | JACLYN DUNN STREAM FREE KSBW ACTION NEWS 8 ON YOUR SCHEDULE Continued on page 4

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