March 1-2
Monterey Wine Competition 2008
King City - Salinas Valley Fairgrounds
www.salinasvalleyfair.com
Tel: 831.385.3243
In 2007 nearly 1200 wines from 8 countries were evaluated by 21 wine professionals over 2 days. Judges awarded 81 gold, 255 silver, and 362 bronze medals. With entries from as far away as New Zealand and South Africa, the Monterey Wine Competition has become a global event.

March 1-16
Kiss Me Kate
Monterey - MPC
Tel: 831.646.4213
www.mpcfaculty.net
Combine Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew" with Porter's music and lyrics to get KISS ME, KATE an instant success with every cast and audience. This is a play.within.a.play where each cast member's on.stage life is complicated by what is happening offstage.

March 1
Decision Making for Parents: Nutrition and Vaccine
Pacific Grove . Robert Down Elementary
Tel: 831.646.6623
jdpope444@yahoo.com
Noted pediatrician/author Dr. Bob Sears helps parents understand the confusing world of vaccines and helps kids grow up to be the healthiest they can be through good eating. Childcare available with pre.registration. Call "Parents' Place" for information
Saturday, March 1, 2008 10:00 am, Robert Down Elementary School Auditorium, 485 Pine Avenue, Pacific Grove. $10 per person or $15 per couple

March 4
Golden Dragon Acrobats
Carmel - Sunset Center
Tel: 831.620.2040
www.sunsetcenter.org
From Kennedy Center to Caesar’s Palace, these talented young people have astounded audiences with a capital "A." Precariously perched on chairs atop tall poles, the performers won't be the only ones on the edge of their seats. Come celebrate twenty.seven centuries of awe.inspiring feats. Feats that will leave you. . .breathless. Starts 7:30 PM

March 6
Zanu/Pulse
CSUMB - World Theatre
Tel: 831.582.4580
www.csumb.edu/worldtheater
Their collective devotion to the incredibly diverse world of percussion music is legendary. And so are their performances. Ethos Percussion Group is like your favorite college professor: They are a blast, and you have no idea how much you are learning at the same time about the rhythms and styles of India, West Africa and the Middle East.Starts 7:30 PM. Price $22.00 . $25.00

March 6
Monterey County Genealogy Society Meeting
Seaside - Family History Center
Tel: 831.582.4580
www.mocogenso.org
rruccello@aol.com
Dana Jacobs will discuss what is new at the family history center,especially about Family Search. Dana will show details about some additions to Family Search, including partnerships with World Vital Records, Footnote, Heritage Quest and others. Come learn the "ins and outs" to these useful (and free at the FHC!) resources.Time: 7 p.m. in the Fireside Room at the Family History Center, corner of Noche Buena and Plumas in Seaside

March 12
Stories for Adults featuring Bill Harley
Monterey Public Library
Don't miss this evening with Bill Harley, Grammy.winning storyteller, author, songwriter and popular commentator on NPR's "All Things Considered". For ages 16.up. 7 PM.

March 7-9
28th Annual Dixieland Monterey
Monterey
Tel: 888.349.6879
www.dixieland.monterey.com
Three days of Dixieland, Swing, and other forms of classic jazz at venues in downtown Monterey and Fisherman's Wharf. Featuring top national Jazz artists, local youth bands and more.

March 8
Colton Hall 158th Birthday
Monterey
Tel: 831.646.5648
www.monterey.org
Join Walter Colton, as portrayed by local actor Kevin Hanstick, in a birthday celebration for California's oldest government building with cake and punch in all of its splendor. The event is free and open to the public. 2 to 4pm

March 8
St. Mary's.By.the.Sea Annual Spring Book Fair
Pacific Grove
Tel: 831.373.4441
www.pacificgrove.org
St. Mary’s by.the.Sea Episcopal Church’s at Edward's Hall will be the site of a great Book Fair. Hundreds of Great Books: History, Art, Cookbooks, Finance, Spiritual, Political, Mysteries, Gardening, Children's Books and more.....Hardcover, paperbacks, some brand new! Plus Videos, DVDs, CDs, Records, cassettes. Fill a bag for $4.00 sale after 1:00 pm.

March 9
19th Annual Great Taste of Pacific Grove
Tel: 831.642.4943
www.pacificgrove.org
Benefit, Auction: A fabulous food and wine event in an elegant setting at The Inn at Spanish Bay, Pebble Beach. Proceeds benefit the students and classrooms of Pacific Grove schools. Showcases the area's finest restaurants and wineries and features silent and live auctions. Sponsored by PG PRIDE (Public Response in Dollars for Education). Fee: $45. Time: 4pm. . 7pm.

March 12
Candlelight Music in Colton Hall
Monterey
Tel: 831.646.5640
www.monterey.org
Enjoy "Category 5 Wind Quartet" by candlelight in a rich historic setting. Reservations required. Starts at 7:30pm

March 12
Stories for Adults featuring Bill Harley
Monterey Public Library
Tel: 831.646.3949
www.monterey.org/library/
mccombs@ci.monterey.ca.us
Don't miss this evening with Grammy.winning storyteller, author, songwriter and popular commentator on NPR's "All Things Considered". For ages 16.up only. Tickets $10 in advance at the Library Check.out Desk or 1 ticket free w/valid MPL or PG Library card. Starts 7pm

March 13 - April 6
The Fantastics
Carmel - Golden Bough Theatre
Tel: 831.622.0100
www.pacrep.org
Holding the world record for the longest running musical, The Fantasticks has been beloved by audiences for nearly half a century. Already seen in over 12,000 productions worldwide, it's a classic coming.of.age story and a timeless celebration of love . first love, lost love, and ultimately, true love.

March 14
Art Wine and Dinner in Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove - The Point Pinos Grill
Tel: 831-383-0630
angela4loans@yahoo.com
Start your evening off with Art and Wine tasting. Next, warm up your taste buds for a delectable dinner.Guest to be seated at 7:00pm. The three-course dinner includes a starter and dessert, as well as a choice between two entrées, stuffed pork tenderloin or wild fresh salmon. Place: The Point Pinos Grill , 77 Asilomar Street Pacific Grove.Time: 5:30pm Cost: $60.00

March 14
Garland Ranch Star Party
Carmel Valley - Garland Ranch Park
Tel: 831.659.6065
www.mprpd.org
Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District (MPRPD) in partnership with Monterey Institute For Research In Astronomy (MIRA) present a night of refreshments and star gazing. MIRA astronomers will provide telescopes and astronomical insight for a greater understanding of the cosmos.FREE to the public.Note: Rain or heavy cloud cover cancels this event.

March 15
52nd Annual Cuttings Day Plant Exchange
Monterey - Friendly Plaza
Tel: 831.646.3860
www.monterey.org
Plant a little bit of Monterey in your own garden. Gardening buffs are invited to exchange softwood cutting materials, seedling plants, bulbs, potted plants, etc. The Monterey Parks Division will have free seedling trees available for the public. Participants are encouraged to bring cuttings and plants for the exchange. Time: 9am . 12 noon at Friendly Plaza next to Colton Hall.

March 15
Carmel Bach Festival Volunteer Faire
Carmel Women’s Club
Tel: 831.624.1521 ext 17
www.bachfestival.org
nicolette@bachfestival.org
Here is your chance to sign up and participate in the 71st Annual Festival! Volunteer Faire and Presentation. Starts: Saturday, March 15th. 2:00.4:00 PM. RSVP Encouraged. Enjoy Treats, Prizes and a preview to our season in a carnival setting.

March 15-16
Monterey Symphony . Concert 5
Salinas - Sherwood Hall
Carmel - Sunset Center
Tel: 831.624.8511
www.montereysymphony.org
Max Bragado.Darman (conductor), Angel Romero (guitar), Copland: Appalachian Spring, Rodrigo: Concierto de Aranjuez, Poulenc: Sinfonietta. Single Ticket Prices: $60 $55 $50 $45 $35. Starts at 8pm

March 17
Splash Zone: Ocean Homes
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Tel: 831.644.7561
www.montereybayaquarium.org
Welcome back blackfooted penguins and other favorite animals, such as cuttlefish, seahorses and tropical fishes, when “Splash Zone: Ocean Homes” re.opens with a bigger splash. In the larger, renovated galleries, you’ll find more to see, more to touch, and more to do for children of all ages. FREE WITH AQUARIUM ADMISSION. Open from 10 am..6 pm

March 20
14th Annual "Good Friday" Fish Dinner & Cake Auction Castroville
Castroville - Mikes Place
Tel: 831.229.1988
Menu: Petroli Sole, Clam Pasta, Steamed Clams & Mussels, Salad and Garlic Bread
Benefits: Monterey County P.A.L., North County Reserve Firefighters and other Youth Programs such as North County PONY Baseball Place: Mike's Place, 10749 Merritt Street, Castroville.Time: 6pm.9pm.Donation: $35.00.Sponsored by: Don Chapin Company, Inc. and Frank Balesteri.

March 20
Kronos Quartet
CSUMB - World Theatre
Tel: 831.582.4580
www.csumb.edu/worldtheater
Kronos Quartet has become one of the most celebrated and influential ensembles of contemporary string quartet music of our time. The Quartet has performed over thousands of concerts worldwide, released over 40 recordings, collaborated with many of the world’s most eclectic composers and performers, and commissioned hundreds of works and arrangements for string quartet. Join us for the special return engagement by this world renowned Grammy Award.winning ensemble.Starts 7:30 PM. Price $22.00 . $25.00

March 21
14th Annual "Good Friday" Fish Dinner & Cake Auction Castroville
Castroville - Mikes Place
Tel: 831.229.1988
Menu: Petroli Sole, Clam Pasta, Steamed Clams & Mussels, Salad and Garlic Bread
Benefits: Monterey County P.A.L., North County Reserve Firefighters and other Youth Programs such as North County PONY Baseball Place: Mike's Place, 10749 Merritt Street, Castroville.Time: 6pm.9pm.Donation: $35.00.Sponsored by: Don Chapin Company, Inc. and Frank Balesteri.

March 24
Mozart Society Concert Series
Carmel - Sunset Center
Tel: 831.626.9938
www.carmelmusic.org
Ivan Zenaty, violin and Paul Hersh piano, performing Sonata for violin and piano in G Major K30. Starts at 8:00 pm

March 25-30
Pebble Beach Spring Horse Show
Pebble Beach
Tel: 831.624.2756
www.ridepebblebeach.com
Rated “A” by the American Horse Show Association, this show is a great introduction to the season for trainers with young horses and for up and coming riders to gain some great experience.

March 27-30
1st Annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine Event
Tel: 831.622.7770
www.pebblebeachfoodandwine.com
Pebble Beach Food and Wine celebrates 35 celebrity chefs and 200 wineries during this four day event. Internationally acclaimed wineries and chefs are brought together with California's regional superstars to create an unbelievable series of luxurious lunches, delectable dinners, wine tasting, cooking demonstrations, and one of the most remarkable rare wine auctions in the country.

March 29
Poetry Writing Workshop with Patrice Vecchione
Monterey Public Library
Tel: 831.646.3949
www.monterey.org/library/
mccombs@ci.monterey.ca.us
Practice your writing with this inspiring poet and teacher. Workshop features poetry writing exercises, encouragement and feedback. For ages 14.adult. Pre.registration required. This event is supported by Poets & Writers, Inc. through a grant it has received from the James Irvine Foundation. FREE. Starts 2pm

March 29-30
19th Annual Art on the Plaza
Monterey - Custom House Plaza
Tel: 831.625.0931
The 19th annual Art on the Plaza returns to downtown Monterey at Custom House Plaza State Park featuring contemporary arts and crafts by 60 exhibitors at this historic outdoor gallery across from Fisherman's Wharf. Event runs 10.5 daily and is free and open to the public with convenient parking adjacent to the event at Fisherman's Wharf (Del Monte @ Washington)