Events

Next Trivia Night: 4/15
6:30-8:00pm
Hosted by Michael Cahalan

5:30-7:30pm

With a big map and no planned destination, this trio of seasoned improvisers from the jazz and jam band worlds use song and structure the way spacecrafts use planets: not to land and stay, but to SLINGSHOT around and be propelled back out into the galaxy. During this mostly-improv show, a familiar song could materialize at any time. Or not. All we can promise is that nobody knows what’s going to happen.

Slingshot is:

Guitar and Vocals: Matt Hartle (China Cats, Painted Mandolin, Shady Groove, Grateful Sundays with Matt Hartle and Friends)
Bass: Pete Novembre (OM Trio, Coffee Zombie Collective, Aza, Elephino)
Drums: Bret Bailey (Shady Groove, Elephino, Cosmic Pinball, BlissNinnies)

5:30-7:30pm

Singer/Songwriter Gary Blackburn returns to our Beer Garden.

Central Coast celebrated singer songwriter based in Santa Cruz, Gary Blackburn, brings together his smooth vocals, and stylized guitar picking to his original compositions, and cool covers in the Country, Rock, Folk, Blues genres. Blending old school with contemporary, the Gary Blackburn Band will weave a memorable musical performance of songs that tell stories of love, forgiveness, and the paths that we choose. With a well-rounded repertoire, Gary will show both his versatile soft folk blues side along with his high energy rock side.

4:00-8:00pm (extra long show!)

Aardvark is a jam band indigenous to the SF Bay Area that has been channeling the spirit of the Grateful Dead and like-minded music with choice songs, sweet vocals and transcendent jams since 2011.

Aardvark features the talents of Jon “Skippy” Sherred (bass), Robert Parker (drums), Ben Hollin (keys), and Greg Gavalakis (guitar), often joined by tasty percussionist Paul Stevens and exceptional vocalist Jenifer Freebairn. As the popularity of the Grateful Dead has grown over the years, so has the number of Grateful Dead musicians in the Bay Area. Aardvark distinguishes itself with a consistent lineup, persistent rehearsing, and hair-splitting dedication to authentic renditions of the material. Aardvark performs several times in a typical month, and has played hundreds of shows at various venues, private parties and festivals.

3:00-5:00pm

In this special show, Dan and Laurel play as a quartet with Dan Robbins and Bruce Handloff.

About Dan Frechette and Laurel Thomsen:

Canadian-American duo Dan Frechette & Laurel Thomsen combine emotive, soaring violin, diverse guitar styles, and unique vocal chemistry for a “…match made in heaven.” Based in Northern California, their third album was top ten on the Canadian Roots charts for 2016. They have toured North America extensively, and will be making their European debut in 2017.

Movies in the Taproom Every Monday!

4/21: TBD!

6:45pm start time

Every Monday our brewers select a Keg of Honor, and YOU enjoy $5 pints from it all day long (until it’s gone)!

4/21: TBD!

5:30-7:30pm

Junebug Bayer is a singer/songwriter from Santa Cruz, California who specializes in folk-fusion fingerstyle guitar, occasionally adding harmonica, tap dance, autoharp, kazoo, ukulele, and banjo into the mix.

1:00-5:00pm

Spring is in the air… so is our Springtime Makers Market, coming up on Saturday 4/26! Browse handcrafted jewelry, pottery, knitted goods, and art! Grab a beer, shop in the beer garden sunshine, then stay for live music from Levi Jack from 5:30-7:30pm.

Vendor List/IG Handles:

Najda De Maeseneer
life.soul.canvas

Carrie Beth
nautilusandsway 

Rachel Siwajek
lomapottery

Rochelle Ferro
roCreate

Jean Terauds
funstuffdesigns

Kitty Vicdents
forest_creeper 

Jordan
originalsinjewelrydesign

Jonah
milkandhoneyclayco

Sierra Kohls
Thedesertmarigoldvintagee

5:30-7:30pm

Rock, Americana, Jam, & Outlaw Country from the heart of the Bay Area.

3:00-5:00pm

High energy covers of favorites from all genres and eras

5:30-7:30pm

Local Honey is a Santa Cruz-based band that drips with honey sweet harmony and hums with tight, inventive musicianship. Local Honey’s repertoire pays homage to some of the the big voices of the last seven decades, including Big Mama Thornton, Rachael Price, Gladys Knight, Stevie Nicks, Grace Slick, and Amy Winehouse, among other divas. They seek out feel-good songs with strong vocals and infectious beats and make them their own. Though Local Honey is a new band, all of them are veterans of the Santa Cruz and Monterey music scenes. Members have worked with Honeytone, Ten O’Clock Lunch, Come Together, Backyard Birds, Menage, and Bay Bop. Over the years they’ve played in different combinations at many venues, including Michael’s on Main, Chaminade, Davenport Roadhouse, Hallcrest Vineyards, Joe’s Bar and the Food Lounge.

5:30-7:30pm
Every 1st Thursday of the Month! Dan Robbins joins Matt Hartle on 1/2 for an evening of funk fusion.

About Matt Hartle:

As the lead guitarist for the China Cats and Painted Mandolin, Matt Hartle has established himself as the preeminent jam band guitarist for Santa Cruz and the Bay Area. You can also find him hosting a weekly deep dead jam, where he welcomes Bay Area players for Grateful Sunday shenanigans. Matt’s unique voice and intricate playing style always gets the audience on their feet and feeling their groove. You’ll be dancing to songs from legends like Jerry Garcia, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, as well as rock, blues, jazz, americana, and of course some Matt Hartle originals. Stop by for a “Thursday after work” brew and some hot hartle licks when Matt returns to Discretion Brewing every First Thursday!

5:30-7:30pm

The Dirt Rakers (acoustic trio) are an Americana band featuring Erik Rozite (guitar and vocals), Jayne Williams (mandolin and vocals), and Sean Woodward (lead guitar), a home-brewed group out of the redwoods in the Santa Cruz mountains, blending a high octane / cask-fermented feel, purdy harmonies, and a deep love of all rootsy genres of music. Rock, country, bluegrass, and folk all swirl together in their magical musical brew.

3:00-5:00pm

The BACK PORCH BOYS dig into the glorious roots of American music from the Delta blues in Mississippi to New Orleans up to Memphis over to Austin and jumpin’ to Chicago. Singer-guitarist RICH COWAN and harmonica enthusiast VIRGIL THRASHER put their combined 90 odd years of playing music on display. You will hear the likes of Tampa Red, Mississippi John Hurt, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Fats Domino among other icons from the early days.

5:30-7:30pm

Throughout the course of their exciting journey as a group, the members of Medicine Road have won over the hearts of music lovers around the Bay Area, performing at a variety of venues and making countless public appearances. A talented rock band, Medicine Road has earned the admiration and affection of critics and fans alike from Santa Cruz to San Francisco. Medicine Road formed in their hometown of Boulder Creek, California in 2007. Since then they evolved into popular and versatile talented group of musicians.

They consist of 4 members, Pablo Eagle (singer-songwriter, guitarist), Jonathan (Skippy) Sherred (bass guitar, vocals), Doug Underhill (drums, background vocals), and Sean Woodward (lead guitar, background vocals). The sound can be anything from psychedelic, country, hard rock, jazzy, and or folky, all in one show. The band will not and never has wanted to be one style of music, and pleases people of all ages and musical tastes. They take pride in being an original music band, and playing the music they love, and it shows! A Medicine Road show is like non other, and not to be missed!

5:30-7:30pm

Axe & Acoustic is a new local band with classic covers, fun originals, harmonies, harmonicas, all kinds of strings and drums.

3:00-5:00pm

This beloved local band has been entertaining locals here in Santa Cruz for over 9 years. Their sound is a rich acoustic mix of varied musical genres. Local guitarist Bryan Shelton’s folksy picking style along with Kate Mullikin’s evocative lyrics and smokey vocals, make their performance a fresh listening experience. For this outside, afternoon performance, they’ll be accompanied by stand-up bassist, Devon Pearce and Fiddle and Mandolin player Tommy Lee Baker.

Go to www.wildirissantacruz.com to listen to their past and latest albums.

5:30-7:30pm

With a big map and no planned destination, this trio of seasoned improvisers from the jazz and jam band worlds use song and structure the way spacecrafts use planets: not to land and stay, but to SLINGSHOT around and be propelled back out into the galaxy. During this mostly-improv show, a familiar song could materialize at any time. Or not. All we can promise is that nobody knows what’s going to happen.

Slingshot is:

Guitar and Vocals: Matt Hartle (China Cats, Painted Mandolin, Shady Groove, Grateful Sundays with Matt Hartle and Friends)
Bass: Pete Novembre (OM Trio, Coffee Zombie Collective, Aza, Elephino)
Drums: Bret Bailey (Shady Groove, Elephino, Cosmic Pinball, BlissNinnies)

5:30-7:30pm

Presenting to you the father-daughter duo, The Fintztones! Gene Fintz and daughter Alia Fintz have been playing music most of their lives, and bring to you an eclectic blend of folk, shuffle, blues, rock, jazz, reggae and more – with sweet vocal harmonies, guitar, bass, and saxophone. Both songwriters in their own accord, they sing mostly original songs from the heart with some covers to uplift your spirit and bring joy, especially when it’s needed most.

5:30-7:30pm

Love Creek is a folk-rock/jam band from Santa Cruz, California. Current band members consist of Malakai Lawton (vocals/guitar), Alex Bahler (lead guitar), Ryan Jensen (bass/vocals), Ed Levy (keys), and Rob Borella (drums).

Love Creek pulls from a musical headwaters of jam band and folk rock influences, creating original material that is both heartfelt and powerful, both lyrically and instrumentally. Along with a growing repertoire of original songs, Love Creek also performs music written by artists such as: Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers Band, Jerry Garcia Band, The Cure, Van Morrison, Marshall Tucker Band, Rusted Root, America, as well as many others.

3:00-5:00pm

Lefty Rosa was born in Santa Cruz county but has traveled far and wide to perfect its dreamy brand of original Americana music. It features Ezzie DeGiovanni (acoustic guitar/vocals), Joel Murach (Telecaster/vocals/harmonica), Chris Weinress (upright bass), and Tom Murach (drums).

5:30-7:30pm

5:30-7:30pm

Paul Kent & Friends (5-piece band), live in the Beer Garden!

Paul Kent is a singer / guitarist originally from Brooklyn, NY. In his acoustic shows, Paul plays heartfelt classic rock, country, pop and folk favorites – with occasional surprises of acoustic takes on new music – that provide audiences with reflections from great American artists across genres and eras. Some of the artists he covers are Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, John Mayer, Ryan Adams, Paul Simon and James Taylor. Paul’s repertoire is comprised of songs that tell the story of how we travel through life making connections and finding meaning.

5:30-7:30pm

Chiseled is three pretty cool guys from San Jose who play original music with some stylized covers. Call them indie folk, but you’ll also hear straight folk, country, and indie rock out of them.

5:30-7:30pm

About Matt Hartle:

As the lead guitarist for the China Cats and Painted Mandolin, Matt Hartle has established himself as the preeminent jam band guitarist for Santa Cruz and the Bay Area. You can also find him hosting a weekly deep dead jam, where he welcomes Bay Area players for Grateful Sunday shenanigans. Matt’s unique voice and intricate playing style always gets the audience on their feet and feeling their groove. You’ll be dancing to songs from legends like Jerry Garcia, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, as well as rock, blues, jazz, americana, and of course some Matt Hartle originals. Stop by for a “Thursday after work” brew and some hot hartle licks when Matt returns to Discretion Brewing for 1st Thursdays of the month this summer.

3:00-5:00pm

7th Wave is a very musical, acoustic band with three lead singers, three guitars, flute and percussion. Each member is vocally featured and beautifully blended to create stunning three part harmonies backed with finely executed instrumentation. 7th Wave’s song choices span the spectrum of many decades from the 60’s to present. Together the three musicians create a synergy of harmony, charisma and fun in their performances.

5:30-7:30pm

Redwood Express – Americana Roots rock band with members of The China Cats, Rosebud & Grandpa’s Chili.

3:00-5:00pm

Formed in 2022, Rivets & Rust are a Santa Cruz Rock, Folk, Americana band. Their music encompasses a unique variety of singer-songwriter originals as well as a collection of classic covers. The band’s delivery of a mellow vibe with soaring vocals and smoking guitar passages resonates with a wide range of audiences. Rivets & Rust are: Tim Bennett-guitars/lead vocals, Angela Bennett- keys/harmony vocals, Heather Clark-drums, Glenn MacPherson- lead guitar, Eric Mauerman- bass, and Matthew Merrill- rhythm guitar.

5:30-7:30pm

With a big map and no planned destination, this trio of seasoned improvisers from the jazz and jam band worlds use song and structure the way spacecrafts use planets: not to land and stay, but to SLINGSHOT around and be propelled back out into the galaxy. During this mostly-improv show, a familiar song could materialize at any time. Or not. All we can promise is that nobody knows what’s going to happen.

Slingshot is:

Guitar and Vocals: Matt Hartle (China Cats, Painted Mandolin, Shady Groove, Grateful Sundays with Matt Hartle and Friends)
Bass: Pete Novembre (OM Trio, Coffee Zombie Collective, Aza, Elephino)
Drums: Bret Bailey (Shady Groove, Elephino, Cosmic Pinball, BlissNinnies)

5:30-7:30pm

Live music in the Beer Garden from local surfboard crafter, Ashley Lloyd

5:30-7:30pm

An offshoot of Santa Cruz’s iconic rock band Snail, the Messiahs’ original melodies, hot guitar riffs & killer vocals will transport you to rock nirvana. Featuring Bobby O’Neill, Ken Kraft & Craig Owens.

5:30-7:30pm

Cali-style lounge rock

3:00-5:00pm

Jazz On Tap plays jazz standards from The Great American Song Book. Featuring crooner Rocky Pase on vocals, Richard Robinson (sax, clarinet), Preston Brahm (piano) Thom Nold (Bass) and Bruce handloff (drums). Come out, enjoy a beer and swing with us!

5:30-7:30pm

“Jazz with a Twist”

The Jenny O’Leary Quartet is led by the swinging and talented vocalist Jenny O’ Leary. Jenny sings standards, blues, and bossa novas while accompanied by guitar, bass and drums.

5:30-7:30pm
Every 1st Thursday of the Month!

About Matt Hartle:

As the lead guitarist for the China Cats and Painted Mandolin, Matt Hartle has established himself as the preeminent jam band guitarist for Santa Cruz and the Bay Area. You can also find him hosting a weekly deep dead jam, where he welcomes Bay Area players for Grateful Sunday shenanigans. Matt’s unique voice and intricate playing style always gets the audience on their feet and feeling their groove. You’ll be dancing to songs from legends like Jerry Garcia, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, as well as rock, blues, jazz, americana, and of course some Matt Hartle originals. Stop by for a “Thursday after work” brew and some hot hartle licks when Matt returns to Discretion Brewing for 1st Thursdays of the month.

FREE* DAY (frē dā)

1. A day off
2. Discretion Brewing’s annual Independence Day celebration.
3. An IPA brewed to a different recipe every year and released on Free Day.

Let’s relax and celebrate freedom & togetherness!
Saturday 7/5 from 12-9pm

• Expanded Beer Garden w/ Outdoor Cash Bar
• Special Italian finger food menu from Sugo at Discretion
• Live Music
  • 12-2pm The Silver Lining Serenaders
  • 3-5pm TBD!
  • 5:30-7:30pm Dirt Rakers
• Release of our 2025 Free Day IPA – Available on tap & in 16oz cans
• Corn Hole & other Beer Garden Games

*Free, as in Freedom/Independence; Not the cost of our products 😉

3:00-5:00pm

Acoustic rock trio, ranging from The Beatles to Chuck Berry to very catchy originals. You may find yourself wanting to get off your bar stool and dance.

Stormin Norman is long time lead singer for Stormin Norman & the Cyclones. Ken Kraft is lead player and singer for the Cyclones, plays with the White Album Ensemble and was formerly with the legendary Snail band. Jo Jo Fox is bass player and singer for the Cyclones and also with Karen Phoenix Band.

5:30-7:30pm

Jazz quintet offering up swing, ballads, bossas, and standards drawn from a wide range of time periods on trumpet, piano, guitar, bass, and drums.

3:00-5:00pm

The Owls are Bob O’Neill—songwriter & founding member of Snail—on vocals & guitar, Craig Owens–bass player and vocalist extraordinaire and Harpin Jonny– virtuoso harmonica player & vocalist in the Larry Hosford band and many others.

This unique trio has come together to create a brilliant balance of blues, R&B, and original tunes. The Owls will take you on a fascinating musical flight!