Moonstone Cellars

05/21/2026

What a night at Moonstone Cellars Open Mic!

May 20 brought a full house and one of those evenings that remind you why we do this.

A delight of the night was the return of Natalie, our newest young regular, who has already stolen everyone's hearts. The room lit up when she walked in.

And then there was Rick Floyd, who took Pink Floyd's "Fearless" and absolutely blew the roof off. If you were there, you know. If you weren't — well, you missed something special.

We were also treated to a rare and delightful visit by Jeff Pine, which made the night even more special for everyone who knows and loves him.

Brian Wright added his signature percussion on cajon to several performers throughout the night, and Kevin Byrne stood out as always on harmonica. Nights like this remind us what live music is all about — musicians lifting each other up.

Through it all, Andy Pickar kept the wine flowing, which, as anyone who's been to Moonstone knows, makes the music just a little bit sweeter.

Another great night on the books. See you at the next open mic on June 3.

📍Moonstone Cellars — where great music and great wine make magic together.

05/14/2026

Recap - Open Mic, My 13

Last night’s open mic at Moonstone Cellars wasn’t just another Wednesday showcase—it was a reminder of what makes a room come alive. From the first strum to the last lingering note, the evening pulsed with full, enthusiastic energy, both from the audience and the impressive roster of musicians who graced the small stage.

The night unfolded like the best kind of sonic mixtape: solo acts laying bare their hearts, followed by unexpected collaborations that crackled with spontaneity. A fingerpicked ballad would give way to a bluesy improvisation as two musicians found a groove mid-song. Another set saw three musicians playing together, yielding a harmony so tight—proof that the Moonstone magic isn’t just in the wine.

Speaking of which, Andy Pickar kept those glasses generously filled, pouring with a warmth that matched the evening’s vibe. And at the helm, Oz Barron steered the ship with effortless charm—keeping the night on track, the transitions smooth, and the encouragement high. As emcee, Oz knew exactly when to let a moment breathe and when to call up the next brave soul.

By night’s end, the candles had burned low, but no one wanted to leave. Another great open mic at Moonstone Cellars—where the music is honest, the collaborations are fearless, and the room feels like family.

The next open mic will be on May 20 at 6 PM. There is a very special open mic slated for June 10, as this will be the last time Oz Barron serves as emcee after seven and a half wonderful years. Don't miss that one.

04/16/2026

April 15 Open Mic at Moonstone Cellars

Last night's open mic at Moonstone Cellars was one of those evenings that sneak up on you — the kind where the evening felt a little looser, the crowd a little warmer, and the room a little more like a family gathering than a wine bar. A few of the usual regulars were missing, but their absence made room for something just as good: surprises.

Oz Barron anchored the night with his usual steady presence — calm, quick with a smile, and effortlessly keeping things moving from one act to the next. Behind the bar, Andy Pickar poured glasses of red and white with easy hospitality, making sure no one's cup ran dry too long.

The familiar faces that did show up made the night their own. Brian Wright was, as always, everywhere at once — his cajón locking in with nearly every set, giving the night a low, breathing pulse that never quit. Bob McCandless made a rare appearance, adding his presence to the evening's roll call of welcome returns.

And then there was Bethany, or “B-Rae” as we call her. Making a rare appearance, she took the stage with quiet confidence. When Wendy Lynn Wright generously donated one of her two songs, B-Rae found herself with three turns at the mic — and she made every one count, starting with classic blues.

Another Wednesday well spent at Moonstone.

April has five Wednesdays, so we grabbed the last date, April 29, and then we start over with the first three Wednesdays in May. Same place, same time. See you there.

In the meantime, check the Events List for a non-stop list of reasons to visit Moonstone Cellars. https://www.moonstonecellars.com/events

04/10/2026

April 8 Open Mic at Moonstone

Last night's open mic at Moonstone Cellars was a reminder that the best evenings are the ones you can't quite plan for.

Oz Barron hosted with his usual steady hand — warm, efficient, and always ready with a nod to the next performer. Behind the bar, Andy Pickar poured wine by the glass or bottle, keeping the room hydrated and happy.

The regulars showed up as they always do. Brian Wright was everywhere again — playing his cajón, adding that pulsing heartbeat to song after song. Ellie Zacks took her turn at the mic with several others with her signature ease.

But the highlight of the night came from Brian Gundersdorf. He brought a rare combination of humor and talent to the stage — the kind of easy confidence that only comes from someone who's spent real time on real gigs. He had the room laughing between lines and leaning in during every chord change.

The bittersweet news? He won't be back for a while. So those who were there on April 8 caught something special — a fleeting performance that won't be repeated soon.

By evening's end, the lounge had that familiar glow: empty glasses, lingering laughter, and a handful of people already marking their calendars.

Next open mic: Wednesday, April 15 at 6 PM.

Don't blink. You never know who might show up — or how long they'll stay.

04/02/2026

Last Night at Moonstone Cellars: Collaboration, Cajón, and a Traveling Virtuoso

Last night’s open mic at Moonstone Cellars fell on April 1—but none of it was a joke. It was a reminder of what makes small-town wine country stages so magical: not just the talent, but the willingness to share it.

Oz Barron, as always, served as the evening’s gracious host—keeping the transitions smooth and the vibe welcoming. And behind the bar, Andy Pickar kept the wine flowing with a steady hand and a smile, ensuring no glass stayed empty for long.

Ten musicians took the stage over the course of the evening, but the night never felt like a standard lineup of solo acts. Instead, collaboration was the real headliner.

The energy was set early when a de facto jam band kicked things off: Brian Wright, Oz Barron, Ed Stokely, and Bruce Tallerman locked into a groove that filled the tasting room and set a loose, improvisational tone for the hours to follow.

One of the night’s recurring highlights was Brian Wright, who seemed to be everywhere at once. He could often be found sliding in beside other musicians on cajón, adding a warm, pulsing layer of percussion that elevated set after set.

Much like Brian, Ellie Zacks, and Kevin Byrne joined with several other performers to add their talents to the mix. Ed Stokely jumped on Brian’s cajón to play with Judy Philbin.

But the true special treat came in the form of Brian Gundersdorf, a professional musician just passing through the area. Gundersdorf brought a polished, effortless quality to his performance. It’s not every open mic that gets a visiting pro of his caliber, and Moonstone’s regulars knew it. He was invited to play a third song and still left the audience wanting more. We hope he returns.

By night’s end, what started as ten separate musicians felt more like one floating, ever-shifting ensemble—proof that at Moonstone Cellars, the best sets are the ones where no one plays alone.

Catch the next open mic on April 8 at 6 PM. You just never know what the evening will produce.

03/23/2026

As if you need another reason to visit Cambria, here's a great article about the area's charm. Moonstone Cellars is highlighted as one of the area's treasures.

This Quiet California Coastal Town Is A Hidden Gem For Art, Wine, And Ocean Views September 16, 2025 Credit: Google Maps If you’re craving a laid-back getaway where the pace is slower and the views are unbeatable, there’s a spot along California’s Central Coast that might just surprise you. It...

03/19/2026

A Sultry Night of Stories and Songs: Last Night's Open Mic at Moonstone Cellars

There's something magical about a warm March evening in Cambria, and last night (March 18) at Moonstone Cellars, we soaked up every minute of it.

The air was sultry, the wine was flowing, and though we wrapped up a bit earlier than usual, every moment was filled with the kind of intimate, soul-nourishing music that makes our Open Mic nights so special. Sometimes the best things come in perfectly paced packages!

From heartfelt originals to beloved covers, our talented lineup of musicians took the stage and reminded us why this community gathering has become a weekly highlight for so many.

While last week we packed the house, last night we filled the hearts of everyone in attendance. Different energy, same magic.

A huge thank you to every performer who shared their art, and to everyone who sat sipping, listening, clapping, and being part of this wonderful music family we're building together.

Looking ahead: We'll be back at it on April 1! Want to secure a spot? The best way is to sign up in advance at this link: https://www.moonstonecellars.com/eventslist/2026/04/01

Walk-ins are always welcome when time permits, but slots fill fast!

Until next time, Cambria—keep those songs close and we'll see you soon.
🎶 🍷 🌙

03/12/2026

Fire, Friendship, and Brain Health: A Sizzling Open Mic at Moonstone Cellars!

What an incredible night at Moonstone Cellars! Last night’s Open Mic (March 11) was absolutely packed, and the energy in the room was electric. A huge thank you to everyone who came out—both the talented musicians who took the stage and the fantastic audience who filled the house with support.

The night was a true testament to the amazing music community we have here in Cambria. It was especially inspiring to see so many familiar faces—our incredible regulars—not just playing, but actively collaborating. We’re seeing new musical partnerships form right before our eyes. Artists are jamming together and making songs on the spot. That spirit of creation is what makes nights like these so special.

A special shout-out to Rick Smith, who shared a fascinating piece of research with the crowd. Rick highlighted the strong scientific evidence showing that music is a powerful tool in fighting dementia—not just for those playing instruments, but for audience members actively listening and enjoying it, too.

This message was the perfect cap to the evening: by doing what we love—making and sharing music—we’re not just having fun; we’re taking care of our brains and our community. So, keep singing, keep playing, and keep listening!

To greatly improve your chance of getting a musician slot at the next open mic, submit the form at https://www.moonstonecellars.com/eventslist/2026/03/18. We're often full, but walk-ins are welcome when time allows.

We can’t wait to see everyone again next time. Keep an eye out for the next Open Mic on March 18. See you there!

03/11/2026

Don't miss out on a great evening of wine and music. Join the fun at Moonstone Cellars at 6:00 PM tonight.

03/05/2026

Spring Forward with Live Music at Moonstone Cellars 🎸🍷

Daylight Saving Time is here, and we’re celebrating with more sunshine inside Moonstone Cellars! Join us on Wednesday, March 11th, starting at 6 PM for our tri-monthly Open Mic Night.

Dust off those instruments and join us in the lounge for a night of incredible local talent. (This night is all about acoustic melodies—poets, we love you, and your dedicated night is coming soon!).

Musicians: Want to secure a slot? We highly recommend signing up in advance using our form below:
https://www.moonstonecellars.com/eventslist/2026/03/11 (Walk-in performers are welcome, but advance sign-ups receive priority!)

🪑 Audience: Just want to listen? 🍷 Grab a glass (or a bottle!) and let the soundtrack of the evening chase away the last of the winter blues. Andy Pickar is behind the bar, pouring the good stuff.

We can’t wait to see you on Wednesday, March 11. It’s always free, but we kindly suggest a $5 donation to .

03/05/2026

An Evening of Firsts and Familiar Faces at Moonstone Cellars

Last night, Moonstone Cellars Open Mic Night - March 4, 6 PM proved once again why its open mic nights have become a beloved sanctuary for local musicians and music lovers alike. The room was warm, the wine was flowing, and the talent on display was nothing short of remarkable.

The evening began with a shift behind the microphone: Rick Smith stepped in as guest emcee for the night, filling in for the irreplaceable Oz Barron with grace and good humor. Rick kept the night moving smoothly, setting the tone for a delightful evening of wine and music.

A huge thank you as well to Steve Finch, who manned the audio board all night and helped every performer sound their absolute best.

Steve Nathanson kicked off the night, settling the room with his strong guitar and singing skills. From there, the evening unfolded like a perfect setlist:

Bev Praver followed, her vocals soaring through the room with warmth and humor.

John Lasersohn took the stage next. We haven’t heard from John for a while. Welcome back.

Kermit Johannson joined the frey.

Pat Pemberton kept the momentum going with his humor, strong voice, and well-chosen music.

Gary Spivack is a recent Cambria transplant and is becoming a regular. See you soon, Gary. We hope your wife, Jill, can join you next time.

Bruce Tallerman followed with his always thoughtful original songs and keyboard skills.

Kevin Byrne kept the energy alive; his set blended guitar and harmonica.

Deborah Orde closed out the night, her performance a beautiful cap on an evening of shared artistry.

A special thank you to Andy Pickar, who kept glasses full and the bar welcoming. His presence is as much a part of the night as the music itself.

Todd Clift, winemaker and owner of Moonstone Cellars, always deserves a huge thanks for allowing us to use the lounge for these open mic nights.

For over seven years, these Wednesday nights have been more than just an event. They are a gathering place. Friendships have been forged here, collaborations born, and every week, the room fills with people who believe in the power of live music.

We host an open mic on the first three Wednesdays of every month. If a month has five Wednesdays, guess what? We use that one, too. Mark your calendar—the next one is Wednesday, March 11.

See you there.