Moonstone Cellars

06/11/2026

🎶 The Music Plays On — Open Mic Wednesday, June 17, 6–8 PM at Moonstone Cellars! 🎶

Big news: after 7½ incredible years, Oz Barron has passed the mic — and I'm honored to catch it. I'm Rick Smith, and I've been at this open mic since night one, playing, snapping photos, and writing recaps. The host is new, but everything you love stays: the friendliest stage on the Central Coast, great wine, and a room full of people who genuinely want to hear you play.

First-timer with butterflies? Road-tested veteran? Somewhere in between? Step up — this stage was built for you. And if performing isn't your thing, your job is even easier: settle into the welcoming warmth of the Moonstone Cellars lounge, pour a glass, and enjoy. There's no cozier spot in Cambria to spend a Wednesday evening. 🍷

🎤 Ten is the magic number — that's how many stage slots we have, and they fill up fast. Claim yours now: https://www.moonstonecellars.com/eventslist/2026/06/17
Walk-ins welcome, but the early birds get the stage.

Bonus: it's Father's Day weekend! Start the celebration early — bring Dad for a glass and some live local music. Trust us, he doesn't need another tie. 👔

Andy Pickar will keep the wine flowing with a smile, as always.

📍 Moonstone Cellars | 812 Cornwall Street, Cambria
🗓️ Wed, June 17 | 🕕 6–8 PM

The mic is waiting. 🎸

06/11/2026

A Fond Farewell: Oz Barron's Final Night at the Mic 🎶

After seven and a half years of guiding, growing, and gently herding the Moonstone Cellars open mic, Oz Barron stepped up to host one last time — and the Central Coast music community showed up to make sure he knew what those years meant.

The evening wasn't quite an open mic; it was more like a planned celebration — and a birthday wish for Oz's wife, Kris, too — which made the night doubly special.

Bruce Tallerman got things started on keyboard, then Kat Edmondson and Jonathon Shue joined in — every performance feeling a little like a thank-you note set to music. Mae Blonski followed with their own brand of magic, while Brian Wright held it all together on cajón.

Then Oz closed it the way he should have: with a set of his own, in front of a crowd that overflowed the lounge and spilled toward the door. There were more than a few tears in the room — the kind that come when something good ends well.

The night held one more surprise: winery owner Todd Clift presented Oz with a $1,000 check to Sweetwater Sound, funded by donations from the musicians and friends who loved him — and who will miss him dearly. A fitting send-off for a man who gave so much of himself to the music.

Seven and a half years is a long time to keep a stage warm. Oz didn't just run an open mic; he moved it forward, building a place where seasoned players and first-timers alike could find an audience and a welcome. That spirit doesn't leave with him — it's baked into the room now.

Oz and Kris are off to Portland next, excited for this new phase of life — and we couldn't be happier for them, even as we'll miss seeing them around town. Happy birthday, Kris, and safe travels to you both.

As for what's next: I'm Rick Smith, and I'll be taking the keys from here. I've been part of this open mic since day one — I'm the guy behind the recaps and photos after every show — so you can count on the same welcoming stage, and yes, the camera's still coming with me. Big shoes to fill, but I plan to keep this the friendliest stage on the Central Coast.

Andy Pickar, as usual, keeps the wine flowing with a smile.

Thank you, Oz. The mic won't be the same without you, but it will always be better because of you. 🍷🎸

06/04/2026

What a night at Moonstone Cellars Open Mic!

June 3 was no ordinary open mic. After 7½ years of guiding, inspiring, and holding space for every performer who ever stepped up to that mic, Oz Barron took his final bow as emcee — and the Moonstone family showed up to send him off in style.

The room was full of love, laughter, and a few happy tears. Pat Pemberton had everyone roaring with his list of 10 reasons Oz is leaving — a perfect tribute from someone who knows how to land a punchline. Bob McCandless moved the room with an original goodbye song he composed just for the occasion. And song after song through the night carried the theme of friendship, gratitude, and the kind of bonds that don't break just because someone moves away.

Because that's where Oz is headed — a beautiful new home in Portland. And while we're thrilled for him, there's no pretending this one doesn't sting a little. Seven and a half years is a long time. A lot of first performances. A lot of nervous newcomers who walked in as strangers and left feeling like family — because of the tone Oz set every single week.

The tributes were heartfelt, the performances were inspired, and the whole evening had that rare quality where you know, even as it's happening, that you're in the middle of something you'll always remember.

Through it all, Andy Pickar kept the wine flowing — and on a night like this, that was exactly what the room needed.

Thank you, Oz. For every night, every performer you championed, and every bit of magic you helped make happen at this little winery on the Central Coast. Portland is lucky to have you.

But wait — there's one more chapter. On June 10, Oz will host a special goodbye show at Moonstone Cellars — not an open mic, but a proper send-off concert. We're expecting a capacity crowd, and honestly, that's no surprise. If you want to be there to say goodbye in person, don't wait — get there early.

We'll see you on June 10. Come raise a glass to one of the good ones.

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

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.
🎶 🍷 🌙