Band Beat Will Perform October Concerts In California
The supergroup featuring Steve Vai and Adrian Belew plays two California shows in October 2026.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Casino
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The band Beat will bring their tour to California with performances at the Quarry Amphitheater in Santa Cruz on October 9, 2026, and at Blue Note Napa on October 10, 2026. The ensemble features legendary musicians celebrating the music of 1980s King Crimson.
Why it matters
The project was initiated by Adrian Belew to honor the 40th anniversary of the 1980s King Crimson lineup. It has recently expanded its setlist to include material from the 1990s era of the band.
The group maintains a rigorous production schedule, having completed a 21-day rehearsal room intensive. Lead guitarist Steve Vai brings his experience as a three-time Grammy winner to the performances.
The players
Adrian Belew
He is a veteran guitarist who previously performed with David Bowie and Talking Heads.
Steve Vai
He is an acclaimed guitarist and a three-time Grammy Award winner.
Tony Levin
He is an accomplished bassist who has served as Peter Gabriel's long-time sideman since the late 1970s.
Terry Bozzio
He is a renowned drummer who was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame.
Robert Fripp
He is the musician who granted the project permission to use the name Beat.
The details
The band features Adrian Belew, Steve Vai, Tony Levin, and drummer Terry Bozzio, who replaced Danny Carey for the tour. Members finalized the performance arrangements during a three-day session at Steve Vai's studio.
Timeline
1997: Terry Bozzio entered the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame.
2024: The Beat project made its musical debut.
October 9, 2026: Performance at Quarry Amphitheater in Santa Cruz.
October 10, 2026: Performance at Blue Note Napa.
Industry Dynamics
The formation of Beat highlights a growing trend of legacy musicians reuniting to perform specific iterations of band catalogs. This approach allows veterans to capitalize on niche nostalgia while offering modernized arrangements of influential albums.
Fans can purchase tickets for the upcoming shows starting at $95.18 for Santa Cruz and $89 for the Napa performance. Both shows are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. local time.
The takeaway
The project demonstrates how veteran musicians can successfully transition into collaborative touring units by focusing on specific historical eras of their careers. Attendees can expect a blend of technically complex arrangements that highlight the collective skill sets of the individual members.
Further reading
For more information on regional entertainment and event updates, visit the California Casino section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Lodinews.
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