MBCFM

Meet The Great Morgani at the Aptos Farmers Market
2026-07-11 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Aptos Farmers Market | Cabrillo College, Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
Join us for a special morning with one of Santa Cruz County’s most beloved local characters as Frank Lima, better known as The Great Morgani, visits the Aptos Farmers Market for a book signing on Saturday, July 11.
For more than two decades, The Great Morgani delighted market-goers and downtown visitors with colorful costumes, lively accordion music, and a one-of-a-kind street performance that became part of the fabric of our community. Now, Frank is sharing the remarkable story behind the character in his memoir, The Great Morgani: The Creative Madness of a Stockbroker Turned Street Musician.
Stop by to meet Frank, hear a few stories, purchase a signed copy of his memoir, and learn how a Soquel chicken ranch, an accordion, and a wonderfully creative imagination became one of Santa Cruz’s most memorable local legends.
What to expect:

Meet Frank Lima, aka The Great Morgani
Purchase a signed copy of his memoir
Hear stories from behind the colorful costumes and accordion performances
Learn about one of Santa Cruz’s most beloved community characters
Enjoy a fun and memorable visit while shopping the farmers market

Whether you’ve known The Great Morgani for years or are discovering his story for the first time, this special event celebrates the creativity, humor, and community spirit that make the Aptos Farmers Market such a unique gathering place.

Ride the Swell: Discover the Magic of Kombucha
2026-07-18 09:30 - 10:30
Ever wondered what kombucha actually is—or what that mysterious “SCOBY” everyone talks about looks like?
Join the women behind Living Swell Kombucha for an engaging and delicious look inside the world of craft kombucha. Founded by two Santa Cruz friends and mothers, Living Swell has grown from neighborhood garage “fill-ups” into a thriving local brewery built on community, sustainability, and a passion for nourishing people with traditionally brewed kombucha.
During this special presentation, you’ll learn how kombucha is made from start to finish, meet a live SCOBY (the living culture responsible for fermentation), discover fascinating facts about this centuries-old beverage, and hear the inspiring story of how Living Swell Kombucha came to life.
Best of all, you’ll have the opportunity to sample a selection of their refreshing, small-batch kombuchas crafted with seasonal fruits and herbs sourced from local farms.
What to expect:

Meet the founders and hear the story behind Living Swell Kombucha
Learn how kombucha is brewed using traditional fermentation methods
See a live SCOBY and discover how it transforms sweet tea into kombucha
Explore fun facts about kombucha, fermentation, and living cultures
Sample a variety of locally crafted kombucha flavors

Whether you’re already a kombucha enthusiast or simply curious about this increasingly popular fermented beverage, you’ll leave with a greater appreciation for the craft, the culture, and the local community behind every pour.
