Singer-songwriter Swan Porter soars to new musical heights

Porter to perform alongside Bauhaus and Love and Rockets bassist David J at upcoming Legends: Live and Local concert

Feb. 5, 2026 at 7:15pm

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Singer-songwriter Swan Porter, the stage name of 29-year-old Sarah Rose Colonna, has been making a name for herself in the vibrant Santa Cruz music scene. After being hand-picked by Go-Go's guitarist Jane Wiedlin to play keyboards in her backing band for a Legends: Live and Local concert, Porter will be returning for the next installment on February 27, where she and local rock band Trestles will be joining goth pioneers Bauhaus and Love and Rockets bassist David J.

Why it matters

Porter's rise in the local music scene highlights Santa Cruz's reputation as a hub for creativity and musical talent, with the Legends: Live and Local concert series providing a platform for both established and up-and-coming artists to share the stage. Porter's diverse musical influences and powerful vocals have earned her a loyal following in the community.

The details

Born and raised in the Santa Cruz area, Porter has been writing songs since she was 5 years old. She was initially drawn to 90s alternative singer-songwriters like Fiona Apple and Jeff Buckley, as well as experimental acts like Pink Floyd and Portishead. Porter, who performs under the stage name Swan Porter, derived the name from her great-grandmother Florence Swan Porter, a pianist whose 19th century piano she still plays. In addition to posting music online, Porter has played at local venues like The Crepe Place and Rosie McCann's for over a decade.

  • Porter will be performing at the next Legends: Live and Local concert on February 27, 2026.
  • Porter previously performed alongside Go-Go's guitarist Jane Wiedlin at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History in the summer of 2025.

The players

Swan Porter

The stage name of 29-year-old singer-songwriter Sarah Rose Colonna, who has been making a name for herself in the Santa Cruz music scene with her deeply personal lyrics and powerful contralto vocals.

Jane Wiedlin

The rhythm guitarist for the Go-Go's, who hand-picked Porter to play keyboards in her backing band for a Legends: Live and Local concert in 2025.

Bauhaus

A pioneering goth rock band that will be performing at the upcoming Legends: Live and Local concert alongside Porter.

David J

The bassist for the goth rock band Love and Rockets, who will also be performing at the upcoming Legends: Live and Local concert alongside Porter.

Trestles

A local rock band that will be performing alongside Porter at the upcoming Legends: Live and Local concert.

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What they’re saying

“I'm really excited. I feel like I'm more excited to just talk with them than I am to play the music just because I know that they have so many cool stories inside. To be in the presence of creatives and musicians who came out of that era, especially in this political climate, I think punk … speaks volumes innately as a genre and as a collective.”

— Swan Porter

“Being able to perform with a woman who was able to defy the odds of being (in) a woman group in the early, early punk scene and then being able to make it to where they made it was very cool. She's amazing.”

— Swan Porter

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.