Emmylou Harris Brings 'Spyboy' Era and Activism to Santa Cruz Civic

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Emmylou Harris comes to the Santa Cruz Civic on April 18, bringing songs from across her storied career and a legacy of activism.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:07am

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An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering silver hair and sparkling sequins, capturing the glamour and artistry of Emmylou Harris' iconic stage presence.Emmylou Harris' storied career and activism will shine through in her upcoming Santa Cruz performance, where she'll showcase songs spanning her decades-long musical legacy.Santa Cruz Today

Singer/songwriter Emmylou Harris, lauded for selling 15 million records and winning 14 Grammy awards, is coming to the Santa Cruz Civic on Saturday, April 18th promoting the reissue of her 1998 live album, Spyboy. Harris is known not only for her musical talent but also for her decades of good-deeds activism, including involvement in the No Nukes concerts and Farm Aid.

Why it matters

Emmylou Harris is considered a pioneer in the country rock movement starting in the 1970s and throughout the 1980s. She has inspired many musicians throughout her career, including Miranda Lambert, Trisha Yearwood, LeAnn Rimes, Carrie Underwood, and bands like Wilco. Her activism, particularly around animal welfare and environmental causes, has also made her an influential figure.

The details

Harris was born in Alabama but spent much of her youth traveling with her military family until they landed in Virginia. She taught herself songs on the guitar after listening to radio station WAMU. In the early 1970s, Harris released her first album, Gliding Bird, and within five years, her second effort, Pieces of the Sky, gained her a much broader reception. This was in part due to her relationship with Gram Parsons, who helped Harris move the needle in the country music world. Harris has continued to evolve her sound and persona over the decades, most notably with her 1987 Trio album with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt and her 1995 Grammy-winning album Wrecking Ball.

  • Harris will perform at the Santa Cruz Civic on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • Harris released her live album Spyboy in 1998.

The players

Emmylou Harris

A Grammy-winning singer-songwriter known for her musical talent as well as her decades of activism, particularly around animal welfare and environmental causes.

Joan Baez

A singer and activist who inspired Harris to pick up the guitar and pursue a career in music.

Gram Parsons

A musician who collaborated with Harris in the early 1970s, helping to move the needle in the country music world.

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What they’re saying

“I first picked up the guitar because of Joan Baez and her beautiful voice. And then Dylan and the protest songs. The songs that were shining a light on the civil rights movement. It sort of gave me my life in music. I realized what I was supposed to do, and fortunately, there were people that came into my life that made that possible.”

— Emmylou Harris

“As far as my focus and my energy, it is very localized. While Harris is still very involved in supporting organizations that combat the evils of corporate farming, 'realize that by harming animals and killing them and raising them the way we do, we're actually harming ourselves,' her main emphasis is on dogs.”

— Emmylou Harris

What’s next

Harris will perform songs from across her storied career at the Santa Cruz Civic on April 18, 2026.

The takeaway

Emmylou Harris has remained a respected and influential figure in the music industry for decades, not only for her musical talent but also for her activism and ability to evolve her sound and persona over time. Her upcoming performance in Santa Cruz will showcase her enduring legacy.