Deidrich store’s opening act

Elia Powers

His musical taste is diverse, but when Costa Mesa artist Steve Velez

flips through the CD rack at music stores to find his favorite bands,

he doesn’t look far.

Velez lists Beethoven and the Beatles as his main musical

influences. He prides himself on being eclectic -- guitar, piano,

recorder, cello, saxophone and sitar are among the instruments he

plays.

This evening, Velez -- playing the role of cellist -- joins

flutist Mary Oppermann and violinist Robin Cecil for the grand

opening ceremony of a new Diedrich Coffee in Costa Mesa.

Velez, artistic director of Da Capo Players, a group of local

musicians that fluctuates in size from gig to gig, said he helped

open another Diedrich location 10 years ago.

The trio will play a mixture of classical and pop music, including

tunes from Simon and Garfunkel and the Beatles.

Velez and various band members have played at numerous Orange

County venues. On Aug. 5, the Da Capo Players will perform at the

Orange County Performing Arts Center for a tribute to the Beatles.

When not on stage, Velez often travels: He helped set up a music

outreach program in Belize.

“The variety of music I get to play is amazing,” he said. “I play

with a lot of great artists. It’s been quite a trip.”

-- Elia Powers