Weekend Santa Cruz

5 Questions with Gerry Gerringer, director of ‘Beyond Therapy’ at Actors’ Theatre

admin — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:33:11 +0000

Beyond Therapy runs through March 21 at Actors' Theatre. (Photo by Kristi Zufall)

He’s a bisexual who likes Kierkegaard, Mahler, Joan Didion and writing personal ads. She’s a freelance writer who keeps answering the ads he writes, even though he drives her nutty. Together, they’re Beyond Therapy. Gerry Gerringer directs the Christopher Durang comedy, on stage at Actors’ Theatre through March 21.

The show explores relationships between lovers, friends and therapists. In the spirit of the therapist’s couch, Gerringer was kind enough to answer a few questions for Weekend Santa Cruz.

How has it been balancing your new job as operations manager of Actors’ Theatre with directing Beyond Therapy? Has it presented any unique challenges? Well, I’ve been changing hats so often my forehead is getting sore. It’s been challenging learning a new position which requires organizational and administrative skills during the day and then directing rehearsals at night. I had to go through the daily process of emptying the operations manager job from my mind and re-focus before rehearsal so I could give total concentration to the cast and what the play needed.

In a way, this play is about attractions. What about this play initially attracted you? On a basic level, the most profound attraction we all manifest is the attraction of creating connections to other humans. Of course, then there is the sex, which adds a whole other dynamic. I was initially attracted to Christopher Durang’s ability to develop that theme of yearning for connection and his skill at bringing it out with such hilarity.

With its zany characters and out-there situations, Beyond Therapy seems like it would be easy to steer towards farce. How do you, as a director, help keep it from going over the edge? It is a fine line. Mainly, it’s about encouraging the cast members to improvise as broadly as they want early in the rehearsal process and then get specific and tone it down where you think it’s needed as the rehearsals proceed. As clever as this play is, there is room for a dash of slapstick here and there. As long as it fits into the context of the play and comes from character, it works.

The cast of this play combines student actors newer to the stage with experienced thespians. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve given or heard given to an actor or actress? 1) Understand that disciplined, deep breathing into the solar plexus area is a key to relaxing and preparing for performance. 2) Sustaining connection through eye contact with the other actors and listening are basic keys to spontaneous, reactive acting.

What’s next for you? I’ll be directing Dead Man’s Cell Phone by Sarah Ruhl (the author of The Clean House, which I directed last fall) here at Actors’ Theatre. We open September.17th.

Beyond Therapy runs through March 21 at Actors’ Theatre, 1001 Center Street, Santa Cruz. Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $13 to $25. Call (831) 425-7529 or visit Brown Paper Tickets.

A Very Different Jack

admin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:58:56 +0000

The Carpetbag Brigade does a very different take on Jack and the Beanstalk at The 418 Project. (Photo by Ishan Vernallis)

It was a collection of empty whiskey bottles that led to the creation of the physical theater piece You Don’t Know Jack, appearing at The 418 Project. No, not because members of The Carpetbag Brigade were drinking while putting together this fractured fairy tale combining “Jack in the Beanstalk” with an alcoholic ghost, post-traumatic stress disorder and a dysfunctional family.

During an improv exercise exploring the shadow of the family, five Carpetbag Brigaders went out in the New Mexico sun looking for objects that inspire. The year was 2007 and the Bay Area group — best known for its acrobatic stilt performances — was doing a retreat with Wise Fool, a New Mexico arts organization with roots in puppetry. When all five members came back with empty whiskey bottles, inspiration struck Carpetbag Brigade founder and artistic director Jay Ruby.

Ruby, who had been reading Robert Bly’s The Sibling Society, had come across an analysis of “Jack in the Beanstalk” from a Jungian perspective. “That became the scaffold for, or the hidden structure onto which we started to place all of our theatrical actions that we were creating,” he said.

Three years later, the piece has been refined into a work that combines contact dance, movement, live music, myth, fairy tale and poetry to explore the traumas war wreaks on the families of soldiers through generations.

The five performers in the show come from all across North America, from Montreal to Mexico. “We’re not a theater company who gets together Tuesdays and Thursdays.”

Ruby, who co-directed You Don’t Know Jack with Varrick Grimes, plays Jack’s dead grandfather, a ghost whose death from alcoholism and war-induced PTSD forms the backbone of the work.

“The story is created first by the interactions that occur on a physical level onstage, and the text gets layered on top of that,” Ruby said.

The show is not a typical theater piece. It’s edgy, dark and rather avant garde. “For most people, this is a rich experience, like evoking a dream state,” said Ruby, who formed The Carpetbag Brigade in 1998. “It’s a lot different than doing an Ibsen play.”

At the first performance in Colorado, a woman came up to Ruby and told him that it reminded her of the chaos and anxiety of growing up with her father, a Vietnam vet.

“People are quite touched because they’re seeing actions that are visceral,” Ruby said.

You Don’t Know Jack will be the second show The Carpetbag Brigade has done in Santa Cruz. Last spring, the company brought its stilt show, Vanishing Point, to Harvey West Park.

“This is probably the best show The Carpetbag Brigade has done up to this point,” he said.

You Don’t Know Jack plays 8 p.m. February 26 & 27 at The 418 Project, 418 Front Street, Santa Cruz. Tickets are $15. Advance tickets available at Brown Paper Tickets.

5 Questions with Gary Young, Poet Laureate of Santa Cruz County

admin — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 07:07:10 +0000

Robert Frost once said that “Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.” Students from Georgiana Bruce Kirby Preparatory School will be bringing their thoughts to life with emotion the first week in March, when they perform as part of Willing Suspension Armchair Theatre.

The students have been working on the show with poet Gary Young, who was recently named the first Poet Laureate of Santa Cruz County. A Pushcart Prize-winning poet, Young teaches at UC Santa Cruz. In 2009, he received the Shelley Memorial Award. Though busy teaching, writing and running Greenhouse Review Press, Young agreed to answer five questions for Weekend Santa Cruz.

Willing Suspension brings poetry and prose off the page and on to the stage. What does reading a poem aloud bring to the form? How does one “direct” a poetry reading? Reading a poem aloud returns poetry to its roots. There was an oral poetic tradition long before there was any written language. Poems are intrinsically manifestations of breath; they are created by bodies, breath exhaled as music.

I don’t know how one “directs” anything connected to poetry. There are conventions to any group event, but poetry is a little wild; you have to be prepared for surprises.

You teach university students at UC Santa Cruz, but also work with middle and high school students at Georgiana Bruce Kirby Preparatory School. What differences do you find in exploring poetry with the different age groups?There are the obvious differences in maturity, but on the whole I find high school students tend to be more open to new poetic voices and experiences than university students. They’re less encumbered by expectation, and they have less inhibitions about admitting that they don’t know something. Although it’s not universal, there is a tendency for college-age students to want to write more and read less. They often have a greater fascination for their own work than for the work of others.

How are the pieces that the Kirby students will read onstage being chosen? What ideas or themes have emerged?Except for a certain number of poems whose subject is the coastal area we live in, the poets will read poems poem with which they are most pleased.

In a January interview with the Santa Cruz Sentinel, you said that “Poetry is such a marginal art, that we’re really blessed that it, and all the arts, are honored and treasured like they are in this community.” In what ways has the Santa Cruz community nurtured you in your poetry? I came to UCSC as an undergraduate 40 years ago with the express intention of becoming a poet. I was fortunate to study and to become friends with many marvelous poets here: William Everson, Stephen Kessler and Morton Marcus in particular. This is a community that has always had a vibrant literary community composed of both writers and lovers of literature. I’ve never had to pretend I was anything other than a poet, nor I have had to defend my vocation. That’s a gift.

As the first Poet Laureate of Santa Cruz County, it is hoped you will inspire others to read and write poetry. What poets have inspired you, and why? Different poets have inspired me at different times in my life, although there are many poets I met in my youth who still move me: Stephen Crane, Walt Whitman, Rilke, Su Tung-p’o. Crane’s gnomic little gems have always fascinated me, and Rilke’s otherworldliness never gets old. Whitman, Su Tung-p’o (and Li Po, Wang Wei, Tu Fu and so many other Tang Dynasty Chinese poets) speak of the world with such directness and with such obvious care and love—they reveal the ordinary to be somehow heavenly. Kenneth Rexroth is a perennial favorite. His passion, and his fine touch with the line are ceaselessly inspiring, and there’s Gerard Manley Hopkins, Arthur Rimbaud, Karl Shapiro, Killarney Clary. This list could go on and on—Czeslaw Milosz, Philip Levine, W.C. Williams, Elizabeth Bishop. Picking your favorite poet is like choosing your favorite child; there’s no way you can do it.

Willing Suspension Armchair Theatre presents students from Georgiana Bruce Kirby Preparatory School reading poetry and literature, 7:30 p.m. March 1-3. Performance March 1 at Capitola Book Cafe, 1475 41st Avenue, Capitola. Performances March 2-3 at Actors’ Theatre, 1001 Center Street, Santa Cruz. Donations requested for all performances. (831) 425-7529.

The Weekend Past: February 12 – 14, 2010

admin — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 06:51:18 +0000

For current events, see the complete listings at The Week, The Weekend and Everything Else.

For the Weekend of February 12-14, 2010.

Friday /// Saturday /// Sunday

Friday

What is Erotic? at The 418 Project. It starts with a pre-show erotic bazaar. Then the fun really begins. Aerialists defy gravity, dancers writhe in delight, singers breathe life into songs of desire. Naughty theater indeed. 7:30 p.m. February 12-14 and 19-20. The 418 Project, 418 Front Street, Santa Cruz. $18 – $25. Ages 18+. (408) 602-2490.

Guitars and Friends at UC Santa Cruz. Artists Mesut Özgen and William Coulter, both UC Santa Cruz guitar instructors, will be joined by guest artists to present music from various traditions, including Latin American, Turkish and Celtic, as well as compositions by Özgen himself. 8 p.m. Music Recital Hall, UCSC Campus, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz. $8-11. Advance tickets at www.santacruztickets.com (831) 459-2159.

White Album Ensemble Unplugged at Kuumbwa. Local octet White Album Ensemble plays a weekend of acoustic Beatles tunes with selections included from the group’s last seven albums: Rubber Soul, Revolver, Sgt Pepper’s, Magical Mystery Tour, The “White” Album, Let it Be and Abbey Road. 8 p.m. February 12 & 13. Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz. $25. Advance tickets at Streetlight Records or online at Tix.com. Dinner available one hour before the show. First come, first served. (831) 421-9200.

Huun Huur Tu with Carmen Rizzo at The Rio. Electronic musician/producer Carmen Rizzo mixes with the Mongolian steppe sounds of Huun Huur Tu for a sonic meeting of minds between musicians. 8 p.m. Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz. $21 in advance. Advance tickets at www.ticketweb.com or Streetlight Records. (831) 423-8209.

Rose’s Dilemma opens at Broadway Playhouse. A ghost tries to convince his author widow to finish the novel he was writing before he died in Neil Simon’s 2003 play Rose’s Dilemma. This production at the Broadway Playhouse marks the play’s Northern California premiere. 8 p.m. Thursdays – Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays through February 28. Broadway Playhouse, 526 Broadway Street, Santa Cruz. $12 – $16. Advance tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com. (831) 426-5787

Joint Chiefs at Seabright Brewery. Joint Chiefs play Seabright Brewery. 8 – 11 p.m. Stephen Stills is best known as one-third of Crosby, Stills & Nash. 8 p.m. The Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $29 in advance, $33 at the door. Ages 21+. (831) 423-1338.

Neverland at Don Quixote’s. 14-piece tribute band Neverland pays homage to Michael Jackson with four lead vocalists, four horns and a six-piece rhythm section. The San Francisco band celebrates the larger than life performances, imagination and spirit of Jackson. 8 p.m. Don Quixote’s International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. $10. Cash only. Ages 21+. (831) 603-2294.

8 Tens @ Eight at Actors’ Theatre. Returning to Actors’ Theatre for its 15th annual season, the hugely popular 8 Tens @ Eight festival of 10 minute plays highlights the work of eight different playwrights. The works represent a range of styles and subjects from stark realism to existential; from edgy comedy to deep drama. 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 3 p.m. Sundays through February 14. Actors’ Theatre, 1001 Center Street, Santa Cruz. $15 – $18. (831) 425-7529.

The Fantasticks. Try to remember and if you remember then follow your heart to Ben Lomond, where Mountain Community Theater performs the off-Broadway hit The Fantasticks. Love, laughter and family await. 8 p.m. February 4-6, 12 & 13. 2 p.m. February 14 at Park Hall. Performances at Louden Nelson Community Center from February 19-27. Park Hall, 9370 Mill Street, Ben Lomond. $20 (831) 366-4777.

Triston Palma at Moe’s Alley. Jamaica’s reggae heavyweight Triston Palma, backed by Cualli, makes an exclusive Northern California appearance. 9 p.m. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. (831) 479-1854.

Justin Townes Earle & Joe Pug at The Crepe Place. Nashville’s Justin Townes Earle joins Joe Pug for a show in the front room. 9 p.m. The Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz. $15. (831) 429-6994.

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Saturday

Art from the Heart at the Museum of Art and History. Red is the color of the day during this workshop dedicated to the legend of St. Valentine. The entire family will create lovable cards using stencils, collage, stamps, recycled materials and much more. 10 a.m. to noon. Museum of Art and History at The McPherson Center,705 Front Street, Santa Cruz. $5. Register at (831) 429-1964.

Migration Festival at Natural Bridges, Seacliff, New Brighton & Henry Cowell State Parks. Monarchs aren’t the only creatures that migrate through Santa Cruz County. Find out about animal migration, plus do crafts, games and more. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. santacruzstateparks.org Free. (831) 423-4609.

Santa Cruz Chamber Players’ Tales of Love and Exotic Places. The sensual and evocative “Songs of Madagascar” by Ravel and the lyrical, late-romantic style love songs by America’s Amy Beach center this show by the Santa Cruz Chamber Players. 8 p.m. February 13 & 3 p.m. February 14. Christ Lutheran Church, 10707 Soquel Drive, Aptos. $20 adults, $15 senior, $10 youth. Advance tickets at : santacruztickets.com or (813) 420-5260.

ScripTease’s Love is in the Bare at Pacific Cultural Center. ScripTease, the world’s only stripping improv comedy troupe, presents Love is in the Bare, a night of romance and laughter. 8 p.m. Pacific Cultural Center, 1307 Seabright Avenue, Santa Cruz. $10. (831) 435-6080.

Rose’s Dilemma at Broadway Playhouse. A ghost tries to convince his author widow to finish the novel he was writing before he died in Neil Simon’s 2003 play Rose’s Dilemma. This production at the Broadway Playhouse marks the play’s Northern California premiere. 8 p.m. Thursdays – Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays through February 28. Broadway Playhouse, 526 Broadway Street, Santa Cruz. $12 – $16. Advance tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com. (831) 426-5787

James McMurtry and the Heartless Bastards at Don Quixote’s. Get set for two nights of rollicking musicianship when James McMurtry and the Heartless Bastards visit Felton. Stephen King called McMurtry “the truest, fiercest songwriter of his generation.” 8 p.m. February 13 & 7 p.m. February 14. Don Quixote’s International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. $20. Cash only. Ages 21+. (831) 603-2294.

The Mermen at Moe’s Alley. Cult Bay Area surf band The Mermen celebrate their brand new release “In God We Trust” with a show at the Alley. 9 p.m. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. (831) 479-1854.

Dead Prez at The Catalyst. Underground political hip-hop duo Dead Prez invades the Cat, joined by Pep Love, Umi, Nima Fadavi and Vibrant Eyeris. 9 p.m. The Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $16 in advance, $20 at the door. Ages 16+. (831) 423-1338.

Our Satori and Bryn Loosely & The Back Pages at The Crepe Place. Music for the moment, jam band Our Satori joins Bryn Loosely & The Back Pages in the front room. 9 p.m. The Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz. $7 in advance, $10 at the door. (831) 429-6994.

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Sunday

Many Moons at UC Santa Cruz. In this one-act fantasy opera for children, the young Princess Leonore has become ill from eating too many raspberry tarts and believes that she must have the moon to make her well. Many Moons will be directed by graduate student Jesse Avshalomov and conducted by recent UCSC graduate Thomas Purtill under the guidance of UC Santa Cruz opera program artistic director Brian Staufenbiel. Pianist Irene Herrmann will provide musical accompaniment. 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Music Recital Hall, UCSC Campus, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz. Free (831) 459-2159.

James McMurtry and the Heartless Bastards at Don Quixote’s. Get set for two nights of rollicking musicianship when James McMurtry and the Heartless Bastards visit Felton. Stephen King called McMurtry “the truest, fiercest songwriter of his generation.” Cache Valley Drifters open. 8 p.m. February 13 & 7 p.m. February 14. Don Quixote’s International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. $20. Cash only. Ages 21+. (831) 603-2294.

Rickie Lee Jones at The Rio. Neither punk nor pop, Rickie Lee Jones makes her own way in the musical world. 8 p.m. Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz. $28 in advance, $32 at the door. Advance tickets at www.pulseproductions.net. (831) 423-8209.

An Altared Valentine’s Day at Kuumbwa. A evening of love songs twisted and morphed into minor keys, An Altared Valentine’s Day stars the ROMP band plus guest stars Richard Stockton, Celina Gutierrez, Tammi Brown and more. 8 p.m. Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz. $25. SOLD OUT. (831) 427-2227 for information.

Bassnectar at The Catalyst. Freeform electronic music experimentation. San Francisco’s Bassnectar plays the Cat. 8:45 p.m. The Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $20 in advance, $24 at the door. Ages 16+. (831) 423-1338.

Shady Groove at Moe’s Alley. Shady Groove returns to the Alley for their fourth annual Shady Valentine Bash. The Santa Cruz jam band delivers an invigorating dose of funky blues and jazz-infused rock and R&B. 9 p.m. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $10 in advance, $12 at the door. (831) 479-1854.

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The Week Past: February 8 – 11, 2010

admin — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 06:50:21 +0000

For current events, see the complete listings at The Week, The Weekend and Everything Else.

For the Week of February 8 – 11, 2010.

Monday /// Tuesday /// Wednesday /// Thursday

Monday

Charisma!: The Music of Lee Morgan at Kuumbwa. Though he passed away at 33, bandleader Lee Morgan made seminal contributions to hard bop, free jazz and modal forms. The septet in this all-star tribute contains artists whose resumes include tenures in Morgan’s band. 7 p.m. Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz. $25 in advance, $28 at the door. Dinner available one hour before the show. First come, first served. 1-866-55-TICKETS or (831) 427-2227 for information.

Beyond the Pale at Don Quixote’s. Klezmer, Balkan and Romanian styles meld with bluegrass, jazz, reggae and funk when Beyond the Pale plays. 7:30 p.m. Don Quixote’s International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. $10. Under 21 allowed with parent. Cash only. (831) 603-2294.

Chitra Divakaruni at Capitola Book Cafe. The author of Mistress of Spices, Chitra Divakaruni comes to Capitola Book Cafe to talk about her latest novel, One Amazing Thing. 7:30 p.m. Capitola Book Cafe, 1475 41st Avenue, Capitola. Free. (831) 462-4415.

Nouvelle Vague at The Rio. The French band that conquered the world with bossa nova covers of punk and new wave classics, Nouvelle Vague descends on Santa Cruz. 8 p.m. Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz. $18.90. Advance tickets available at TicketWeb or Streetlight Records. (831) 421-9200.

L.A. Story at Movie Nite at The Crepe Place. Steve Martin explores the City of Angels in this quirky comedy, also starring a very ditzy pre-SATC Sarah Jessica Parker. 8 p.m. The Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Ave. Santa Cruz. Free, reservations recommended. (831) 429-6994.

The Vivian Girls, Best Coast & Roundabout at The Crepe Place. Everything goes wrong for The Vivian Girls, at least that’s what their album says. The Girls play the front room with Best Coast and Roundabout. 9 p.m. The Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz. $10. (831) 429-6994.

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Tuesday

Jack Marshall and Cheryl Dumesnil at Bookshop Santa Cruz. Prize-winning poet Jack Marshall joins Cheryl Dumesnil, author of In Praise of Falling, for a Poetry Santa Cruz reading. 7:30 p.m. Bookshop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz. $3 suggested donation. (831) 423-0900.

Badfish at The Catalyst. Sublime tribute band Badfish takes mainstage at The Catalyst. Scotty Don’t and Thrive share the bill. 8 p.m. The Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $15 in advance, $19 at the door. Ages 16+. (831) 423-1338.

7 Come 11 at The Crepe Place. Santa Cruz’s own hammond organ trio 7 Come 11 lays down super-funky grooves in the front room. 8 p.m. The Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz. Free. (831) 429-6994.

The Holloys & Crazy Famous at Moe’s Alley. Post punk comes to Moe’s Alley when The Holloys and Crazy Famous take the stage. 9 p.m. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $5 in advance, $8 at the door. (831) 479-1854.

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Wednesday

Tiger by the Tale: Storytelling for the Lunar New Year at Live Oak Public Library branch. Celebrate the Year of the Tiger by experiencing stories of the lunar new year with storyteller Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo. 5:30 p.m. Santa Cruz Public Library Live Oak branch, 2380 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz. Free. (831) 420-5359.

Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey at Moe’s Alley. Instrumental quartet Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey generates an all-encompasing sensory experience for the listener. The Tulsa band, which released over 18 records, has an earthy, nimble sound not to be missed. 8:30 p.m. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. (831) 479-1854.

Tom Freund, Chrissy MacLean & Dovely at The Crepe Place. Singer-songwriter Tom Freund’s song “Copper Moon” made NPR Weekend Edition’s Directors Cuts for 2009. Catch Freund with Crissy MacLean and Dovely in the front room. 9 p.m. The Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz. $8. (831) 429-6994.

Miguel Contreras: Legacy of a Labor Leader book talk with Kent Wong. Wong talks of his book, co-written by Michael Viola, exploring the Los Angeles labor movement, the emergence of new immigrant and worker struggles and the role of one of the most important labor leaders in recent history. Noon. Cervantes and Velasquez Room, Bay Tree Building, Third Floor. UCSC Campus, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz. Free. (831) 459-3240.

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Thursday

2nd Annual 3 Cups of Tea Santa Cruz at The Rio. An art auction and speakers program are part of the annual 3 Cups of Tea Santa Cruz fundraiser for the Central Asia Institute. Julia Bergman, the president of the board of the Central Asia Institute, and Lou Renner, an International Mountain Guide speak. 5:30 p.m. Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz. $10. Advance tickets at TicketWeb, Capitola Book Cafe and Bookshop Santa Cruz. (831) 423-8209.

Loudon Wainwright III at Kuumbwa. Top 40 hits. Film scores. Loads of admirers. Loudon Wainwright III has it made. His rebellious folk songs shine in this intimate solo appearance. 7 p.m. Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz. $23 in advance, $26 at the door. Dinner available one hour before the show. First come, first served. 1-866-55-TICKETS or (831) 427-2227 for information.

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Convocation with Anna Deavere Smith at Civic Auditorium. Actress, playwright and professor Anna Deavere Smith will present her talk, “Race in America: Crossroads of Ambiguity, ” at UC Santa Cruz’s 26th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Convocation. 7 p.m. Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church Street, Santa Cruz. Free. (831) 420-5260.

Red Molly plus The Crooked Jades at Don Quixotes. With three-part harmonies and crisp musicianship, Americana string band Red Molly will get toes tapping. The Crooked Jades fill out the bill. 7:30 p.m. Don Quixote’s International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. $10. Cash only. Under 21 allowed with parent. (831) 603-2294.

Dirty Dancing at Regal Cinema. Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze heat up a Catskills resort with their dancing. Part of Flashback Flix at Regal Cinema. 8 p.m. Regal Cinema 9, 1405 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz. $5. (831) 457-3505

Monte Montgomery at Moe’s Alley. Acoustic guitarist Monte Montgomery has been called “a legend in the making” by the Los Angeles Times. An accomplished singer/songwriter, Montgomery plays the Alley. 8:30 p.m. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. (831) 479-1854.

The Album Leaf & Sea Wolf at The Crepe Place. A chorus of storytellers bring The Album Leaf to the front room. Sea Wolf joins. 9 p.m. The Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz. $14. (831) 429-6994.

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Love in a Minor Key

admin — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:47:29 +0000

ROMP performs as part of An Altared Valentine's at Kuumbwa.

How strange the change from major to minor. It casts dark shadows on brightly colored tunes. Passions rise. Hearts yearn. “Some songs just get incredibly beautiful,” said Rhan Wilson, the brain behind the first-ever An Altared Valentine’s, February 14 at Kuumbwa.

Wilson, creator of Altared Christmas, brings his gift of reinterpretation to odes of love, transforming them into new works with the change of a key. “When we put it against this darker, passionate music, sometimes it increases the beauty and sometimes it brings out the lyrics and gets kind of funny.”

The black-and-blue colored affair will star the talents of comedians Richard Stockton and Sven Davis, plus musicians Tammi Brown, Joe Craven, Gary Regina, Celina Gutierrez, David Wallis, Rick Zeek and ROMP — an offbeat band consisting of Wilson, Olaf Schiappacasse, Matt Bohn and Patti Maxine.

“One of the things that I love about the shows I’m producing is that I’m not trying to figure everything out,” Wilson said. “A lot of stuff is in the moment.”

The show has a loose structure, starting off with songs about looking for love and ending with love found. There will also be a wedding during the show, performed by Stockton, who is an ordained minister. Though the legalities will be taken care of at city hall, the ceremony will be real.

“I think some of these holidays have forgotten what they’re supposed to be about,” he said. “They’re more about cards and merchandise, just like Christmas is all about buying….It’s good to remember that it’s more important to think about someone you love and not as much about how much money you need to spend.”

The idea of altering familiar songs first came to the Santa Cruz native in high school where he heard a talented piano player transpose the Gilligan’s Island theme song into a minor key. “It kind of gives it a Russian or Jewish klezmer feel,” said Wilson, whose first name is pronounced “Ron.”

A performance by Santa Cruz ukulele master Rick McKee gave rise to the idea for Wilson’s first recording of “An Altared Christmas,” rearrangements of popular holiday tunes. Five years ago, he took the recording live with a concert at the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz County and an “Altared” tradition was formed.

“It’s like telling the same story with a different setting,” said Wilson, a percussionist who often works with the violinist Thoth.

For example, the Patsy Cline song “Walking After Midnight” becomes “a little sexier, a little darker” when transposed. “This woman, she’s walking after midnight searching for love. It’s a little more innocent in a way, presented in this nice rhythm,” he said. “When you darken it up a bit, you start thinking she’s trolling the streets.”

Though Altared Valentine’shas sold out nine days in advance, there will be other opportunities for lovers of minor-keyed music. Wilson is already planning to do an Altared 4-20 show, focusing on songs from the 1960s.

An Altared Valentine’s. 8 p.m. Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz. $25. SOLD OUT. (831) 427-2227 for information.

The Weekend Past: February 5-7, 2010

admin — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:16:19 +0000

For current events, see the complete listings at The Week, The Weekend and Everything Else.

For the Weekend of February 5-7, 2010.

Friday /// Saturday /// Sunday

Friday

First Friday in Santa Cruz. It’s First Friday time again and that means artistic goings-on in Santa Cruz. A full listing can be seen here, however here are some highlights: The Museum of Art & History is free, and Calaveras plays there. A benefit for Haitian earthquake victims happens at “Motiv. A group show complete with bands takes over Green Space on Soquel. See Firstfridaysantacruz.com for more happenings.

Reception for Book as Medium: Holding/Withholding Text at Sesnon Gallery. Twenty eight book artists probe issues of content, form, material, collaboration and accessibility with wide ranging results in Book as Medium: Holding/Withholding Text at UC Santa Cruz’s Sesnon Gallery. Curated by Felicia Rice, the show runs through March 6. A panel discussion with artists will be held 4 to 5:30 p.m. February 5. The reception is 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Gallery hours: 12 – 5 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday. Sesnon Gallery, Porter College, UC Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz. (831) 459-3606.

Hearts for the Arts at Artisans Gallery. Local artists are taking part in Hearts for the Arts, a two-week silent auction to benefit the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County’s SPECTRA Artist program. The auction ends February 14. Artists reception 6 to 8 p.m. February 5. Artisans Gallery, 1368 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz. Free. (831) 423-8183.

Beauty and the Beast at Louden Nelson. Teens act out the Disney musical Beauty and the Beast in this All About Theatre production. 7 p.m. February 5, 2 & 7 p.m. February 6 and 2 p.m. February 7. Louden Nelson Community Center, 301 Center Street, Santa Cruz. $12 – $20. Advance tickets at AllAboutTheatre.org. (831) 420-6177.

Amy Bloom at Bookshop Santa Cruz. Amy Bloom, the author of the national bestseller Away, will be at Bookshop to debut her latest title, Where the God of Love Hangs Out. 7:30 p.m. Bookshop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz. Free. (831) 423-0900.

Women Over the Edge at UC Santa Cruz. UC Santa Cruz’s Patrice Maginnis, guest singers Michele Rivard and Sheila Willey, and accompanist Michael McGushin return to the UCSC Recital Hall stage to perform some of their favorite music — from Mozart to Motown, Brahms to Bernstein, and George Gershwin to Judy Collins. 7:30 p.m. Music Recital Hall, UCSC Campus, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz. $6.50 – $9.50. Advance tickets available at SantaCruzTickets.com. (831) 459-2159.

Jedd Brothers at Seabright Brewery. Rock and bluegrass go with beer, right? Jedd Brothers play Seabright Brewery. 8 – 11 p.m. Seabright Brewery,519 Seabright Avenue, Santa Cruz. No cover. Age 21+. (831) 426-2739.

Dave Rawlings Machine at The Catalyst. Guitarist and singer Dave Rawlings performs under the name Dave Rawlings Machine, bringing his country-influenced style to Santa Cruz. 8 p.m. The Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $22 in advance, $25 at the door. (831) 423-1338.

Who’s Holdin’ plus Dubscene at Don Quixote’s. Reggae straight out of Santa Cruz. Get ready to dance with Who’s Holdin’ and Dubscene . 9 p.m. Don Quixote’s International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. $8. Cash only. Ages 21+. (831) 603-2294.

Don Carlos & The Dub Vision Band at Moe’s Alley. Reggae legend Don Carlos brings his full band, complete with horn section, to the alley. Classics and new material blend for the Black Uhuru founding member’s only Northern California appearance. 9 p.m. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $25 in advance, $30 at the door. (831) 479-1854.

Dawes & Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons at The Crepe Place. South tinged rock and roll comes to the front room when Dawes plays. Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons make it a double bill. 9 p.m. The Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz. $10. (831) 429-6994.

Jason Bond and The Committee at The Catalyst’s Atrium. His driving catalog of first-rate songs of love, heartbreak and booze has made Jason Bond and the Committee a favorite. Hurricane Roses also plays. 9 p.m. The Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $5 in advance, $7 at the door. Ages 21+. (831) 423-1338.

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Saturday

Lunafest at The Rio. Short films by and about women, LunaFest was created by the makers of the LUNA energy bar to promote awareness about women’s issues. Proceeds are donated to ABC/African-American Community Health Group of Santa Cruz and WomenCARE. 7 p.m. Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz. $13 general admission, $7 seniors and students. Advance tickets at Santa Cruz Tickets. (831) 423-8209.

Tribute to Ritchie Valens at the Mello Center. Join Ritchie’s Family for a great night of Rock & Roll. The Winter Dance Party Concert stars John Mueller as Buddy Holly, Jay P. Richardson the Big Bopper’s Son and Ray Anthony as Ritchie Valens. Opening the show are Ritchie’s brother Mario and the Backyard Blues Band. A portion of proceeds to benefit Guitars Not Guns. 7:30 p.m. Mello Center for Performing Arts, 250 East Beach Street, Watsonville. $23.50 – $43.50. Advance tickets at SantaCruzTickets.com. (831) 763-4047.

Santa Cruz Baroque Festival’s Holiday in Wales at UC Santa Cruz. An evening of Welsh airs and dances, Holiday in Wales homages Queen Victoria’s 1889 viewing of a concert by Welsh gypsy John Roberts. Harpist Cheryl Ann Fulton plays. 7:30 p.m. Music Recital Hall, UCSC Campus, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz. $3.50 – $19.50. Advance tickets at SantaCruzTickets.com (831) 459-2159.

Zebop! at Don Quixote’s. Taking their name from a classic 1981 album, San Francisco’s Zebop! brings their energetic tribute to the music of Santana to Felton. 8 p.m. Don Quixote’s International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. $10. Cash only. Ages 21+. (831) 603-2294.

Ribsy’s Nickel in The Catalyst’s Atrium. Rock, reggae and punk intertwine for Santa Cruz’s Ribsy’s Nickel. This is their first show of 2010. 9 p.m. The Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $5 at the door only. Ages 21+. (831) 423-1338.

Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers at Moe’s Alley. Diva of Jazz and Blues Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers has a singing style influenced by Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington and Bessie Smith. She brings her band to the alley for a sultry evening of song. 8:30 p.m. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. (831) 479-1854.

Y&T at The Catalyst. One of the Bay Area’s innovators of hard rock, Y&T brings their gut wrenching guitars to The Catalyst. Metal Shop opens. 9 p.m. The Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $19 in advance, $23 at the door. Ages 21+. (831) 423-1338.

Quinn DeVeaux & Ohioan at The Crepe Place. Dance, dance, dance. Quinn DeVeaux brings the “blue” beats to the front room. Ohioan joins. 9 p.m. The Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz. Call for price. (831) 429-6994.

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Sunday

Gold Diggers of 1933 at Santa Cruz Public Library. Made during the Great Depression, Gold Diggers of 1933, begins a series of moving pictures from or about the 1930s. The musical features sequences directed by the great Busby Berkeley. 1:30 p.m. Santa Cruz Public Library, Main Branch, Central Upstairs Meeting Room, 224 Church Street, Santa Cruz. Free. (831) 420-5700.

Wild Cat Adventure at The Rio. Five live wild cats — cougar, king cheetah, Canada lynx, serval and Geoffroy’s cat — take to the stage for a show supporting the Wild Cat Education and Conservation Fund. 3 p.m. Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz. $10 adults, $5 children younger than 12. (707) 874-3176.

Leslie and The Badgers & Greenstring Farm Band at The Crepe Place. A “mixture of urbane sophistication and genuine country honey,” Leslie and The Badgers come to the front room. Petaluma’s Greenstring Farm Band joins in. 9 p.m. The Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz. $8. (831) 429-6994.

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The Week Past: February 1-4, 2010

admin — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:18:47 +0000

For current events, see the complete listings at The Week, The Weekend and Everything Else.

For the Week of February 1 – 4, 2010.

Monday /// Tuesday /// Wednesday /// Thursday

Monday

Sophie Milman at Kuumbwa. Jazz Times calls her “the next great jazz vocal gust to cross the 49th parallel.” Vocalist Sophie Milman has transformed herself into a self-possessed band-leader at the tender age of 20. 7 p.m. Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz. $22 in advance, $25 at the door. Dinner available one hour before the show. First come, first served. 1-866-55-TICKETS or (831) 427-2227 for information.

Preview of Willing Suspension ArmChair Theatre’s Labeled. The teen years are all about labels. Which is why Cindy Gorski’s Pacific Collegiate Drama Class present poetry and prose about teen issues found in institutions and how the outside seems normal. 7:30 p.m. Capitola Book Cafe, 1475 41st Avenue, Capitola. Free. (831) 462-4415.

Catherine Feeny at Don Quixote’s. Fans of Beth Orton, Lucinda Williams, Joni Mitchell and early Sheryl Crow may find the mellifluous vocals of Catherine Feeny to their taste. 7:30 p.m. Don Quixote’s International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. $8. Cash only. Under 21 allowed with parent. (831) 603-2294.

Wings of Desire at Movie Nite at The Crepe Place. Angels explore humanity in this Wim Wenders classic. 8 p.m. The Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Ave. Santa Cruz. Free, reservations recommended. (831) 429-6994.

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Tuesday

Dine at Shadowbrook for Jazz Education. The 2010 Kuumbwa Honor Jazz Band performs in Shadowbrook’s Rock Lounge as part of the Dine at Shadowbrook fundraiser for Kuumbwa’s jazz education programs. One-third of dinner and beverage tabs will be donated. Music starts at 6 p.m. Shadowbrook, 1750 Wharf Road, Capitola. (831) 475-1511

Willing Suspension ArmChair Theatre’s Labeled. The teen years are all about labels. Which is why Cindy Gorski’s Pacific Collegiate Drama Class present poetry and prose about teen issues found in institutions and how the outside seems normal. 7:30 p.m. February 2 & 3. Actors’ Theatre, , 1001 Center Street, Santa Cruz. Free, but donation requested. (831) 425-7529.

Rosalie Sorrels at Don Quixote’s. Called “the hillbilly Edith Piaf,” Rosalie Sorrels began her career as a folklorist in the 1950s. Her songs and stories create and preserve the oral tradition. 7:30 p.m. Don Quixote’s International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. $14. Under 21 allowed with parent. (831) 603-2294.

Josh Sundquist at Capitola Book Cafe. Josh Sundquist was an energetic and inquisitive nine-year-old when he was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a virulent cancer that eventually claimed his left leg. His extraordinary journey takes him from his small southern town to a dizzying array of hospitals, on to high school, and then to the mountains, where he learned to ski. Sundquist discusses his autobiography, “Just Don’t Fall: How I Grew Up, Conquered Illness, and Made it Down the Mountain.” 7:30 p.m. Capitola Book Cafe, 1475 41st Avenue, Capitola. Free. (831) 462-4415.

Telepath at Moe’s Alley. Self-created samples containing Indian and Arabic singers and musicians, Afrobeat-influenced horn lines, dubbed-out effects and much more mix with keyboards, bass and drums when Telepath comes to town. 9 p.m. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $8 in advance, $10 at the door. (831) 479-1854.

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Wednesday

For the Next 7 Generations at The Rio. The journey of 13 indigenous grandmothers to share their wisdom is the focus of For the Next 7 Generations, a documentary narrated by actress Ashley Judd. There will be a Q&a session afterward. 7 p.m. Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz. $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Advance tickets available at Brown Paper Tickets. (831) 423-8209.

Rydell Visual Art Fellowships panel at the Museum of Art and History. Fellows Skip Epperson, Terri Garland, Felicia Rice and Daniella Woolf speak about their artistic careers. 7 p.m. Museum of Art and History at The McPherson Center,705 Front Street, Santa Cruz. Free. (831) 429-1964.

The Bridge plus The Quick & Easy Boys at Don Quixote’s. KPIG lovers take note. Baltimore’s The Bridge flavors their southern roots rock sound with Americana sensibilities. They’re joined by the honky tonk-rock and roll band Quick & Easy Boys a power-trio from Portland , Ore. 7:30 p.m. Don Quixote’s International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. $8. Ages 21+. (831) 603-2294.

Herb Ohta, Jr, Jennifer Perri & Jon Yamasato at Kuumbwa. Ukulele master Herb Ohta infuses his Hawaiian music with jazz, R&B and hints of Brazil. He’s joined by vocalist Jennifer Perri and guitarist Jon Yamasoto for this special concert. 8 p.m. Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz. $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Advance tickets available at Brown Paper Tickets. (415) 452-8720.

The Pimps Of Joytime at Moe’s Alley. Music to make you shake your booty. Brooklyn’s The Pimps of Joytime blend hip-hop with New Orleans Funk for dance fabulousness. Santa Cruz’s Trip Delight opens. 9 p.m. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $10 in advance, $12 at the door. (831) 479-1854.

Langhorne Slim, April Smith and The Great Picture Show & Jay Lingo at The Crepe Place. Singer and guitarist Langhorne Slim brings his modern take on traditional folk, country, and blues to a triple-bill show in the front room. He is joined by the magnetic April Smith & The Great Picture Show and Santa Cruz Americana junkie Jay Lingo. 9 p.m. The Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz. $10. (831) 429-6994.

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Thursday

Bossa Nova and Beyond: Jobim to Guinga at Kuumbwa. Samba the night away. Sandy Cressman and Homenagem Brasileira play a double bill with Masha Campagne and Caminhos Cruzados for this hot Latin night in cool winter. 7 p.m. Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Jazz & dinner combo $24.60 in advance. Reservations required. Dinner begins an hour prior to show. 1-866-55-TICKETS or (831) 427-2227 for information.

El Noche Flamenco at Broadway Playhouse. Singer Carlitos de Santa Cruz and guitarist Eric “Luis” Jarmie perform a night of Flamenco as a benefit for the Santa Cruz Arts League. 7 p.m. Broadway Playhouse, 526 Broadway Street, Santa Cruz. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. (831) 426-5787

Aprylle Gilbert at Don Quixote’s. Folksy pop with a semi-autobiographical twist has made reviewers gush over Aprylle Gilbert. See what the raves are all about. 7:30 p.m. Don Quixote’s International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. $10. Cash only. Under 21 allowed with parent. (831) 603-2294.

Chinatown at Regal Cinema. A young Jack Nicholson does neo noir with Faye Dunaway, Part of Flashback Flix at Regal Cinema. 8 p.m. Regal Cinema 9, 1405 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz. $5. (831) 457-3505

Family Hog Wash at Moe’s Alley. Fierce bluegrass. Santa Cruz’s Family Hogwash brings their explosive dynamic — and recently joined fiddler Scott Marlin — to the Alley. Santa Cruz’s Johanna Lefever opens. 8:30 p.m. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $7 in advance, $10 at the door. (831) 479-1854.

Zoe Boekbinder, Audiafauna & Courtney Houston at Moe’s Alley. Best known for fronting Vermillion Lies, Zoe Boekbinder brings her geek-glam to the front room. She shares a bill with Santa Cruz’s sure to be hit band Audiafauna and Courtney Houston. 9 p.m. The Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz. $8. (831) 429-6994.

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The Weekend Past: January 22 – 24, 2010

admin — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 06:59:50 +0000

For the Weekend of January 22-24, 2010.

Friday /// Saturday /// Sunday

Friday

Lil Pea and the 3rd Degree at Seabright Brewery. Lil Pea and the 3rd Degree makes sweet music at Seabright Brewery. 6 p.m. Heartbreaker brings Led Zeppelin back from disbandment. “Stairway to Heaven” may never be the same. 8 p.m. Don Quixote’s International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. $15. Ages 21+. (831) 603-2294.

Funky times at Moe’s Alley. It’s an all-star showdown when San Francisco’s Stymie & The Pimp Jones Luv Orchestra joins Bay Area’s The Pleasuremaker Band and Afrolicious for a dose of Afro-centric funkiness. 9 p.m. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $10. (831) 479-1854.

China Cats tribute the Grateful Dead at The Crepe Place. Channel the groove of the Dead. Santa Cruz’s China Cats come to The Crepe Place’s armed with a new batch of tunes from the Dead’s repertoire. 9 p.m. The Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz. $TBA. (831) 429-6994.

Black Dynamite at Midnight at the Del Mar. All Movie Guide describes Black Dynamite as “a seamless recreation of the blaxploitation classics of the 1970s.” Midnight January 22 & 23. The Del Mar, 1124 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz. $6.50. (831) 469-3220.

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Saturday

Signing of Dogs: Messengers of Inner Peace at Many Hands. It’s raining cats and dogs at Many Hands Gallery. Elizabeth “Tootie” Hagan, author of Dogs: Messengers of Inner Peace, will sign her book as a fundraiser for the Santa Cruz SPCA. A portion of all book sales will be donated. 3 – 5 p.m. Many Hands Gallery, 510 Bay Avenue, Capitola. Free. (831) 475-2500.

Bryn Loosley and the Back Pages, Johanna Lefever & Asher at Kuumbwa. Buffalo Creek frontman Bryn Loosley brings his other band, the Back Pages, to Kuumbwa for a night of folk and roots rock. Local folkie Johanna Lefever and Asher share the bill. 8 p.m. Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz. $10. 1-866-55-TICKETS or (831) 427-2227 for information.

Extra Large at Don Quixote’s. They dare you to not to dance to their funky grooves. Santa Cruz’s Extra Large returns to Don Quixote’s. 8 p.m. Don Quixote’s International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Ages 21+. (831) 603-2294.

The Residents at The Rio. Experimental band-like group The Residents appears at The Rio. 8 p.m. Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz. $26.25 in advance. Advance tickets at www.ticketweb.com. (831) 423-8209.

Salsa Dance Party at Veterans Memorial. The monthly Salsa Dance Party at Veterans Memorial features live music by Flor de Cana. A dance lesson is included with admission. 8 – 9 p.m. class, 9 p.m. dance. Veterans Memorial Building, 846 Front St, Santa Cruz. $10. (831) 454-0478.

Loose Cannon Theater at Broadway Playhouse. Provocative improvisation troupe Loose Cannon Theater presents its Jumpin’ January show. New troupe member Carol Skolnick will have her debut. Broadway Playhouse, 526 Broadway Street, Santa Cruz. $10 at the door. (831) 427-4008.

An Evening of Snow. Ariose Singers perform their winter concert, An Evening of Snow this weekend. The concert will include pieces by Samuel Barber, J.S. Bach, Francis Poulenc, Juan del Encina and Juan Vásquez. 8 p.m. January 23 & 3 p.m. January 24. Resurrection Church, 7600 Soquel Drive in Aptos. $15. Advance tickets at from Brown Paper Tickets.

Coastal Sage at Moe’s Alley. The reggae stylings of Santa Cruz’s own Coastal Sage take center stage at Moe’s Alley. 9 p.m. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $8 in advance, $10 at the door. (831) 479-1854.

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Sunday

Third annual Chocolate Festival at Cocoanut Grove. Taste chocolate creations while helping raise money for re-entry student scholarships at UC Santa Cruz. 1 – 3 p.m. Cocoanut Grove, 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz. Admission is free, but tastings cost $5 for 3, $10 for 8 or $20 for 20. Tickets available at the door. www.santacruzchocolatefestival.org.

Houston Jones plus Calaveras at Don Quixote’s. Prepare for some high octane roots music when Bay Area’s Houston Jones joins local group Calaveras for a fun night. 7 p.m. Don Quixote’s International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. $10. Under 21 allowed with parent. (831) 603-2294.

That 1 Guy at Moe’s Alley. He’s a one-man rhythm section, an orchestra in miniature and a jazz bassist. Berkeley musical genius Mike Silverman is That 1 Guy and he “packs a wallop.” 8:30 p.m. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $10 in advance, $12 at the door. (831) 479-1854.

Maus Haus, Battlehooch & Grand Lake at The Crepe Place. San Francisco’s experimental pop sextet Maus Haus shares a bill with Battlehooch and Grand Lake in the front room. 9 p.m. The Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz. $8. (831) 429-6994.

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The Week Past: January 18-21, 2010

admin — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:09:57 +0000

For the Week of January 18 – 21, 2010.

Monday /// Tuesday /// Wednesday /// Thursday

Monday

Mose Allison Trio at Kuumbwa. Soulful melodies and razor sharp witticisms are stock in trade for Mose Allison. The piano man, grew up playing piano in a small town on the Mississippi delta, brings his trio to Kuumbwa Jazz Center. 7 & 9 p.m. Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz. $23 in advance, $26 at the door. Dinner available one hour before the show. First come, first served. 1-866-55-TICKETS or (831) 427-2227 for information.

Preview of ArmChair Theatre’s An Evening of Claireity. Join director Karen Schamberg as readers present poetry, prose and plays by Claire Braz-Valentine. 7:30 p.m. Capitola Book Cafe, 1475 41st Avenue, Capitola. Free. (831) 462-4415.

To Have and Have Not at Movie Nite at The Crepe Place. “You know how to whistle don’t you…,” coos Lauren Bacall to Humphrey Bogart in this film, co-written by William Faulkner. “You just put your lips together and…blow.” 8 p.m. The Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Ave. Santa Cruz. Free, reservations recommended. (831) 429-6994.

Castanets, Tiger Saw, Alps Of North Wales at The Crepe Place. Mix country guitars with electronics and you get Castanets. The California band joins basement soul group Tiger Saw and Alps of New South Wales. 9 p.m. The Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz. $8.(831) 429-6994.

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Tuesday

Americana Songwriters in the Round at Don Quixote’s. Singer-songwriters Geoffrey Rutledge, Jay Lingo, Wyatt Easterling, Chuck Suchy team up for a night of unforgettable folk music. 7:30 p.m. Don Quixote’s International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. $8. Under 21 allowed with parent. (831) 603-2294.

Willing Suspension ArmChair Theatre’s An Evening of Claireity. Join director Karen Schamberg as readers present poetry, prose and plays by Claire Braz-Valentine. The one-time Santa Cruz resident wrote the popular poem “Open Letter to John Ashcroft”. 7:30 p.m. January 19 & 20. Actors’ Theatre, , 1001 Center Street, Santa Cruz. Free, but donation requested. (831) 425-7529.

Dumpstaphunk & The Rebirth Brass Band at Moe’s Alley. New Orleans sensation Dumpstaphunk, dubbed “the best funk band from New Orleans” by the New York Times, joins fellow Crescent City group The Rebirth Brass Band at Moe’s Alley. 8:30 p.m. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $27 in advance, $30 at the door. (831) 479-1854.

Chris Pureka at The Crepe Place. It might be an ordinary day, but it’s likely to be more than that when acoustic indie singer Chris Pureka plays the front room.9 p.m. The Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz. $10.(831) 429-6994.

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Wednesday

Ledward Kaapana plus Fran Guidry at Don Quixote’s. Hawaii’s incomparable slack key master Ledward Kaapana returns to Don Quixote’s. Artist Fran Guidry opens. 7:30 p.m. Don Quixote’s International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. $16 in advance, $18 at the door. Under 21 allowed with parent. (831) 603-2294.

Pellejo Seco at Moe’s Alley. Order a rum and coke and prepare to be transported to the island of Cuba. The Bay Area’s Pellejo Seco plays original compositions with roots in traditional Cuban sound. 8:30 p.m. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $7 in advance, $10 at the door. (831) 479-1854.

Comickaze at Veterans Memorial. Moshe Kasher, seen on Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham, headlines Comickaze. This showcase features the best comics of the Bay Area and beyond. 8:30 p.m. Veterans Memorial Building, 846 Front St, Santa Cruz. $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Advance tickets available at Brown Paper Tickets. (831) 454-0478.

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Thursday

The Jazz Birds at Kuumbwa. They’re Wingin’ It’ with high flying harmonies and soaring syncopations. The Jazz Birds celebrate the release of their latest CD. 7 p.m. Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Jazz & dinner combo $24.60 in advance. Reservations required. Dinner begins an hour prior to show.1-866-55-TICKETS or (831) 427-2227 for information.

California Guitar Trio plus special guest Tony Levin at Don Quixote’s. “A California Guitar Trio performance is like a night at the theater: Drama, passion, humor, joy , pathos, it’s all there,” says Acoustic Musician Magazine. 7:30 p.m. Don Quixote’s International Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. $15. Under 21 allowed with parent. (831) 603-2294.

Some Like It Hot at Regal Cinema. Nothing is hotter than Marilyn Monroe making Tony Curtis fall in love with her in this screwy comedy about musicians on the run from the mob. Part of Flashback Flix at Regal Cinema. 8 p.m. Regal Cinema 9, 1405 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz. $5. (831) 457-3505

100 Monkeys at The Catalyst’s Atrium. The Los Angeles-based band The Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $10 in advance, $14 at the door. Ages 16+. (831) 423-1338.

Chuck Fenda at Moe’s Alley. Reggae great Chuck Fenda wages his lyrical revolution in the Alley with an assist by DJ Donette G. The ‘Right Time Come.’ 9 p.m. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $10 in advance, $15 at the door. (831) 479-1854.

West Indian Girl, Moon Cadillac, My Flag Is On Fire at The Crepe Place Indie group West Indian Girl joins electronica locals Moon Cadillac and My Flag is on Fire in the front room. 9 p.m. The Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz. $10. (831) 429-6994.

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