Here they are, nine necessary know-abouts for the week ahead. It’s the B9:
➤ For an all-too-brief moment, Tom Lehrer was America’s sharpest political satirist, wielding his wit at the piano bench as a kind of Tin Pan Alley version of Weird Al Yankovic. Those who loved Lehrer back in the 1950s and ’60s really loved him. Yet when he abruptly retired from performing, no one in popular entertainment was more resolute in staying retired. Lehrer, who lived for decades in Santa Cruz dodging any attention, has remained a subject of intrigue and even adoration from local musicians. On Sunday, as he has been for many times over the years, Lehrer will be toasted by local performers in a tribute show at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center. It’s a perfect moment to engage in a long-standing love for an American original, or to discover an overlooked pioneer of musical comedy.
➤ It’s going to be a wild night at The Catalyst on Friday when one of the 2010s’ biggest names in hip-hop, brainy rapper Lupe Fiasco drops into town.
➤ Squint your eyes and it’s 1964 and four lads from Liverpool are about to turn the world upside down. No, it’s not a time machine, but maybe the next-best thing.
➤ Journalist Eric Schlosser is one of the country’s foremost chroniclers of the food production industry and he’s in town to discuss the film “Food, Inc. 2” in a benefit for the Homeless Garden Project.
➤ Santa Cruz Shakespeare is gearing up for its big new production of “A Christmas Carol” with preview performances this weekend.
➤ What would happen if the Led Zeppelin boys had been born female? Wonder no more.
➤ The best way to kick off your Thanksgiving weekend might be on the high you’ll find with the inventive and far-seeing L.A.-based DJ and producer TOKiMONSTA.
➤ The partnership of Tim Bluhm and Greg Loiacono has produced one of Northern California’s most durable musical touchstones. The Mother Hips return to Santa Cruz, with a new album to show the world.
➤ The brilliant young musicians of Be Natural Music are showing off their moves Saturday at Coasters. It’s a great moment to show your support.
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