Hi friends,
The folks who hand out the Pulitzer Prizes recently launched a new podcast series on the stories behind stories that won the Pulitzers. Sure, journalism nerds will enjoy it, but the first show of the new season features the experiences and stories of my fine newsgathering colleagues at Lookout Santa Cruz, and for anyone who happened to be in Santa Cruz County during the harrowing winter of 2023, it’s a revelation and genuinely worth a moment’s reflection two years later. Check it out. I bet you’ll learn something.
Now, on with the show.
THIS JUST IN
The Quarry Amphitheater at UC Santa Cruz will be the site of a big literary event. On May 4, novelist Percival Everett will be on hand to chat on stage with UCSC literature prof Vilashini Cooppan. Everett’s novel “James,” a reimagining of the Huck Finn saga from the viewpoint of Huck’s companion Jim, was selected for UCSC’s “Deep Read” book series. The event is free and open to the public. Elsewhere, the brilliant young multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier will headline the Santa Cruz Civic on Oct. 26. Bookshop Santa Cruz brings back celebrated local author Laurie R. King to introduce her latest novel, “Knave of Diamonds,” on June 10. Award-winning poet Maggie Smith talks writerly advice with Santa Cruz’s Danusha Lameris at Bookshop on May 21. The musical and comedic duo Schoolcraft & Murray play the Kuumbwa Jazz Center on May 31. And the David Nelson Band, featuring the former New Riders of the Purple Sage co-founder, comes to the Felton Music Hall on May 8.
Be sure to check out Lookout’s carefully curated and constantly updated planning guide, Down the Line, for the staggering riches and amazing choices awaiting Santa Cruz audiences. It’s our look ahead at the best shows, concerts and events through the rest of the year at clubs, stages and venues all over the county.
CHECK THIS OUT
Best 9: Top events for the week ahead in Santa Cruz County arts & entertainment, March 20-27
THIS WEEK IN A&E
Locals’ hard-learned, oft-repeated lessons from 1940s Japanese American experience relevant again as Trump invokes Alien Enemies Act
Santa Cruz County activists Mas Hashimoto and Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston spent their lives telling the story of Japanese American internment during World War II. Now that both are deceased, and in the face of Trump administration immigration policies, their stories need to be remembered.
Veteran stand-up comic Karin Babbitt determined to speak her truth, be it amusing or appalling
Santa Cruz comedian Karin Babbitt, 70, takes the stage March 21 at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center to record her first-ever comedy album. She comes to the show – shared with well-known local comic DNA – with a newfound respect for speaking what’s on her mind […]
Watsonville Strawberry Festival art contest is now open
The Watsonville Strawberry Festival art contest for 2025 is now open. Local artists are encouraged to submit their own original artwork for a chance to win a cash prize and have their work displayed and sold at this year’s festival, scheduled for Aug. 2-3 in […]
That’s all I got, friends. Come at me with comments, ideas, complaints, or thundering insights. Thanks to all Lookout members for your faith and support, and please, spread the word on what we’re doing.