Hi friends,
Like a lot of graybeard ex-stoners, I have a soft spot for The Dude in “The Big Lebowski,” and next week, I’ll be visiting Monterey’s Golden State Theatre with all the other cosplayers to see Jeff Bridges, who’ll be talking about the mystique of the movie that started a religion. Speaking of which, anyone got a natty old bath robe I can borrow?
Now, on with the show.
THIS JUST IN
In an unusual turn of events on the local music calendar, Bermuda-born reggae star Collie Buddz, who is headlining a sold-out show at The Catalyst on Saturday, has already booked another local gig, at a different club. If you missed your chance to spark up with him this weekend, he returns to the area, playing the Felton Music Hall on Aug. 23. The U.K.-based funk band The New Mastersounds are retiring from international touring, and their “Ta-Ta for Now” tour makes a stop at Moe’s Alley on Oct. 23. Santa Cruz mystery writer Leslie Karst has a new book out and she’ll be talking about it at Bookshop Santa Cruz on May 8. And the actors and directors of Santa Cruz Shakespeare gather at Bookshop Santa Cruz on June 30 to preview the upcoming season.
Trivia news: Yes, Lookout’s monthly trivia event at Abbott Square is again taking place this summer. We’ll soon have a way you can register, but for now, save the date: June 4, for the first of four big trivia shows in store for 2025.
And 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, April 17-24
THIS WEEK IN A&E
Hallelujah anyway: Through pain and struggles, Tammi Brown lived her life with hard-earned joy
Santa Cruz jazz singer Tammi Brown, who died April 5, was not only a gifted and sophisticated musician, but a spiritual force in the world, living with various challenges and struggles with a joy borne of her indomitable spiritual faith.
Downtown dance festival opens Santa Cruz Dance Week
Pacific Avenue will be grooving Thursday afternoon with demonstrations of ballroom, hula, samba, folklorico, ballet, tango, pole dancing and more as Motion Pacific annual dance work bursts to life.
How UC Santa Cruz lost its crown as the ‘most stoned campus on earth’
As UC Santa Cruz students gear up for the annual 4/20 gathering at Porter Meadow, the campus’ once-legendary status as a stoner paradise is fading. Cannabis legalization, Gen Z’s changing social habits and the university’s growing focus on STEM and research have reshaped the school’s […]
Santa Cruz Shakespeare plans first summer musical in 32 years with ‘Into the Woods’
Santa Cruz Shakespeare announced its summer and fall festival lineup, featuring the company’s first summer musical in 32 years and a rotating repertory of four classic plays on the theme “No One is Alone.”
Annual exhibition showcases Cabrillo students’ artistic skill
Student Exhibition 2025 displays interdisciplinary work by students across Cabrillo College’s art and photography departments.
Summer’s here (almost): Your quick guide to a summer of fun in Santa Cruz County
Summertime is on the horizon and, lest you’ve forgotten, Santa Cruz County is chock full of fun activities from fine art to family frolics. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to Santa Cruz County’s biggest festivals, shows, and events through September 2025.
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.