Hi friends,
I’m currently recumbent and probably unconscious in my own personalized underground suspended animation pod, enjoying some unplugged time. But the Santa Cruz scene never sleeps. Have some fun in my absence.
Now, on with the show.
THIS JUST IN
Just last week, singer-songwriter MJ Lenderman was featured in a high-profile piece in The New York Times, and he was booked for a show at the Rio Theater on Feb. 15. Also at the Rio next spring, a big bold tribute act to the legendary Bay Area band Journey drops in May 9. While we’re on the tribute beat, there’s a tribute show to Amy Winehouse coming to the Kuumbwa Jazz Center on Oct. 13. Also at the Kuumbwa on Oct. 19, check out the latest incarnation of the legendary Kingston Trio. Reggae great Mykal Rose plays Moe’s Alley that same day. And, there’s a new documentary screening called “Music for Mushrooms” Oct. 26 at the Rio.
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.
Here they are, nine necessary know-abouts for the week ahead. It’s the post-debate B9:
Where to find CommonGround
The Museum of Art & History kicks off its CommonGround festival this weekend, but you can’t really say that the MAH is the place to be for it. That’s because the festival is designed as a place-specific event, and those places are all over the county. I chatted with the MAH’s interim executive director, Marla Novo, about the festival, its many cool presentations, and the status of the museum’s hunt for a new permanent director. Read more here.
The singing ‘Caged Birds’
On Sunday afternoon, Sept. 22, a diverse group of talented musicians and entertainers will come together to honor the pain, the story and the spirit of survivors in a performance called “Let the Caged Bird Sing.” The show is to take place at the Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center in downtown Santa Cruz, and will feature high-profile vocalists Ariel Thiermann, Gina René and Anthony Jones, along with guest appearances and a crack band of musicians under the direction of pianist Kate Saphir Alm, and including bassist Etienne Franc and drummer Zack Kirk Olsen. Check it out.
The Not-Necessarily-Newlywed Game
Who doesn’t enjoy watching couples squirm trying to answer questions about their relationship? Actor and entertainer Sean Perlmutter is betting that the specific curiosity about people’s coupled lives is contagious. He’s the host and creator of “Lovers Know Best,” which is based on the “Newlywed Game” trope, only contestants don’t have to be newlyweds. The show will take place live at The 418 Project this Saturday. I had the privilege to chat with Perlmutter about his design of the show, as well as his designs for its future.
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.