Hi friends,
Word is that The Catalyst building might be converted to another apartment building, with the remodeled music venue remaining on the ground floor. Now, I love The Catalyst, but love would quickly turn to something else if I lived in the apartment above it.
Now, on with the show.
THIS JUST IN
Intriguing show coming up early next year at Felton Music Hall to mark the 20th anniversary of the beloved (at least by me) indie film “Little Miss Sunshine.” The Colorado band DeVotchKa, which composed the music for the film, will play Felton on Feb. 22 to celebrate the soundtrack of the film, which, we have to mention, has a Santa Cruz link: Its co-director, Valerie Faris, grew up locally. Also, Italian guitar prodigy Matteo Mancuso visits the Rio Theatre on Jan. 28. UC Berkeley biologist Adina Merenlender comes to Bookshop Santa Cruz on Jan. 12 to discuss her new edition of “The California Naturalist Handbook.” Also at Bookshop, UCSC history professor Gregory O’Malley talks about his new book Feb. 2. The performance of comedian Hannibal Burress, originally scheduled for this week at The Catalyst, has been moved to Jan. 16. And, the day before, Jan. 15, The Catalyst welcomes the most ambitiously named psychedelic band ever, LSD & The Search for God.
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.
Notes and highlights
➤ It’s First Friday time again, and if you’re out making the rounds, you might want to drop in at Claraty Arts in Midtown Santa Cruz. Claraty is an amazing art program that taps the creativity and vision of artists with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. Friday is a big day at Claraty, which will be showcasing some of the best work of the program’s stable of artists in an exhibit called “Gifted.” Swing by from 6 to 8 p.m. at 1725 Seabright Ave., and keep in mind that art makes lovely holiday gifts.
➤ On Tuesday, the Kuumbwa Jazz Center hosted an on-stage conversation of local arts leaders, who all pledged to collaborate and support each other in an effort to develop and maintain local audiences. What struck me was the generational shift that the panel represented with leaders such as Chanel Enriquez of the Kuumbwa Jazz Center, Ginger Shulick Porcella of the Museum of Art & History and Riley Nicholson of the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, all of whom are on the beginning of their journey leading arts organizations built and shaped by their predecessors.
➤ The Diversity Center in Santa Cruz has finished its own in-house documentary film titled “Never the Last Love Letter,” the story of the AIDS/HIV crisis as experienced in Santa Cruz County, honoring those who fought to save lives. It’s a story that needs to be told and needs to be heard. Check it out here.
➤ Indivisible Santa Cruz County is busy prepping for its latest political action, a Midtown protest at Water Street and Morrissey Boulevard. “Signs of Fascism” will feature signs that spell out particular actions that translate to authoritarianism in the U.S. Look for it Saturday morning, 11:30 a.m. to noon.
CHECK THIS OUT
Best 9: Top events for the week ahead in Santa Cruz County arts & entertainment, Dec. 4-11
THIS WEEK IN A&E
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Demolition, relocation eyed for Catalyst; Westside revitalization story; new wine district moves forward
A Silicon Valley developer has proposed demolishing the historic downtown Santa Cruz home of The Catalyst nightclub and erecting a new seven-story, mixed-use building, Jessica M. Pasko reports in her weekly survey of local business. She’s also got news from the Westside, on the local […]
KAZU back to normal after relocation disruptions
Monterey Bay NPR affiliate KAZU (90.3 FM) is back on the air and streaming this week after a move of its studio caused disruptions in its broadcast signal.
Theater review: Minimalism undermines the heart of SC Shakespeare’s ‘A Christmas Carol’
Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s holiday “A Christmas Carol” arrives with a talented cast and good intentions, Jana Marcus writes, but its minimalist staging and narration-heavy adaptation never find the emotional spark that makes Scrooge’s journey so enduring, leaving this production feeling surprisingly hollow.
Pianist Benny Green takes the stage alongside UC Santa Cruz Jazz Big Band on Dec. 7
The UC Santa Cruz Jazz Big Band is holding a concert on Dec. 7 at the Music Center Recital Hall, with guest artist Benny Green under the direction of UCSC music lecturer Charles Hamilton.
Santa Cruz High music director to march in Rose Parade on New Year’s Day
Christina Latham is among 300 band directors invited to make up a marching band of music teachers from around the country at the Jan. 1 Rose Parade in Pasadena.
Santa Cruz County Parks seeks artist for Quail Hollow project
The project at Quail Hollow Ranch County Park in Felton seeks artwork that will complement the Pace Trail area’s unique habitat, plants and animals.
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.