Hi friends,
Back in the day, Santa Cruz was noticeably less crowded during the week of Burning Man. For many locals, the event had long ago lost much of its mystique and, after the mudcake apocalypse of a couple of years ago, I wonder if Santa Cruz and Burning Man are, in the parlance of shaky relationships, “taking a break.”
Now, on with the show.
THIS JUST IN
Ever since they played an earthquake fundraiser in Watsonville more than 35 years ago, Los Lobos has had a special relationship with Santa Cruz County audiences. That relationship continues when the great L.A. band comes to the Rio on New Year’s Eve. No Led Zeppelin tribute band can bring it quite like the all-female band Zepparella, playing two big shows on consecutive nights Nov. 21-22 at Moe’s Alley. The veteran bluesman Chris Smither will play The Landing in Scotts Valley on Dec. 11 with his band. You might remember the fine new-wave English band from the 1980s, Squeeze. The artistic visionary behind that band, Glenn Tilbrook, has been booked into Felton Music Hall on Oct. 20. The jazz fusion band Ghost-Note will provide Halloween vibes at Moe’s on Oct. 31. And the Kuumbwa Jazz Center’s yearlong celebration of its 50th anniversary culminates with a big show Dec. 13 with a show featuring Joshua Redman, Billy Childs, Gerald Clayton and many other major jazz names and friends of Kuumbwa.
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, Aug. 21-28
THIS WEEK IN A&E
Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s ‘Pericles’ navigates love, loss and redemption
Pirates, princesses, brothels and shipwrecks — “Pericles” has all the drama of a soap opera with the poetry of Shakespeare, and Santa Cruz Shakespeare gives this wild ride heart and humor. Think “Shakespearean road trip” with emotional payoff and a superb cast.
What to know before visiting the newly opened Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument
Here’s what you need to know about the 9 miles of trails that opened up at Cotoni-Coast Dairies National Monument, just north of Davenport.
Santa Cruz Film Festival planning a big ‘resurrection’ in October
After having been dark for three years, the Santa Cruz Film Festival is coming back in October with new leadership and new energy. The goal? Not only to entertain and illuminate audiences, but also to build a viable film industry in Santa Cruz County.
Moonlight and mischief in Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s delightful ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a hilarious, crowd-pleasing comedy full of playful magic. This moonlit romp through love and mischief is a midsummer treat.
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.