Hi friends,
Gotta respect the framers of the Constitution for establishing Election Day just after Halloween. The gut-churning tension adds a certain grit to the Halloween celebration, reminding us there are a lot bigger things to fear than ghosts and goblins. And can you imagine the chaos of a post-Election Day Halloween? Makes the blood run cold.
Let’s have fun for Halloween. It might be our last chance for a while.
Now, on with the show.
THIS JUST IN
Yes, there is a future after the election. The fine Michigan-based jam band Greensky Bluegrass will visit The Catalyst on Jan. 19. The hip-hop duo Atmosphere also drops in at The Catalyst, on Jan. 18. Jazz vocalist Veronica Swift will perform live at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center on Feb. 13. Former bluegrass prodigy Sierra Hull comes to Felton Music Hall on Jan. 21. A big Eagles tribute show is scheduled at The Rio on Jan. 30, followed a couple of months later by a big ABBA tribute show April 10. Canadian troubadour Steve Poltz plays the Kuumbwa Feb. 7. Pop singer Kat Edmonson is at Kuumbwa on Feb. 3. The jam band Disco Biscuits hits The Catalyst on Jan. 23. And the least-surprising new booking is Tuck & Patti, the elegant jazz duo, playing, as they do every year, on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, at the 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.
Here they are, nine necessary know-abouts for the week ahead. It’s the jump-scare B9:
The día to celebrate
For several years now, I’ve remained fascinated with the gradual process by which the Mexican observance of Día de Los Muertos has influenced the traditional American observance of Halloween, particularly in California. And this year, though there’s plenty of fun to be found on Halloween, Día de Los Muertos has achieved a kind of parity on the entertainment calendar.
The big event is happening in downtown Watsonville, with the Watsonville Film Festival’s annual celebration Friday from 4 to 9 p.m. at the plaza. Amid many community-created ofrendas — the colorful altars honoring deceased loved ones — there will be live performances, costumes and art, all to be followed by an under-the-stars movie screening of the 2014 animated Muertos-themed adventure “The Book of Life.”
On Sunday, at the nearby Pajaro Valley Gallery on Sudden Street, Pajaro Valley Arts hosts the opening reception to its annual Día de Los Muertos show, “Mi Casa Es Tu Casa,” this year titled “In the Arms of Our Ancestors.” The exhibit itself is already up and running at the gallery, but Sunday’s opening reception, from 1 to 3 p.m., will feature performances by the White Hawk Dancers, Estrellas de Esperanza and others. It’s free.
Other celebrations of Día de Los Muertos locally include a punk rock show at The 418 Project in Santa Cruz on Friday as a benefit for Senderos Santa Cruz. That’s followed on Saturday afternoon by a Día de Los Muertos comparsa (parade) in the finest Oaxacan tradition of the holiday. Also, look for the Day of the Dead Wine release party at Wargin Wines in Soquel, a farm-to-table Day of the Dead dinner gathering at Watsonville’s Marquita Farm and a Day of the Dead outdoor market on West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz on Saturday.
As far as Halloween goes, the best strategy is to get out in the streets for family fun in Santa Cruz County, with trick-or-treat events happening in Boulder Creek, at the Capitola Mall, the Santa Cruz Wharf and, of course, in downtown Santa Cruz. Then, after the sun goes down, the grown-ups come out to play in Santa Cruz. As for me, I’ll be downtown, but also popping into the show at Oblò Cocktails & Kitchen featuring the exciting trio Yeobo. I’ll be dressed as the scariest thing I can think of, Project 2025.
MAH leader search
The search for a new leader at the Museum of Art & History is coming to you and me. In November, the MAH will present its three finalists for the position of executive director in three consecutive days of presentations, allowing each candidate to outline his or her vision of the future of the museum, and to hear from the public.
The presentations will take place from 11 a.m. to noon on Nov. 12, 13 and 14, all on Zoom. This is a great opportunity to peek into a hiring process for a high-profile job and to get a sense of the different ideas of what a museum means in a community. See you there?
First Friday beckons
Talk about bang-bang: First Friday this month hits the night after Halloween. You might be stepping through discarded costumes, but there’s plenty to see and do on First Friday. Some highlights include “Liminal Space Costume Party” (giving you a second go at that Halloween costume) at the Cruzio building, Church and Cedar; artist Shani Fable’s exploration of gender-nonconforming people throughout history titled “Is Gender Working for You?” at the Vision Sanctuary, 313 Cedar St., (across the street from the Bagelry/Kuumbwa space); and — going back to our Day of the Dead roundup — the Apricity Gallery at the Tannery is presenting a show called “Manes,” from the ancient Roman belief in worshiping ancestors as benevolent spirits, featuring live music with the installation.
Or, choose your own potentially life-changing experience at First Friday.
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.