Hi friends,
It was 16 years ago this week that I was struggling against the early morning cold on the National Mall in Washington to witness the historic Obama (first) inauguration. I was absolutely floored by the hundreds of thousands of faces I encountered that day, not a single one of whom, I would imagine, will be repeat visitors this year. Obama was wrong about at least one thing: There are two Americas. Now the other one gets the keys to the government. Let’s stay strong and think long.
Now, on with the show.
THIS JUST IN
Talk about your throwbacks: The Glenn Miller Orchestra — yep, the big band which scored its biggest hit, “In the Mood,” several years before either the incoming or the outgoing president was even born — is coming to Santa Cruz with a show at the Rio Theatre on March 12. Texas singer-songwriter Joshua Ray Walker is due at Moe’s Alley on April 9. Chicago-based and New Orleans-inspired singer-songwriter Neal Francis plays Felton Music Hall on May 9. Longtime Santa Cruz County writer Diane Schaffer debuts her new novel “Mortal Zin” at Bookshop Santa Cruz on March 5. And popular Bay Area rapper LaRussell comes to visit The Catalyst on June 28.
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, Jan. 16-23
The Lookout Santa Cruz app is available now in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Learn more here.
THIS WEEK IN A&E
Kuumbwa Jazz making ambitious plans for 50th birthday celebration
The Kuumbwa Jazz Center is marking its 50th anniversary with a number of events, including a “Spirit of ’75” concert series, a big free outdoor show in the spring and a collection of archival and behind-the-scenes photos.
Residents can now enter annual Santa Cruz County Fair theme competition
The Santa Cruz County Fair is now accepting submissions for its annual theme competition. Email and mail submissions will be accepted until Jan. 31 at 5 p.m.
Capitola City Council backs annual wharf fireworks show in permit struggle even as it ignites community debate
The Capitola City Council unanimously voted last week to support the continuation of the Monte Foundation fireworks show in the fall over the wharf.
Los Angeles, I love you, and I mourn for you
In the wake of the ruinous fires in Southern California, it’s appropriate to acknowledge the unique charm of Los Angeles, a world-class city too often dissed and overlooked.
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.