Hi friends,
Happy 100th birthday to former President Jimmy Carter, coming up next week on Oct. 1. With the possible exception of Barack Obama, Carter was, I think, the biggest music fan to ever occupy the White House, with an abiding love for Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, who called Carter “a kindred spirit to me of a rare kind.” If you’re a fan of President Carter, a good way to celebrate is with music, such as this gem from another one of America’s greatest elders.
Now, on with the show.
THIS JUST IN
Hip-hop legend KRS-One is coming to Santa Cruz, performing live at Woodhouse Blending & Brewing on Oct. 20. Ska-punk pioneers Fishbone come to the Rio Theatre on Dec. 18. Trans activist and writer Jennifer Finney Boylan comes to Bookshop Santa Cruz to talk about her new book on gender identity Feb. 26. Groundbreaking hip-hopper Matisyahu drops into The Catalyst on Dec. 11. Acid jazz pioneers Greyboy Allstars play live at Moe’s Alley on Nov. 21. Singer-songwriter Elijah Fox is booked at Felton Music Hall on Feb. 1. The great indie band Cursive is also at Felton Music Hall, on Feb. 7. And look for a goth/folk icon, singer-songwriter Chelsea Wolfe, coming to the Rio on Dec. 12.
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 turning-October B9:
Now, this is a festival
Intriguing event on the horizon for Oct. 12 at the Quarry Amphitheater at UC Santa Cruz. With admirable directness, singer-songwriter Kevin Morby, the event’s headliner and curator, is calling it simply “This Is a Festival.”
The title is, in fact, a reference to Morby’s 2022 album “This is a Photograph,” and the show is essentially a collection of artists that Morby considers friends and collaborators whom he feels we should know more about.
The lineup features, for example, percussionist Makaya McCraven, whose background is jazz, funk and world music. And he’ll play the same bill with Ben Kweller, the veteran power-pop indie rocker. Jessica Pratt, whose music evokes the SoCal sound of the 1970s, will perform, along with Blackstarkids, a hip-hop trio known for hooky hits like “Too Depressed 4 Sex.” And, there’s more: Idaho-based singer-songwriter Trevor Powers pursues his muse of dream-pop psychedelia through his on-stage persona, Youth Lagoon.
The whole thing will be hosted by podcasters Jason Stewart and Chris Black for their show “How Long Gone,” with, of course, Morby’s own rootsy sound at the heart of the event.
You might not know much about any of these artists, or have only a glancing recognition of them. But this is what the music scene needs more of, avenues into the work of worthy new and/or emerging artists. That requires audiences willing to take a risk on unknown names. Let’s hope Morby’s instincts are right with this one, and that Santa Cruz is the place where such an idea can be successful.The event takes place Oct. 12 at the Quarry.
The Whale Bridge Effect
Anyone else hearing aesthetic complaints about the new pedestrian bridge over Highway 1 and its fabricated-metal whales? The whales themselves are lovely, sure. But there are whales on both vertical faces of the bridge. And without an opaque background on either side, no matter which way you’re traveling on Highway 1, you see only a jumbled mess of crisscross images. Mix in pedestrians and bicyclists and whatever effect the art was after might be lost.
Is it the most pressing public concern of the season? Imagine what a wonderful world we’d be living in if it were.
Open Studios on the horizon
A reminder that one of Santa Cruz County’s most amazing artistic events is nearly upon us. It’s the annual Open Studios tour of artists’ home studios across the county, spread out over three weekends, featuring the work of more than 300 participating artists. It’s a good idea to start your planning now. The first weekend goes down Oct. 5-6.
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.