Hi friends,
Proper punishment for those in Santa Cruz County caught setting off illegal fireworks? I say, no mercy. That’s right: 48 hours locked in a room with the Biden-Trump debate playing on a loop, and turned up loud. Inhumane? Maybe.
Now, on with the show.
This Just In!
Willie Nelson has a son — no, not Lukas Nelson. This one is named Micah Nelson and he performs and records as The Particle Kid, who’s much more of a smart-aleck than his dad (His on-stage moniker came from a mangled attempt by his famous dad to call him the “prodigal son”). The Particle Kid is coming to town, playing Moe’s Alley Oct. 26. Also, look for the lovely folk trio The T Sisters at Felton Music Hall Aug. 9. Bay Area-born singer/songwriter Cass McCombs plays Moe’s Sept. 19. And, that show we’ve all been waiting for, a Duran Duran tribute show, coming to Felton Music Hall Sept. 6. Check out our curated list of the best in upcoming performances and appearances in Santa Cruz County in Down the Line.
Here they are, nine must-know events in the art and entertainment scene of Santa Cruz County for the week of July 3-11.
Go Fourth
Boulder Creek, Scotts Valley, Aptos, Watsonville — some fine true-blue American town near you is gearing up for a big July 4 celebration on the USA’s 248th birthday (and she’s showing her age a bit these days). So, load up the family, and check out the parades, the cold beverages and the live entertainment. Check out the latest info on what is where and where on Independence Day 2024.
AI next door
Fascinating novel dropping next week by former Santa Cruzan Olivia Gatwood. The author herself grew up in Albuquerque, but her mom has deep Santa Cruz roots, and Gatwood lived in town for a while pre- and during the pandemic. Her new novel “Whoever You Are, Honey” is an unsettling story of tech gentrification in Santa Cruz in the age of AI. Last week I had to chance to visit with Gatwood to talk about the themes of techies vs. old-line locals. And be sure to see her when she comes to Bookshop July 10.
Latino USA
California Republican strategist Mike Madrid knows a thing or two about the electoral muscle that Latinos will soon be exercising in American politics. And that, from his perspective, is a good thing, and a very American thing, he told me recently. Check out his new book “The Latino Century,” and hear him talk about his new book and the coming years on Tuesday at Bookshop Santa Cruz.
The next leader at MAH
The board at the Museum of Art & History is busy collecting public input on its next hire: the next executive director of the museum. And, while browsing the organic Brussels sprouts, you can make sure your voice is heard on the matter.
The MAH is setting up tables at upcoming farmers’ markets — Friday, July 12 at the Watsonville Farmers Market, from 2 to 7 p.m., and the following Saturday, July 20, at the Cabrillo College Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to noon. Or, if you’re not a farmers market person, you can weigh in here.
The board will not post the job listing and begin its recruiting efforts until August. Current executive director Robb Woulfe is leaving his post at the end of 2024.
Earworm of the Week
Everyone in Santa Cruz, or at least those who venture out into the ocean occasionally, seems to be talking about sharks these days. And those conversations and references always remind me of the creepy (but in a good way) 2017 rocker “Shark Smile” by the New York band Big Thief. Mind you, “Shark Smile” has nothing to do with sharks. But it’s a measure of what kind of spell it weaves that the song is always ready to thrust itself into my consciousness. With guitarist Buck Meek laying on the reverb behind her, singer and songwriter Adrianne Lenker tells a story of two lovers on the open road in a yellow van. It’s a story that ends in tragedy that is positively Springsteen-ian, and Meek’s guitar, which sounds like crunching metal, provides a bit of foreboding to a song that’s both tender and fatalistic. Lenker’s got a nice solo career going alongside her work with Big Thief, and the title of her new album “Bright Future” tells us what’s on her mind. But wherever she goes, “Shark Smile” might end up as her “Born to Run,” that moment when a special talent stepped forward and grabbed the world by the lapels.
All the Earworms in one place
For those who’ve been following my Earworm of the Week, I’ve assembled a playlist that contains them all.
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.