Hi friends,
Our congratulations to former Santa Cruz County supervisor John Leopold, who has scored a big success in an entirely different field. John, a devoted Deadhead and promoter and producer of Americana music for decades, is executive producer of an exciting new album in tribute to the late Louisiana zydeco master Clifton Chenier. The album, “A Tribute to the King of Zydeco” features a staggering number of guest artists including Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams, Taj Mahal, David Hidalgo of Los Lobos and a little band called the Rolling Stones who, John tells us, have never recorded a song for a tribute album as the Stones until now. The album, on Valcour Records, was released this week, on what would have been Chenier’s 100th birthday. See, there is life after local politics.
Now, on with the show.
THIS JUST IN
Fans of mariachi music, take heed: The Kuumbwa Jazz Center has lured to town two-time Grammy-nominated group Mariachi Herencia de Mexico, a 14-member band of young musicians representing the new generation of mariachis. The show will take place at the Rio Theatre on Oct. 1. For years, I’ve been a big fan of the eccentric and melancholy vibe of Clem Snide, the musical vehicle of singer-songwriter Eef Barzelay, who is set to perform at The Crepe Place on Sept. 27. The sublime reggae-inflected chill feel of The Hip Abduction drops into Felton Music Hall on Oct. 24. The amazing Santa Cruz folk musician and singer Carolyn Sills headlines Kuumbwa on Nov. 20. And a fabulous duo comes to the Rio: It’s Patterson Hood, late of the Drive-By Truckers, and Craig Finn, frontman of The Hold Steady, performing together Nov. 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.
Meet a Go-Go
There’s an awesome new event — or, I should say, series of events — on the horizon tabbed “Legends Live & Local,” featuring a prominent artist on stage in conversation, followed by a performance. The first one is set for July 17 at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, and it features guitarist Jane Wiedlin, late of the great 1980s band The Go-Go’s. Wiedlin will talk about her past in the Los Angeles punk scene, life with The Go-Go’s and her career, after which she’ll perform a brief set with a hand-picked group of Santa Cruz musicians. All that’s followed by a cocktail hour, and a New Wave Rave dance party. Now, that’s a promising beginning to what could be an epic Santa Cruz tradition. Tickets now on sale.
CHECK THIS OUT
Best 9: Top events for the week ahead in Santa Cruz County arts & entertainment, June 26-July 3
THIS WEEK IN A&E
Your guide to a fireworks-free Santa Cruz County July Fourth
Independence Day is a big deal all across Santa Cruz County, even though there will be no fireworks shows in the county this year. There are, however, parades and other celebrations in Scotts Valley, Felton, Aptos, Boulder Creek and at Wilder Ranch State Park.
Five years after George Floyd’s death, new photo exhibit explores fight for racial equality in Santa Cruz
Five years after George Floyd’s death, a new photo exhibit spearheaded by Lookout Santa Cruz photojournalist Kevin Painchaud opens June 30 at the London Nelson Community Center, exploring activism around racial equality in Santa Cruz.
Cabrillo Stage opts for dark and lurid with Sondheim’s ‘Sweeney Todd’
Cabrillo Stage is prepping for its second-ever production of Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd.” The first time, back in the early ’90s, was controversial because of the musical’s dark and gory subject matter. But since then, “Sweeney” has become a beloved touchstone for many audiences. The […]
Go-Go’s Jane Wiedlin to headline new “Legends Live & Local” event at MAH
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jane Wiedlin, best known as a member of the Go-Go’s, will headline a new event at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History.
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.