Hi friends,
What’s that? What’s on my playlist for 2025? “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall,” “Eve of Destruction,” “19th Nervous Breakdown,” “This is The End,” why do you ask?
Now, on with the show.
THIS JUST IN
The show at Felton Music Hall of the great bluegrass singer/guitarist Sierra Hull, originally slated for Jan. 21, has been moved on the schedule to May 17 — at least the weather will be better. Novelist and humorist Kira Jane Buxton brings her latest novel to Bookshop Santa Cruz on Feb. 13. The Spanish hip-hop artist Depresión Sonora is due at The Catalyst on May 13. Twin Cities-based musical artist Kitty Craft (she makes “bleeps and bloops for you,” according to her Instagram) comes to The Catalyst on March 31. Two of the finest musicians in contemporary bluegrass, dobro master Rob Ickes and guitarist Trey Hensley, perform together at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center on Feb. 27. And, if you’re into it, the hardcore punk band named, we kid you not, Rich Kids on LSD invades The Catalyst on Feb. 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. 2-9
THIS WEEK IN A&E
Ripple Effect, a brand new arts festival, to debut spring 2026
A committee of arts professionals and community activists has announced plans to establish a new 10-day annual festival called “Ripple Effect” to take place in spaces all over the county starting in April 2026.
In Watsonville, Fox Theater’s second act remains unwritten as owner seeks community support
A year after purchasing Watsonville’s Fox Theater, local business owner Franco Vaca says there’s no telling when the theater will reopen to the public. Repairs to the property are estimated at $3 million, and Franco wants more support from the community to make his goal […]
Watsonville’s Estrellas de Esperanza helps younger generation embrace Mexican heritage through dance
Estrellas de Esperanza, founded by Ruby Vasquez in 2007, teaches kids in Watsonville how to embrace their Mexican heritage through ballet folklórico. For Vasquez and her students, folklórico is more than just the fancy outfits and learning the difficult footwork — it’s about connecting with […]
Triumphs, tragedies and tempests: Santa Cruz County’s 2024 in photos
Lookout photojournalist Kevin Painchaud shares the top moments he captured on camera in 2024, from the collapse of a portion of the historic Santa Cruz Wharf to local tensions over the war in Gaza.
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.