Hi friends,
The summer theater season is bearing down upon us, with two big Shakespeare and two big Sondheim productions. To help our readers get on top of it, Lookout is delighted to welcome writer/photographer/artist Jana Marcus as our new drama critic. Jana is an old friend going way back, and she’s particularly well-suited to this job. I cannot even name someone more attuned and experienced with the Santa Cruz arts community, and she’s an insightful, perceptive, and honest reviewer. She’s already showing her chops with her perspective on Mountain Community Theater’s “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.” Welcome, Jana!
Lookout Trivia: Our own summer Trivia Night series is set to begin anew June 4. Are you ready? Come do battle with all those brain curiosities you’re holding. It’s free, but please register.
Now, on with the show.
THIS JUST IN
No history of the 1980s new wave is complete without mention of Gary Numan’s synth-pop classic “Cars.” The British-born Numan is still around, still touring and due to drop into The Catalyst on Sept. 20. On that same day, the blues band North Mississippi Allstars comes to Felton Music Hall. Every year, we get a visit from the fun-loving band Southern Culture on the Skids. This year, the SCOTS date is Nov. 8, at Moe’s Alley. Also at Moe’s comes another band that has played locally countless times, the fine swing band Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys, Aug. 13. Novelist Kyra Davis Lurie comes to Bookshop Santa Cruz on July 17 with her new book, a Black retelling of “The Great Gatsby.” In the much more distant future, the Rio Theatre has booked a big, bold new ABBA tribute on Feb. 7. And also at the Rio, the transcendent guitarist Tommy Emmanuel will perform April 23.
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, May 22-29
THIS WEEK IN A&E
Comic novelist Alison Bechdel treads lightly on the landmines of late-stage capitalism
Vermont-based graphic novelist Alison Bechdel releases a new illustrated comic novel titled “Spent,” in which she examines and spoofs progressives’ complicated relationship to money and wealth. She comes to Santa Cruz’s Rio Theatre next week.
Strong lead performance grounds MCT’s ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’
In Mountain Community Theater’s “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” Wyatt Troxell delivers a masterful portrayal of a neurodivergent teen detective, though the production’s minimal staging fails to match his nuanced performance.
After decades in business and hundreds of live shows, General Feed & Seed quietly closes its doors
General Feed & Seed shut its doors at the end of April, following decades of supplying local farmers and gardeners with just about anything they needed. But it was more than just a store – it served as a spot for live music shows and […]
Local talent shines at Cabrillo College’s upcoming mariachi festival
On May 31, the Monterey Bay Mariachi Festival is bringing some of the region’s best mariachi musicians to Cabrillo College’s Samper Recital Hall.
Extra Tasty Tour kicks off five flavor-themed summer events with dessert festival
Event duo Collective Santa Cruz returns this summer with the Extra Tasty Tour, five flavor-themed events that expand on their popular dessert festival, Sweet Home Santa Cruz. Organizers Jalen Horne and Kendall Denike promise immersive, free community events blending bold design, food, music and local […]
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.