Hi friends,
So, we now live in a world where the newly elected mayor of New York City has apparently never heard of Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind,” which frankly might have won him more votes than it cost him. Maybe the next mayor of Santa Cruz will have no idea what “The Lost Boys” is. We old-timers are going to have to get over it.
Now, on with the show.
THIS JUST IN
The talented Gen X folkie icon Todd Snider has canceled his upcoming gigs, which includes a show that was to happen on Saturday night at the Rio Theatre. Snider said that he was the victim of a violent assault in Salt Lake City last weekend, and was then arrested himself for making threats against the staff of a local hospital. In new bookings, jazz guitar great Charlie Hunter (who usually visits in December) is coming to the Kuumbwa Jazz Center on March 16. The haunting sound of Sun Kil Moon comes to Felton Music Hall on Feb. 21. The Bay Area trio Rainbow Girls is set to perform Jan. 10 at Moe’s Alley. Cuban-born keyboard master Alfredo Rodriguez and former Yerba Buena percussionist Pedrito Martinez team up for a big show at the Kuumbwa on Feb. 9. And — this sounds like something from a time machine — the one-and-only Harlem Globetrotters are set to come to Kaiser Permanente Arena in downtown Santa Cruz on Jan. 15.
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.
FF Fun and Fulfillment
It’s First Friday time again, and this month, it’s worth a trip over to the Resource Center for Nonviolence on Ocean Street to check out an absorbing photography exhibit called “From Pain to Power 2020.” Santa Cruz-based photojournalists Shmuel Thaler and Kevin Painchaud showcase their most meaningful images from the summer of 2020 in the wake of the George Floyd murder.
A related event takes place over at the Old Wrigley Building on the Westside of Santa Cruz. “The Art of the Newspaper” features vintage editorial cartoons from the 1920s to the 1980s.
At MK Contemporary Art on Front Street, it’s matchmaking time at the second “Broadsides” show, featuring collaborative projects between nine nationally recognized poets and nine celebrated visual artists. Friday’s reception will be followed next Saturday, Nov. 15, with a poetry reading and artist talk featuring many of the collaborators in person. And, to remind you that First Friday is a countywide event, be sure to check out the Treehouse cannabis shop on Soquel Drive in Soquel, which features art that’s every bit as psychoactive as the shop’s primary product, with live music and other goodies.
CHECK THIS OUT
Best 9: Top events for the week ahead in Santa Cruz County arts & entertainment, Nov. 6-13
THIS WEEK IN A&E
Peggy Townsend’s new mystery novel finds drama and intrigue in the world of science
Longtime Santa Cruz journalist-turned-novelist Peggy Townsend’s new book is inspired by the unsung work and deep devotion of scientists. She’ll discuss “The Botanist’s Assistant” on Nov. 18 at Bookshop Santa Cruz.
Making a splash: Cabrillo’s ‘Metamorphoses’ flows with theatrical magic
The Cabrillo College Theatre Arts Department’s production of “Metamorphoses” is a stunning fusion of myth, movement and water — a sensory feast that transforms the Black Box Theater into a pool of divine storytelling.
The last trick-or-treat: Dag Weiser’s glorious Halloween yard show dazzles the neighborhood for the final time
For more than 40 years, Dag Weiser’s Market Street house in Santa Cruz was a dazzling display of creativity and charm every Halloween. But now the house has been sold, and a great local tradition comes to an end.
Downtown after dark: Portraits from Santa Cruz Halloween 2025
For the fourth year, photographer Jana Marcus set up her lights and camera on Halloween to capture portraits from Santa Cruz’s Pacific Avenue in all its chaotic, festive and nocturnal glory.
Capitola Plein Air art festival celebrates 10th year with events through Sunday
Dozens of artists are participating in Capitola Plein Air this week through Sunday, an event focused on outdoor painting and capturing the city’s coastal landscapes and historic architecture.
New downtown walking tour aspires to tell Santa Cruz’s hidden stories
San Francisco has lots of themed walking tours. Monterey has a few as well. Why not Santa Cruz? At least, that’s the thinking of local Matt O’Leary, who is putting together a business offering walking tours of downtown Santa Cruz, maybe to expand to great […]
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.