Hi friends,
Here we are a day early, to keep your Thanksgiving Day free for the Three F’s: family, football and filling your belly. While contemplating your blessings, don’t forget the joy and satisfaction that comes with living in the little piece of heaven known as the Monterey Bay.
Now, on with the show.
THIS JUST IN
The Quarry Amphitheater on the campus of UC Santa Cruz will welcome the luminous Oaxaca-born singer-songwriter Lila Downs for a March 6 concert. Chicago bluesman Ronnie Baker Brooks lights up the stage at Moe’s Alley on Feb. 26. Cuban jazz pianist Omar Sosa returns to Kuumbwa Jazz Center, this time with the talented Havana-born violinist and vocalist Yilian Cañiveras, on March 2. Rising star Elise Trouw has been booked for a show at The Catalyst on April 3. And the Santa Cruz punk band Drain takes a big jump up with a headlining show at the Quarry Amphitheater on April 18.
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.
‘A Christmas Carol’ highlights a busy holiday season in Santa Cruz County
The holiday season begins in earnest this weekend, and Santa Cruz County is gearing up for a number of performances, festivals and shows to celebrate the season. Get the full rundown here.
CHECK THIS OUT
Best 9: Top events for the week ahead in Santa Cruz County arts & entertainment, Nov. 26-Dec. 4
THIS WEEK IN A&E
Epitaph for a visionary: Remembering the art and life of Ben Faris
Santa Cruz artist Ben Faris, who died in 2024, is the subject of a new art show at the R. Blitzer Gallery that showcases his wide talents and his ability to tap into universal, even mythic themes and imagery.
Santa Cruz Opera Project pairs arias with ales at Woodhouse Brewing
On Nov. 29 and 30, the Santa Cruz Opera Project will be hosting “Opera on Tap” at Woodhouse Blending and Brewing on the edge of downtown.
Todd Snider’s legacy includes a deep connection to Santa Cruz
The late singer-songwriter Todd Snider was not from Santa Cruz. But over the course of his 30-year career, he built an intensely loyal fan base in Santa Cruz that, by his own admission, was not to be matched anywhere.
Pianist Benny Green takes the stage alongside UC Santa Cruz Jazz Big Band on Dec. 7
The UC Santa Cruz Jazz Big Band is holding a concert on Dec. 7 at the Music Center Recital Hall, with guest artist Benny Green under the direction of UCSC music lecturer Charles Hamilton.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to host Winter Wonderland series of holiday events
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is hosting its Winter Wonderland celebration from Thursday through Jan. 4.
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.