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Wednesday | February 15
The Haunted Windchimes
Armed with little more than a ukulele, banjo, guitar, and a jug of moonshine, The Haunted Windchimes—a rootin’ tootin’ folk outfit based out of Pueblo, Co.—head to The Crepe Place this week for an evening of spirited pickin’, layered harmonies, and good ol’ fashioned Americana. The perfect soundtrack to a barn dance or bouncing along a dusty road in a pick-up, the band sings of empty train stations, prairies, and hollerin’ hoedowns, with an old-timey flavor. The band’s latest effort, Live at the Western Jubilee, recorded in December 2010 at the Colorado Springs venue and released this past May, showcases The Windchimes’ energy onstage—the perfect preview to their upcoming set. | JB Photo: Christian Murdock
INFO: 9 p.m. The Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $8. 429-6994.
The Jolly Llamas
A self-proclaimed story-rock band, Santa Cruz’s The Jolly Llamas deliver a folk/pop fusion grounded in quick guitar strumming, layered harmonies, and wit. The result, is an upbeat (sometimes wacky) collection of dance tunes, filled with humor-laden lyrics: “Now it's time you've got to clean it up/ Hand that girl your red party cup/ I can think of a million things or more/ I'd rather do than clean puke up off the floor.” If you love tongue-in-cheek folk—think Flight of the Conchords minus the British accents, but with four hooves—The Jolly Llamas are your two tickets to paradise. | JB
INFO: 9 p.m. The Blue Lagoon, 923 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $5. 21+.423-7117.
Dweezil Zappa Plays Zappa
If you love Frank Zappa it should be no surprise that his son, Dweezil, has resurrected his eccentric father’s catalogue in a revue that even the most ardent Zappa fans find exhilarating. For the first time since this project started up six years ago, bassist Scott Thunes (current bassist for the Mother Hips) lays down the thunder on this tour—Thunes originally accompanied papa Zappa from 1980-88. With Dweezil picking from all eras of his father’s legacy, and adding his own six-string dexterity on the classics—this is one for the fans, new and old. | DNA
INFO: 7:30 p.m. Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $50/general, $75/special seating.
423-8209.
Thursday | February 16
Monthly Song Tasting
The February installment of the monthly Song Tasting series kicks off Thursday at Backstage Lounge with performances by Amanda West, Jerad MacLean, Peter Weiss, and Mike Sugar. West, a local folk singer whose original songs explore humanity’s impact on the planet, women’s role in society, the multiple dimensions of love, and cultural evolution, will celebrate the release of her new year’s single, “Habit.” Acoustic folk rockers Jerad MacLean and Mike Sugar will follow, each with their own unique blend of Americana and quick-plucking guitar work. Former UCSC research associate of environmental toxicology, Peter Weiss, trades in his “Singing Scientist” routine, for a more adult contemporary set. And finally, series host Midyne will close out the evening with jazz-folk originals. | JENNA BROGAN
INFO: 7-9:30 p.m. Backstage Lounge, 1209 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $10. 469-9900. 
Keeley Lecture: Sylvia Earle GREENFIX
For the sixth Fred Keeley Lecture on Environmental Policy, oceanographer, explorer, and author Sylvia Earle will speak on “Oceans, Life, and Survival.” A science superhero, Earle’s accomplishments abound: she was a National Geographic explorer-in-residence and a chief scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), she led more than 100 research expeditions and she has written more than 150 scientific publications. Her research focuses on marine ecosystems with special attention to exploration, plus the development and use of new technologies in deep ocean environments. It’s no wonder why The New Yorker and the New York Times dubbed her "Her Deepness;" the Library of Congress called her a "Living Legend;” and Time magazine named her "Hero for the Planet." | NORA GRANT INFO: 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 16. UC Santa Cruz Music Recital Hall, 1156 High St., Santa Cruz. No Cover. $3 parking.
Satisfying Art: Exploring Sensuality
A night of poetry, art, music, and chocolate? Does it get any better? Slam poets from The Legendary Santa Cruz Slam Collective and artists from the Tannery Arts Center will bring this dangerously delicious spread to Santa Cruz this Thursday with “Satisfying Art: Exploring Sensuality”—an interdisciplinary exhibition exploring the intersections between sensuality, desire and expression. Tannery poets and musicians Rica Smith, Sandra Shamma, Cory Johnson, and Joan Rose Staffen will perform music and poetry alongside slam poets Jaze Sufi and Storm Thomas. Visual art by Geoffrey Nelson, Maha, and Noelle Coreillo will dazzle the eye, while chocolatier and chef Joleen Cuellar sweetens the night with chocolate goodness. Curated by slam poet and Mistress of Ceremonies Queen Jasmeen, some of the performances include some adult content. | NG INFO: 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16. Tannery Arts Center Community Room, 1040 River St. Santa Cruz. No Cover.
Parenting in the Digital Age
For many parents, the thought of their child searching the Internet without supervision is a source of great concern, and for good reason. Unfortunately for parents, the Internet can be just as easily used as a tool for enrichment, as it can be a means of exposure to violent images, pornography, and hate speech. In response to this delicate issue, Santa Cruz City Schools is holding a special event entitled “Parenting in the Digital Age,” to discuss the realities of minors’ access to the Internet. This free presentation will include a diverse panel of local experts who will answer questions about how parents can help their children avoid cyber-bullying, protect their personal information, and become good “digital citizens” in the digital age. | Coe holtaway INFO: 7 p.m.-8: 30 p.m. Santa Cruz High School Auditorium, 415 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz. No Cover. 429-3952.
Friday | February 17
Lyrics Born
You may remember Lyrics Born’s brand of funkified hip-hop from the raunchy bar scene in 2009’s Friday the 13th revamp, when the hot girl danced to his hit “I Like It, I Love It.” Since then, the Berkeley-raised rapper, record producer and DJ has been working on a host of mix tapes and singles that showcase his penchant for topping funky bass line samples with rhythmically complex lyrics. Having started off 2012 with a collaboration on a haunting new track called “Shadow,” with producer Alan Wilkis and singer White Hinterland, his Friday night show at Moe’s with a live band will be proof of his progression from local legend to genre maverick. | NEHA TALREJA
INFO: 9 p.m. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $15/adv, $20/door. 479-1854.
Friday-Sun. | February 17-26 
Snoopy
Members of Christian Youth Theater in Santa Cruz will bring Charles M. Schultz’s beloved Peanuts comic strip to life this month with “Snoopy,” a full-length musical about the adventures of Charlie Brown, Sally, Linus, Lucy, Peppermint Patty, Woodstock, and, of course, Snoopy. The production is one of three that CYT will put on this year, offering young people—ages 8 to 18—the opportunity to strut their stuff onstage in front of a live audience. Whether you enjoyed the comic strip as a kid, or you want to introduce Snoopy and friends to your own children, CYT is where it’s at this February. | NORA GRANT INFO: 7:30 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays. 3 p.m. Sundays & Saturday, Feb. 25. Olivet Community Theater, 800 Bethany Drive, Scotts Valley. $15/adults, $12/students & seniors. cytsantacruz.org.
Saturday | February 18
Diego’s Umbrella plays at 9 p.m. at Don Quixote’s, 6275 Hwy 9, Felton. Tickets are $12/adv, $15/door. For more information, call 603-2294.
>> See: Feature Article >
Melvin Seals and the Jerry Garcia Band play at 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. Tickets are $20/25. For more information, call 479-1854.
>> See: Feature Article >
Boostive
INFO: 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. The Blue Lagoon, 923 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $5. 423-7117.
Photo: Brian S. Crabtree >> See: Love Your Local Band >
Fred Eaglesmith
Sounding like a cross between Tom Waits and Bruce Springsteen, the hard-working, blue collar, Fred Eaglesmith brings his tried and true brand of songs from the back roads of America to our front step. Looking like he just walked out of a truck stop, Eaglesmith is the everyman—whose fans (called Fredheads) flock to hear his tales of failing farms and the plight of our country. Alternating between hard luck stories, country homespun humor, and good old rock and roll, Eaglesmith and his band provide the soundtrack and the narrative. The Gin Sisters from Texas will join the band on Saturday at Kuumbwa, adding juice to what is already a stiff drink. | DNA
INFO: 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. Kuumbwa Jazz, 320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. $12. 427-2227.
Electronic Waste Recycling Event
What ever happened to your old Walkman, pager, cell phone, and/or last computer? There is a good chance that they were thrown out with the rest of yesterday’s trash and are now sitting in the local landfill, slowly leaking harmful toxins. The unfortunate truth is that properly disposing electronic products or “E-Waste” takes a lot more time and effort than many are willing to spend. In an effort to make recycling electronic waste easier, the Soquel High School Lacrosse Team is partnering with Earth Care Recycling to host a free electronic recycling event. Bring your broken, discarded, and obsolete electronic goods to the lower field of Soquel High School on Saturday, and help make a difference. | Ch INFO: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Soquel High School Lower Field, 401 Old San Jose Road, Soquel. For details, call (408) 943-9943, or visit earthcarerecycling.com for a list of items that will be accepted.
Sunday | February 19
Sweetback Sisters Be Our Guest
Honky-tonk sextet the Sweetback Sisters, brings its country/swing mash-up from Brooklyn to Felton this weekend, for a rootin’ tootin’ showcase that will have locals do-si-do-ing around Don Quixote’s. Inspired by The Everlys, The Judds, and Wanda Jackson, the Sweetback Sisters’ fourth and latest album, Looking For A Fight, is a smoldering collection of boot-scootin’ rockabilly with rough-around-the-edges spunk. Standing still is out of the question at this hoedown. | JB
INFO: 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19. Don Quixote’s, 6275 Hwy 9, Felton. $10. 603-2294. WANT TO GO?: Tell us why on the Good Times Facebook page by 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 3, and you could win two free tickets.
Rebelution
Celebrating the January release of its fourth album, Peace of Mind, Santa Barbara’s reggae heavy-hitters, Rebelution, makes its highly-anticipated return to The Catalyst this weekend. Formed in the heart of Isla Vista in 2004, the band has since become a household name for its socially conscious lyrics, infectious hooks, and dirty beats. Flying high off the commercial success of Courage to Grow and Bright Side of Life, the foursome has proven to have the secret recipe for dance-ready, feel-good tracks—the perfect soundtrack to life in a beachside town. | JB
INFO: 8 p.m. Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $22/adv, $25/door. 423-1338.
The Groggs
Reminiscent of the kind of gutter low-fi that emanated out of Chicago with the MC5 and Iggy Pop—The Groggs return to the roots of Ramones-style rock, fiery and kind of gross. Back when music mattered, there was a sense of boundless freedom in fast three-chord progressions, and this Santa Cruz-based band knows how to punch the gas and loosen the breaks. The Crepe Place will transform into CBGB’s for one night, so head over to Soquel Avenue Sunday and finish the weekend off with a bang. | DNA
INFO: 9 p.m. Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $8. 429-6994.
Jeremiah Webb
No one does coffee house folk quite like Jeremiah Webb—the Long Beach native will stop by The Abbey this weekend to perform acoustic versions of original songs that take from the delicate instrumental play and trills of Andrew Bird and shy-boy strumming of Badly Drawn Boy. Add in topsy-turvy emotive lyrics all his own, and you’ve got Webb in a nutshell. With a new album coming out this March, his tour calendar is spotted with a slew of intimate West Coast shows—be sure to catch him in concert before he leaves to charm the East Coast this Spring. | NT
INFO: 8:30 p.m. The Abbey, 350 Mission St., Santa Cruz. No Cover. 429-1058.
Saturday | February 21
Pam Houston will read from “Contents May Have Shifted,” answer questions, and sign copies at 7:30p.m on, at Capitola Book Cafe, 1475 41st Ave., Capitola. >> See: Feature Article >
Wednesday | February 22
Goitse
Traditional Irish music comes in a variety of Guinness flavored experiences—Goitse is a five-piece band hailing mostly from Ireland, but with one American to round out the palette. Aine McGeeney’s vocals and fiddle playing are exceptional, but it’s the synergy of the entire group that astounds. Accordion, banjo, guitar, and traditional Irish instruments provide that old Celtic sound with an innovative twist, courtesy of this international band’s passion. New songs and classics rest side by side with enough of a full bodied sensation to please your taste buds and your ear drums. | DNA
INFO: 7:30 p.m. Don Quixote’s, 6275 Hwy 9, Felton. $12/adv, $14/door. 603-2294.
Dun Bin Had
A narrow room with black paint peeling off the walls, barely held together by band stickers, and a gargoyle that looks like Christopher Reeve, can only be The Blue Lagoon. Santa Cruz’s Dun Bin Had brings the rude boy element to their bare roots punk/ska show—in other words, they’ll drink your beer, court your girl, and rock you until your shoes fill with sweat. San Jose’s Utter Failure bottom out with their brand of dual-guitar harmonies that bring the political rage from the machine in a pop punk package. Headliners Preachers That Lie might be surprised that the locals drank all the Pabst, but more reason to turn to the hard stuff for an all out, drunk punk bonanza trifecta. | DNA
INFO: 9 p.m. The Blue Lagoon, 923 Pacific Ave. Santa Cruz. $5. 423-7117.
Friday-Sun. | February 29-March 4
Begonia Festival Poster Contest ARTSEEN
Calling all local artists: The Capitola Begonia Festival committee is in search of a piece of art, produced by a local, to serve as the official poster for the 60th Annual Begonia Festival. Held Labor Day weekend, the festival is a local tradition that attracts thousands of visitors to see uniquely designed floats, hear live music, and participate in the event’s fun-filled activities. This year’s theme is “My Favorite Year—a Retrospective,” so start brainstorming. All mediums will be considered. The artwork does not necessarily have to include the theme, but it should reflect the community of Capitola and the spirit of the festival. The finished product must measure 18” by 24”. Both vertical and horizontal images will be considered. Share your vision, and submit your masterpiece between Feb. 29 and March 4. | AM INFO: Submissions accepted Feb. 29-March 4. For questions and delivery details, contact Kim Hogan at 566-3655 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Saturday | March 17
"An Evening With Marilyn" gala at Chaminade Resort and Spa. Enter Marylyn look-alike contest.
In The Queue
The Lonesome Heroes, Country-tinged folk/rock duo out of Austin-Thursday at Henfling’s Tavern
The Genie, “Scratch Guitar” show with live looping, slide guitar and beatboxing-Thursday at The Reef (formerly Cypress Lounge)
Lords of Greenbush, Good ol’ fashioned Americana by local blues-rock outfit-Saturday at Poet & Patriot
Scott Huckabay, Renowned guitar alchemist creates multilayered soundscapes-Saturday at DiviniTree
Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash, Modern country with an outlaw swagger-Sunday at Trout Farm Inne
What's going on at UCSC? >
See more events below...
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Ongoing Events
Thursdays
Natural History Storytime GREENFIX
Grab the kids and head down to the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History this Thursday afternoon for the kick-off of a new, weekly storytime series for young children, called “Nat Time.” Aimed for children ages 3-6, the weekly event focuses on a different local animal, habitat, or natural history topic, and features stories, songs, puppets, and Museum artifacts. At this week’s storytime, families of all ages will learn about Groundhog Day. | JENNA BROGAN ~ INFO: 3:30-4 p.m. Thursdays. Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. $4/adults, $2/seniors, No Cover/kids. 420-6115.
EVERY Saturday in February
Connect with Nature Series GREENFIX
Who says the learning has to end when we graduate? Beginning Feb. 4, local adults can find out more about the natural history of Santa Cruz—specifically, coastal lagoons, California’s pumas, geology and ecotones of the region, plus bee diversity and flowers—at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History’s “Connect with Nature” series. Scholars and local experts, including scientists from the Central Coast Wetlands Group, will help instruct the month-long class, which meets every Saturday at 10 a.m. at the museum. | JENNA BROGAN ~ INFO: 10 a.m. every Saturday in February (Feb. 4, 11, 18 & 25). The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. $8/members, $10/general. Pre-register at santacruzmuseums.org.
Tuesday-Saturday | Now-Febuary 25th
Coastal Lagoons Exhibit GREENFIX
With so many lagoons in Santa Cruz County, it’s easy to take them for granted. Home to a diverse array of the area’s flora and fauna, lagoons are an important part of local history and Santa Cruz’s environmental makeup. Rediscover what makes lagoons so special at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History’s new fall exhibit, “Coastal Lagoons: A Closer Look Through Art, History and Science,” on display now through Feb. 25. Learn about how land-use decisions have changed the outlines of seven local lagoons, how scientists measure the health of lagoons, and how artists continue to be inspired by them. | JENNA BROGAN ~ INFO: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Now-Feb. 25. Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. $4/Gen, $2/Seniors, No Cover/Members & Youth under 18.
Now-April 20
Repeat! ARTSEEN
Local artists Dotti Cichon, Fanne Fernow, Angela Gleason, Jane Gregorius, Charlotte Kruk, and Daniella Woolf color bank walls with artwork exploring repetitive forms as part of the Santa Cruz County Bank collaborative art exhibition, “REPEAT!” Duplicating simple shapes with creative materials, such as Mr. Goodbar candy wrappers, reading glass lenses, and paper scraps, these artists invert the idea of mundane repetition through photography, painting, collage, and sculpture. Forms may be repeated, but the manner in which they are repeated varies, allowing each work to create an illusion of continuity in geometric whimsy. | NORA GRANT ~ INFO: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, Now-April 20 (Excluding holidays). All Santa Cruz County Bank Locations. For directions, visit sccountybank.com.
March 31–July 8
MAH's spring exhibition, All You Need Is Love. Enter contest to be included in the exhibit.
Now-June
Met Opera “Live in HD”
Who needs to travel to New York to experience the opera? The 2011-12 season of the Metropolitan Opera “Live in HD” kicks off this month at Cinema 9 with Donizetti’s “Anna Bolena,” the story of an ill fated queen (Anna Netrebko) driven insane by her unfaithful king. Mozart’s “Don Giovanni”—Mariusz Kwiecien’s sensual interpretation of the timeless anti-hero—follows, starting Oct. 29, under the direction of Tony Award-winning director Michael Grandage. And beginning Nov. 5, Wagner’s “Siegried” comes to life, with a focus on his hero’s early conquests. Eight more operas premiere in the months to follow, taking us through to May of next year. See the Metropolitan Opera’s website for details about each exciting new show. | JB ~INFO: For tickets and more information, visit metoperafamily.org.
TerraGnoma Community Demonstration Garden GREEN FIX
Three years ago this August, Roxanne Evans decided to tame the wild beast that was her backyard—a 50 by 50-foot knot of six-foot tall blackberry bushes, morning glory and 100-year-old vines—and turn it into a community demonstration garden. Founded on the idea that gardening is an activity that is meant to be shared, Evans and her team of loyal volunteers meet at her house on Fridays from 1-5 p.m. to share gardening tips, plant seeds, harvest crops, and care for the chickens in the coop. Proving every week that urban gardening is not only possible, but a fun, community-building activity, the TerraGnoma tribe is always looking for more volunteers to come learn and share in the experience. JENNA BROGAN ~ INFO: To volunteer at TerraGnoma, RSVP with Roxanne Evans at 421-2843. Details at terragnoma.wordpress.com, or search for TerraGnoma Community Demonstration Garden on Facebook.
First Friday Art Tour firstfridaysantacruz.com The First Friday Art Tour is a Santa Cruz Institute of Contemporary Arts event, managed in conjunction with the participating art venues. The event takes place year-round and illuminates some of the most talented local artists from local galleries. Log on to the event website for full details, but this one is a must-do. (Most First Friday galleries are open between noon and 9pm.)
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Up Coming Music, Activities & events 2012
March
Kayak Surf Festival
Featuring top-notch athletes and waves that can reach up to 30 feet. Steamer Lane, Santa Cruz 831-458-3648 or jcfsc.org.
May
Mid-May - Greek Festival
You can’t miss this. All the festive Greek entertainment and food you can stand. Downtown Santa Cruz.
propheteliassantacruz.org.
26-28 Memorial Day Weekend
Blues Festival
The area’s premier blues bash has ushered in the likes of Ray Charles, B.B. King and more. Aptos Village Park.santacruzbluesfestival.com.
June
3
Gay Pride
A Sunday to remember in Lorenzo Park. But first—a parade in Downtown Santa Cruz.See diversitycenter.org for full details/schedule.
17
Japanese Cultural Fair
A popular, long-running fest featuring the culture’s most diverse arts. See jcfsc.org for full details on times and dates.
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