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Wednesday | February 1
“Natural Selection” ARTSEEN
When artist Katerina Lanfranco looks at a tree, she sees more than just leaves and a trunk. Instead, she views nature—trees in particular—from various cultural perspectives, especially American and Japanese impressions. She then translates her vision into large-scale, hand-cut paper installations, which can be admired from Feb. 1-March 16 at the Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery at UC Santa Cruz. The result of her labor-intensive creations is a portrayal of the ways in which nature symbolizes a country’s self-expression and autonomy. | ASHLEY MADIGAN INFO: 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1. Reception. Exhibit open through March 16. Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery, Porter College, UCSC, 1156 High St., Santa Cruz. 459-3606.

Doomtree performs at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, at The Catalyst Atrium, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. Tickets are $10/adv, $12/door. For more information, call 423-1338. >> See: Feature Article >


Tater Famine
The Devil Makes Three holds no patent on three-piece country/punk mash-ups—and Santa Cruz’s Tater Famine, featuring guitar, mandolin and stand-up bass, holds its own on originality, twangy picking and backwoods sentiment. A Cabrillo College start-up, Tater Famine always delivers high-voltage foot-stomping good times. Openers and locals Country Trash (named after a Johnny Cash song) also bring that John Wesley Harding-on-acid feel—while SoCal’s Dirty Filthy Mugs bring a heavier, grungier vibe that should peel the stickers off the wall of the bar. | DNA
INFO: 9 p.m. The Blue Lagoon, 923 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $5. 423-7117.

Dengue Fever plays at 8:30 p.m. at Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. Tickets are $16/adv, $20/door. For more information, call 479-1854.
>> See: Feature Article >


“Why We Broke Up” Book Signing
Who hasn’t experienced heartbreak? Explore those feelings in Daniel Handler (Lemony Snicket) and Maira Kalman’s latest book, “Why We Broke Up,” an intriguing tale of the passion and breakup of two teenagers. The fictional journey follows Min Green and Ed Slaterton, who have decided to call it quits. Min has written Ed a letter and given him a box filled with why they broke up—items collected over the course of their intimate relationship that include two bottle caps, a box of matches, and more. Learn about what happened to the couple and a little about yourself as you read, then share your story on a blog created by the authors(whywebrokeupproject.tumblr.com). This Wednesday, both authors will present their book at a special event at Santa Cruz High School. Prepare to laugh and cringe as they discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of relationships—don’t forget to have your book signed. | AM INFO: 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Santa Cruz High School, 415 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz. Purchase a copy of “Why We Broke Up” at Bookshop Santa Cruz or bookshopsantacruz.com, and receive a free ticket. When buying the book/ticket, you may also purchase one additional ticket for $5. >> See: Feature Article >

Thursday | February 2
28th Annual UCSC Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation
Renowned poet, writer, commentator, and activist Nikki Giovanni will speak on “The Privilege of Serving: Art and the Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.” this Thursday at the Civic Auditorium, as part of UCSC’s 28th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation, during Black History Month. Giovanni first came to prominence after writing poetry responding to the loss of Martin Luther King Jr., Medgar Evers, Robert Kennedy, and Malcolm X. Since then, she has incorporated the American vernacular and cadences of rap and hip-hop into her work. A winner of several NAACP Image Awards and the Rosa Parks Women of Courage Award—Parks was a friend of Giovanni’s for more than two decades—she will help kick off the memorable evening at 7 p.m. | JB INFO: 7 p.m. Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St., Santa Cruz. No Cover. UCSC shuttles will be provided for students’ transportation to the event and back to campus.

The Art of Flight
The second installment of the Orca Sports Outdoor Adventure Movie Series, The Art of Flight, hits The Rio this Thursday for 80 minutes of high-flying, action-packed snowboarding in some of the most remote locations in the world. Whether they’re jumping out of helicopters in Romania or plummeting down untested terrain in Patagonia, these bad ass adrenaline junkies live and breathe the phrase, “Where no man has gone before.” Shot in crystal clear HD, the film will have you reaching for your seat belt as you follow iconic snowboarder and X Games gold medalist Travis Rice and his friends to frosty peaks, where they plan to conquer gravity-defying aerials, battle avalanches, and live to tell the tale. Last month’s movie series kick-off, featuring One for the Road, was packed, so buy your tickets early. | JB INFO: 7:30 p.m. Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $15. Advance tickets available for $10 at Helm of Sun Valley in Capitola, and O’Neill Surf Shop in downtown Santa Cruz.



The Jazz Mafia All-Stars play at 8 p.m. at Kuumbwa Jazz, 320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. Tickets are $20/adv, $23/door. For more information, call 427-2227. Photo: Gudmundur Vigfisson
>> See: Feature Article >


Friday | February 3
Pass It On ARTSEEN
For some artists, paint, pencils, and charcoal are the primary mediums with which they create their masterpieces. But this month at Felix Kulpa Gallery, tradition has been thrown out the window in favor of a new, innovative exhibit, called “Pass It On.” A four-year-long collaborative project created by six local artists—2010 Rydell fellow Victoria May, Open Studios artists Bridget Henry, Nora Dougherty, and Ann Altstatt, plus Janet Fine, and Caroline Nicola—“Pass It On” features more than 40 square works on paper (13- and 7-inch). Each creation has a unique story to tell: Some were made using coffee, sugar, ink, screenprint, thread, and/or other oddball mediums, and a few were lost, found, driven over, burned, buried, cherished and abhorred over the course of the project. The end result is an eclectic representation of each artist’s journey. Never before have marks, stitches, tears, spills, and patches looked so good. | JB INFO: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3. Reception. Exhibit open 12-5 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, Feb. 4-27. Felix Kulpa Gallery, 107 Elm St., Santa Cruz.

Miss Lonely Hearts
INFO: 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3. Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $8. 429-6994.
>> See: Love Your Local Band >

ALO
The Animal Liberation Orchestra has been a favorite band on Jam Cruise for the past few years regaling thousands of oceanic hipsters with the patented ALO brand of positive, dance-friendly, Bay-centric extendo-jams. Currently the band has a mission to raise awareness—and money—to fund music education with their fifth annual Tour D’Amour. With a hand in many worthwhile projects, band leader Zach Gill recently conducted members of Furthur and Mother Hips at the Fillmore for a Rex Benefit event. This weekend the band heads to Moe’s Alley, where Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers—whose album, Driftwood, is one of the finest of last year—will open. | DNA
INFO: 9 p.m. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $20. 479-1854.

Salineros, J-Blaze, Savage Proz, YDMC
The bass will be thumping Friday at The Blue Lagoon as a slew of local hip-hop heavy-hitters school Santa Cruzans in the art of quick-spitting rhymes and rap swagger. Salinas-based rappers Salineros mix dirty beats with Bay Area pride—paying tribute to their “Salad Bowl” roots, the Golden Gate, and gassin’ and dippin’ a la E-40. Savage Proz represents the 831 with a grind-ready hyphy blend reminiscent of his inspiration, Mac Dre. And San Jose’s rap superstar YDMC headlines with politically charged rhymes about life’s hardships. North Carolina’s J-Blaze completes the bill with his infectious flow and high-energy stage presence. | JENNA BROGAN
INFO: 9 p.m. The Blue Lagoon, 923 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $5. 21+. 423-7117.

Yair Dalal
Brought to the U.S. by the Schusterman Family Foundation as part of a program to engage audiences with contemporary Israeli culture, Israeli composer, violinist, oud player, and singer Yair Dalal presents “Bridge to Babylon: Music from the Lands of Islam,” this week at UC Santa Cruz Recital Hall. Inspired by the traditions of Iraqi and Jewish Arabic music, Dalal creates a unique blend of new Middle Eastern music that reflects his classical and Arabic music training, and his passion for the desert and its people. With 11 albums under his belt, and musical collaborations with artists around the world, Dalal has a unique take on the state of the Middle East and the role that art plays in times of conflict.. | JB
INFO: 7:30 p.m. UC Santa Cruz Recital Hall, 1156 High St., Santa Cruz. $12/general, $10/seniors, $8/youth and students with ID. For tickets, call 459-2159, or visit santacruztickets.com. 

Saturday-Sun. | February 4-12
Wet Art
What do you get when 36 Santa Cruz artists are each handed a wetsuit donated by a local surfer, and told to, in the words of Tim Gunn, “Make it work”? Wet Art 2012. A benefit for the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Cruz, the gallery art show debuts this weekend at the Rittenhouse Building in Downtown Santa Cruz, and features a diverse collection of artistic creations—from fashion art pieces, to reflections on technology, to sculpture-inspired designs—all created with real wetsuits. The gallery will be open to the public the first two weekends in February, followed by an event on Feb. 18 that features a silent auction, a live auction, and a VIP party—music, dance, food, and a no-host bar will be supplied—with proceeds going towards youth in our community. | JB INFO: Gallery showing: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4 and Sunday, Feb. 5. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 and Sunday, Feb. 12. $5/family (up to 5). Silent & Live Auction/ VIP Party: 4-11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. For VIP tickets ($60), visit wetart.org. Rittenhouse Building, 1375 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz.

Freefall Improv performs at 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, at Broadway Playhouse, 526 Broadway, Santa Cruz. Tickets are $12. For reservations, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . >> See: Feature Article >

Marianne Aya Omac, Joan Baez
Marianne Aya Omac began her career singing 300 days a year in the boulevards of Montpellier, France, where crowds would form around the brave troubadour, whose soulful voice and sheer magnetism are undeniable. After joining an amateur gospel choir, the singer/songwriter’s voice and vision blossomed, and thus began the transformation from street performer to international sensation. Though not well known in the U.S., Aya Omac—who sings in French, English and Spanish—will hit The Catalyst Saturday, where she will be joined on stage by her No. 1 fan and perhaps the most famous female folksinger in the world, Joan Baez. This is a rare chance to hear an enchanting performer sing about the struggles in life and the joy in living. | DNA
INFO: 9 p.m. The Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $12/adv, $16/door. 423-1338.

Bryn Loosley & The Back Pages
Bryn Loosley rocked Chico State and its surrounding neighbors with his up-tempo country/rock band Buffalo Creek—now a Santa Cruz native, Loosley’s work earned him a Gail Rich Award in 2011 and a dedicated following with The Back Pages. According to Loosley there will be no “acoustic weepies”—expect “an evening of upbeat, mid-tempo, original AM GOLD.” Don’t let Loosley’s bare feet fool you, his music is less hippie and more that of a California son. Opening at The Crepe Place this week is Dan Kocher, from indie-folk troupe Mylo Jenkins, who is launching his new project, The Grand Suffering. | DNA
INFO: 9 p.m. Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $8. 429-6994.

Wubakia
The Hammond organ has become the hippest instrument in Santa Cruz bands today—7 Come 11, The OTS Trio, and Wubakia all use the organ to heighten the intensity and crank up the energy at local haunts. This weekend, Wubakia brings its psychedelic space rock amalgam to Trout Farm, where the quartet is determined to prove to locals that jam band music can be both high-octane and complex. Dancing along to their rock/folk/funk/blues/jazz/electronic/bluegrass mash-ups is inevitable—and they admit, sometimes “downright silly”—but their lyrical substance makes their shows as thought-provoking as they are fun. Look out for their first studio album, scheduled for release this spring. | JB
INFO: 9 p.m. Trout Farm Inn, 7701 East Zayante Road, Felton. 335-4317.

Sunday | February 5
Winter Reskilling Expo
Remember, reclaim, and revive daily-living skills that were practiced 50 to 75 years ago, including seed saving and plant breeding, local herb medicine, canning and preserving, beekeeping, sowing year round/crop rotation, and more, this weekend at the Santa Cruz Reskilling Expo. Created with the intention of bringing the production of food, water, energy, and essential goods closer to home, the day-long symposium of workshops is offered to the public, free of charge, for the benefit of the community. The theme of this year’s Winter Reskilling Expo is Local Food Sovereignty, so head down to the MAH this Sunday, and make your ancestors proud. | JB INFO: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St., Santa Cruz. Admission by sliding scale: $5-25. reskillingexpo.org.

Monday | February 6
Bobby Broom & Deep Blue Organ Trio
Who knew that when Gloria Estefan sang “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” she was referring to Bobby Broom’s upcoming show at Kuumbwa Jazz. The acclaimed jazz guitarist and his Deep Blue Organ Trio, starring Chris Foreman on Hammond B-3 and Greg Rockingham on drums, creates mind-blowing soundscapes as heard on the group’s debut, Wonderful! which topped jazz radio charts before peaking at No. 1 in November. The band’s polished sound and timeless spirit gives a nod to old-timey jazz standards, while ushering in a new wave of innovation within the genre. | JB Photo: John Broughton
INFO: 7 p.m. Kuumbwa Jazz, 320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. $20/adv, $23/door. 427-2227.

Tuesday | February 7
Gretchen Peters
In 1993 Martina McBride won the Country Music Award for her version of Gretchen Peters’ tune “Independence Day.” Peters’ songs have been covered by Trisha Yearwood, the late great Etta James and Neil Diamond, among others—she busts out hits like Hallmark makes greeting cards. Her latest solo release, Hello Cruel World, is a reminder of the artist behind the music—Peters’ voice resonates with her own lyrics in a way no other singer could touch. Joined by Rodney Crowell, whose work with Emmylou Harris and just about every other country musician—alternative or otherwise—is sterling. | DNA
INFO: 7:30 p.m. Don Quixote's, 6275 Hwy 9, Felton. $15. 603-2294.

Thursday | February 9
Ravi Coltrane Quartet Be Our Guest
The son of renowned tenor saxophonist John Coltrane and jazz pianist Alice Coltrane, Ravi was thrust into the jazz world at a young age. Discovered by his father’s drummer, Elvin Jones, Ravi was mentored by top musicians, and has since become a high-caliber post-bop saxophonist, far removed from his father’s shadow. Having played with the likes of Herbie Hancock and Branford Marsalis, Ravi has produced an extensive body of work, is a regular in the jazz festival circuit, and is a leader in the genre today. | JB Photo: Michael Weintrob
INFO: 7:30 p.m. . Kuumbwa Jazz, 320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. $25/adv, $28/door. 427-2227.
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.

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 >

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 .

In The Queue
Mike Sugar with Owen Plant, Local singer/guitarist plays acoustic folk with comic relief-Saturday at The Ugly Mug
Carolyn Wonderland, Rockin’ blues guitarist unleashes new release, ‘Peace Meal’-Saturday at Moe’s Alley
Chamber Players, Music by Hindemith, Etler, Reinecke, Gordon Jacob, Villa-Lobos, and Hovhaness-Sat & Sun at Christ Lutheran Church
Chamber Orchestra & Sara Davis Beuchner, Distinguished orchestra performs Mozart and Dvorak with award-winning pianist-Sat & Sun at Cabrillo College Crocker Theatre
Groundation, Albino! and Thrive join in on 12th annual Bob Marley Tribute-Monday at The Catalyst

Saturday | March 17
"An Evening With Marilyn" gala at Chaminade Resort and Spa. Enter Marylyn look-alike contest.



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 BROGANINFO: 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-January 31

Art at the Library: Celebrate Art ARTSEEN
Eight local female artists present their photography, paintings, and drawings this winter as part of Scotts Valley Library’s latest exhibition, “Art at the Library: Celebrate Art.” It’s hard to believe that photographer Diane Rejman can illustrate the serenity of the Santa Cruz Wharf at sunrise, under the same roof that Lois Cole captures various shades of light in her captivating paintings, and photographer Judy Bingman illuminates striking colors at Reno’s hot air balloon races—but at this unique showcase, it’s a reality. A stunning collection of mixed media art forms, this is one display of Santa Cruz talent you don’t want to miss. | JB ~ INFO: 1-5 p.m. Monday and Saturday. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday. Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley. 

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

January 2012

Mid-January - The Nexties

An inventive local awards gala honoring the work of innovative twenty- and thirtysomethings. Great food and wine! Visit santacruznext.org.

February

7-9

38th Annual Santa Cruz Fungus Fair

Fungus is in. Benefit from spectacular mushroom displays along with delicacies and cooking demonstrations. Bring your own mushrooms along to be identified.  Sponsored by Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History and the Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz. Event runs both days. 10am–5pm.

Museum of Natural History, Santa Cruz, 831-420-6115 or santacruzmuseums.org.

Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook Off

Inventive chefs compete for the big cook-off prize. 10am.Boardwalk, Santa Cruz,  beachboardwalk.com.

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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