Event highlights for the week of October 11, 2017.
Art Seen
‘Stringing You Along’
Similar to espresso, but not really, Espressivo is a small, intense orchestra that, like its etymological friend, really packs a punch. While highlighting Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, Edward Elgar’s Introduction and Allegro for Strings, and Bela Bartók’s Divertimento for String Orchestra—“Stringing You Along” showcases the talent of flautist Vicki Melin, violinist Shannon Delaney D’Antonio and harpsichord Linda Burman-Hall. They nearly sold out the Jewel Theatre last year and will likely draw an even bigger crowd this year, so get your tickets in advance.
INFO: Sunday, Oct. 15. 3 p.m. UCSC Recital Hall, 402 McHenry Road, Santa Cruz. espressorch.org. $5-$37.
Green Fix
Celebrating Leatherback Turtles
The local leatherback turtle looks just like a giant buff gladiator turtle ready for battle. Seriously, these guys can get up to seven feet and over 2,000 pounds. But despite their impressive stature, leatherback turtles are critically endangered, and Monterey Bay is a migratory hotspot for the dwindling population. On California Leatherback Day, join the NOAA, Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary and many others in celebrating the leatherback turtle, complete with a full-size model of a leatherback, live plankton viewing, and turtle-costume dress up.
INFO: Saturday, Oct. 14. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sanctuary Exploration Center, 35 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz.
ex***************@no**.gov
. 421-9993. Free.
Wednesday 10/11
Kathryn D. Sullivan Lecture
A former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) administrator, geologist, and UCSC alum, Sullivan will give a lecture, “From the Sea to the Stars,” co-hosted by the Rio Theatre and Santa Cruz Natural History Museum, just in time for the 33rd anniversary of her spacewalk. She credits UCSC with getting her to where she is now, noting that she originally wanted to study languages, but the flexibility and support of the university allowed her to shift academic focus and eventually join NASA.
“I’m delighted to have a chance to get back to Santa Cruz,” she told GT. “I wouldn’t even be a scientist, much less a celebrated scientist, if I had gone to college anywhere else but UCSC.”
Among her many accomplishments and awards, Sullivan was chosen as one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people, and her name appears in the Astronaut Hall of Fame and Women Divers Hall of Fame. She says she hopes that this event will inspire others, particularly young people, to avoid settling for predetermined or shortsighted goals. She explains that many put students pressure themselves to reach a certain GPA, job or salary—what she calls assured outcomes—without thinking outside of the box. It’s this type of thinking, she says, that limits their potential.
“Trying to build a life based on assured outcomes leads you to a much smaller, more incremental life than I would hope young people will dare to aim for,” she says. “The world and our country really need people that are not just aimed at small assured outcomes because you won’t solve today’s problems by chaining yourself to the assured outcomes of old methods.”
Sullivan hopes to talk about voyaging, exploration, and the dire need for passion and ambition, even in times of political turmoil and conflict within green politics. While she admits that her scientific accomplishments are exceptional, she believes anyone can reach for the stars.
INFO: 7 p.m. Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz. santacruzmuseum.org. $18.
Friday 10/13
Day of Poetry and Music
While there are always options for literature discussions and live concerts, music and literature rarely share the same headline. But this week, Poet Laureate Dana Gioia and National Medal of Arts composer Morten Lauridsen will be leading a two-part event on the intersecting relationship between music and art. The earlier section is geared toward children (ages 8-18), and fostering an appreciation for literature and music. Later on, Gioia and Lauridsen will hold a discussion-style workshop for adults, and the Cabrillo Youth Chorus will perform poems by Gioia accompanied by Lauridsen’s music.
INFO: Children’s Workshop 3:30 p.m., Adult Workshop 7 p.m. Downtown Santa Cruz Public Library, 224 Church St., Santa Cruz. santacruzpl.org. Free.
Wednesday 10/11
Bookmaking Workshop
Fact: hand-bound books are the best books. Plus, sentimental gift season is right around the corner (wink-wink, nudge-nudge), so why not make something for that one person who’s just impossible to shop for? Join Sara Jensen in learning how to fold and sew a long-stitch journal. The class fee includes all materials needed to make a book, but feel free to bring your own ruler, X-Acto blade and pencil.
INFO: 6 p.m. Lille æske, 13160 Central Ave., Boulder Creek. lilleaeske.com. $45.
