THURSDAY 12/19
SALSA
SPANISH HARLEM ORCHESTRA: SALSA NAVIDAD. For over two decades, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra has upheld the legacy of salsa dura, blending Spanish Harlem’s raw, vibrant instrumental sounds with dynamic arrangements of heart and soul. Led by Oscar Hernández, whose career spans collaborations with Panamanian Afro-Cuban jazz luminary Rubén Blades and folk singer-songwriter Paul Simon, the three-time Grammy-winning orchestra continues bringing together world-class musicians to honor the rich traditions of Latin music. Salsa Navidad will be no different, distilling the cultural essence of the Caribbean by highlighting traditional Puerto Rican aguinaldo and reimagining holiday classics with salsa rhythms. Each performance is a testament to tradition and the Spanish Harlem Orchestra’s acclaimed artistry. MELISA YURIAR
INFO: 7pm, Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. $63. 427-2227.
AMERICANA
POI TO THE WORLD. Acclaimed musicians Gerard Egan (acoustic guitar, triple-neck steel guitar) and Carolyn Sills (doghouse bass) are inductees into the Sacramento Western Swing Hall of Fame; Sills is also the Academy of Western Artists Female Vocalist of 2022. The married duo’s artistry keeps alive the Western swing musical traditions that thrived nearly a century ago in California and beyond. As Poi Rogers, they infuse that style with vintage country, cowboy and even Hawaiian sounds, all delivered in the form of originals and classic covers. Their holiday special, Poi to the World, adds yuletide merriment to an already appealing mix. BILL KOPP
INFO: 7pm, Ugly Mug, 4640 Soquel Dr., Soquel. $25/adv, $28/door. 477-1341.
HOLIDAY
TOY TRAINS 2024. There’s something so incredibly alluring about creating miniature forests, mountains and little towns—complete with movie theatres, saloons and trading posts—and then traversing that world by miniature train. The enduring hobby has been exciting the passions of enthusiasts for nearly two centuries. Fans can enjoy the hobby without the considerable investment of time and money when the modern-day model rail enthusiasts of the Golden State Toy Train Operators share their impressive collection of toy trains at the Museum of Art & History this week. KEITH LOWELL JENSEN
INFO: Noon, Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St., Santa Cruz. Free. 429-1964.
FRIDAY 12/20
HIP HOP
MILES MINNICK. Christian rap meets Bay Area hyphy with San Francisco native Miles Minnick’s self-proclaimed West Coast Christian Music. The Bay Area native rapper’s Christlike Tour makes a local stop on his mission to bring “Jesus to the Bay.” The rapper’s latest release features acclaimed Filipino American rapper P-Lo and Vallejo’s DaBoii, garnering copious streams on Spotify since dropping only a few months ago. Armed with inspiring messages of faith and self-worth coupled with the sounds of hyphy, Minnick continues to generate buzz with a string of collaborative singles, films and social media challenges for his devout group of followers, the “Glo Nation.” MY
INFO: 6:30pm, Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $32. 713-5492.
ROCK
HAZ BIN. Haz Bin is a very Santa Cruz band. Just a glance at their song titles like “Mid Town Underdog,” “Bar Hopppin” and “Barely Makin It” can confirm they aren’t no outside kooks. Their music is compelling, combining an eclectic mix of ’70s funk, ’80s reggae and ’90s grunge for a sound that couldn’t come from anywhere else but here. Think Men Without Hats meets Sublime crossed with the Butthole Surfers. With Joe Gray on bass, Dustin DiMauro on drums and Brent Witmer on guitar and vocals, Haz Bin is a unique mix of fun dancing, stoner jams and getting through hard times with music. MAT WEIR
INFO: 5:30pm, Discretion Brewery, 2703 41st Ave., Soquel. Free. 316-0662.
PUNK
FUX When it comes to the older Santa Cruz punk scene, there aren’t too many bands left that can claim 10 years together, let alone almost 30. However, Salinas’ F.U.X., a throwback to thrash/skatepunk crossover times, is one of those bands. Despite claiming to have broken up (most likely several times), F.U.X. has been thriving on a resurgence lately, playing multiple shows locally with big names like T.S.O.L. and D.I. This week, catch them with other local favorites, such as Truth Decay and Rumble Steelskin, for a night that celebrates the scene. MW
INFO: 8:30pm, Blue Lagoon, 923 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. Free. 423-7117.
SATURDAY 12/21
HOLIDAY
MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS With the increasing popularity of Mexican banda, the tuba may finally be getting a bit of respect around town. The biggest of brass instruments ain’t messin’ around, son! This week’s merriment promises to take the comeuppance a step further with TubaChristmas—like regular Christmas but with dozens of tuba players oompah-ing out everyone’s favorite Christmas carols and a few Hanukkah songs. TubaChristmas is really a thing, and it happens in over 200 cities each year; there are even rumors of a possible Santa Claus appearance. The big question is, does Santa play the tuba, or is he merely a fan? KLJ
INFO: 3pm, Henry J. Mello Center, 250 E. Beach St., Watsonville. Free. 728-6462.
DANCE
FASCINATION STREET. Cultures have observed and commemorated the darkest night of the year since before the dawn of recorded history. The solstice tradition continues with Middle Eastern flavor in Estrella Collective’s Fascination Street. The solstice hafla (Arabic for party) features a dance performance showcase, an MC, a dance party and even jewelry vendors for those who wish to truly sparkle. The formal evening presents an opportunity for guests to break out their fanciest clothing; there’s a prize for the “best glittering dressed” attendee. BK
INFO: 7pm, Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $25/adv, $30/door. 479-1854.
TUESDAY 12/24
HOLIDAY
REINDEER RUN 5K. Lace up the running shoes, fasten the reindeer antlers and let the sleigh bells ring because it’s time to join the herd for the 8th annual Reindeer Run! Reindeer will gather in Junction Park between 9am and 10am for a staggered start, depending on the preferred heat, and bystanders can watch them walking, strolling, running or trotting along Highway 9 and Irwin Highway. Animals and humans are welcome to participate and are encouraged to wear costumes. Prizes will be handed out to the best human costume, animal costume and the most unique animal. There’s no better way to celebrate the holidays and prepare for a hearty Christmas meal than with a festive 5K run. ISABELLA MARIE SANGALINE
INFO: 9am, Recreation & Park District, Junction Park, Boulder Creek. $30-$35.
