ARTS AND MUSIC
MONKEY WITH SIMPLE MINDED SYMPHONY AND COFFEE ZOMBIE COLLECTIVE A few ska bands on tap to inspire those stellar skank moves that have been hiding in your garage for the last decade or so. $15/$20. Proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test required. Thursday, March 3, 8pm. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. moesalley.com.
‘THE ARTIFICIAL WOMAN’ The world premiere of this untraditional musical is based on the true story of Austrian artist Oskar Kokoschka’s passionate love affair with composer Alma Mahler. After they split up, the artist had a life-size doll made in his ex’s likeness. $8/$18. Thursday, March 3-Saturday, March 5, 7:30pm; Sunday, March 6, 3pm. eXperimental Theater, UCSC, 1156 High St., Santa Cruz. theater.ucsc.edu.
CHRIS RENZEMA: THE HOPE OR NOSTALGIA TOUR The up-and-coming musician received more than 36 million audio streams of his independent project, I’ll Be the Branches, a personal “worship album.” Renzema’s follow-up Let the Ground Rest hit over 90 million streams and reveals more of his life story weaved into the songs. $17.50/$25. Proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test required. Friday, March 4, 7pm. Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave Santa Cruz. riotheatre.com.
JOSIAH JOHNSON WITH CAITLIN JEMMA PLUS THE FEELINGS PARADE In 2020, The Head and the Heart co-founder’s solo project kicked off after he began learning more about home recording. Then a private show in NYC led him to work with a group of musicians led by Peter Lalish (of the band, Lucius). The singer-songwriter has described his new work as the most honest songs he’s ever penned. $20. Friday, March 4, 9pm. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. moesalley.com.
JERRY’S MIDDLE FINGER Since 2015, the Los Angeles-based outfit has been one of the most beloved Jerry Garcia Band tribute bands around. The ensemble features five scholars of everything Jerry Garcia, including his indescribable energy. $20/$25. Proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test required. Friday, March 4-Saturday, March 5, 8pm. Felton Music Hall, 6275 CA-9, Felton. feltonmusichall.com.
KARL DENSON’S TINY UNIVERSE WITH THE MATTSON 2 Karl Denson is back out on the road with his Tiny Universe, celebrating his 65th birthday. The Greyboy Allstars co-founder’s live shows are killer. Even better: His premier of A Diesel Insane: The Music of David Bowie. $30. Proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test required. Sunday, March 6, 7pm. Felton Music Hall, 6275 CA-9, Felton. feltonmusichall.com.
ANTONIO SÁNCHEZ AND BAD HOMBRE WITH BIGYUKI, THANA ALEXA AND LEX SADLER Four-time Grammy Award winner Antonio Sánchez’s acclaimed Bad Hombre feature BIGYUKI, Thana Alexa and Lex Sadler. The ambient jazz record melds drums with keys and other elements of electronica and Sánchez’s Mexican roots. $36.75. Monday, March 7, 7pm. Kuumbwa Jazz, 320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. kuumbwajazz.org.
COMMUNITY
2022 CAPITOLA COLLECTACON Located inside the old Sears building, the inaugural Collectacon, claiming to be the Central Coast’s largest comic convention, is set to host over 50 vendors, feature guest appearances from all five Boba Fett actors, Ryan Hurst (“Sons of Anarchy”), Emily Swallow (“The Mandalorian”), Tom Sizemore (True Romance) and many others. See story. Various ticket packages; kids under 12 are free (with or without proof of vaccination). Friday, March 4-Sunday, March 6, 10am-6pm. Capitola Mall, 1855 41st Ave., Capitola. capitolacollectacon.com.
SANTA CRUZ WARRIORS VS. MEMPHIS HUSTLE Cheer on some of the most talented players in the world outside of the NBA. $27-155. Saturday, March 5, 7pm. Kaiser Permanente Arena, 140 Front St., Santa Cruz. santacruz.gleague.nba.com.
APTOS VINEYARD POP-UP The debut pop-up event will feature flights, glasses and bottles of some of the finest Pinot Noir made in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Free. Sunday, March 6, 1-5pm. Sante Arcangeli Tasting Room, 154 Aptos Village Way, C1, Aptos. aptosvineyard.com.
BOOKSHOP SANTA CRUZ PRESENTS: ERIK LARSON Erik Larson will discuss his New York Times bestseller The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz. UC Santa Cruz Politics Professor Daniel Wirls will moderate. $23. Sunday, March 6, 4pm. UCSC Haybarn, 94 Ranch View Road, Santa Cruz. bookshopsantacruz.com.
GROUPS
WOMENCARE ARM-IN-ARM WomenCARE Arm-in-Arm cancer support group for women with advanced, recurrent or metastatic cancer meets every Monday on Zoom. Free. Registration required. Monday, March 7, 12:30pm. 831-457-2273. womencaresantacruz.org.
WOMENCARE TUESDAY SUPPORT GROUP The WomenCARE Tuesday cancer support group currently meets on Zoom for women newly diagnosed and those undergoing treatment. Free registration required. Tuesday, March 8, 12:30-2pm. 831-457-2273. womencaresantacruz.org.
OUTDOORS
NATURE CLUB: ARANA GULCH, SANTA CRUZ HARBOR AND SPRING WILDFLOWERS Explore 63 acres of open space for wildlife observation, explore forests, fields of wildflowers and walk around Santa Cruz Harbor. The museum provides binoculars for each participant. $5-10. Saturday, March 5, 10am-12:30pm. Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz.
LIFE ON THE RANCH: A LIVING HISTORY EVENT Embark on a trip back in time to experience life on a working dairy ranch in the early 1900s. Costumed docents will take you through historic homes, barns and workshops. Enjoy old-fashioned crafts, activities and games. Free. Saturday, March 5, 10am-noon. Wilder Ranch, 1401 Coast Road, Santa Cruz. thatsmypark.org.
SUNSET BEACH BOWLS AND BONFIRE Experience the tranquility, peace and calmness as the ocean waves harmonize with the sound of crystal bowls. Tuesday, March 8, 5pm. Moran Lake Beach, Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz. 831-333-6736.
