HOW they do it we'll never know. Here we are in the midst of a persistent bout of economic flu and the Santa Cruz arts community is doing wheelies on its beach cruiser and back-flips with bouquets in both hands. Not only is this a typically lively fall arts season chock-full of visual art exhibits, dance, theater and music, it's also a red-banner year for the town's arts and entertainment infrastructure. This October, just a few months after the opening of the Tannery, the long-awaited Cabrillo Visual and Performing Arts Complex opens its gleaming doors, assuring future artists a state-of-the-art facility in which to strut their hours upon the stage. Our calendar hits the high points of this dynamic season and includes a list of venues here.

Aug. 26

Eduardo Carrillo: Within a Cultural Context The beloved Santa Cruz artist's imagery is inspired by his Mexican heritage and imbued with the language of his time. Museum of Art and History; $5 general/$3 seniors and students/$2 child; Tue-Sun 11am. Through Nov. 22.

Charles Griffin Farr UCSC's Sesnon Gallery shows off its collection of paintings and drawings by the late California realist, a member of the San Francisco art scene and creator of riveteting cityscapes. Sesnon Gallery, Porter College, UCSC. Free. Through Sept. 19.

Form and Function Clay, Glass and Textiles. Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center; free; Wed-Sun noon-6pm. Through Sept. 19.

Julius Caesar A Shakespeare Santa Cruz performance of political wangling, jockeying for power and nation-building. Festival Glen at UCSC; most tickets $28.50-$38.50; times vary. Call 831.453.2159 or see www.santacruz tickets.com. Aug. 29-30.

Oliver! Hailed as one of the best-loved family musicals of all time. Outdoor Forest Theatre in Carmel; most tickets $20-$35; Thu-Sat 7:30pm, Sun 10pm. Through Sept. 27.

Shipwrecked! An Entertainment A Shakespeare Santa Cruz performance sails off to the far side of the world with Louis de Rougemont and relives his amazing adventures. UCSC Mainstage; most tickets $12.50-$38.50; times vary. Call 831.453.2159 or see www.santacruztickets.com. Aug. 28-30.

Sylvia A modern romantic comedy about marriage--and a dog. The Actors' Theatre; $25 general/$22 seniors and students; Thu-Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm. Through Aug. 30.

Summer Art Workshop Exhibition This exhibit showcases the outstanding artwork inspired by the last three years of the CabrilloArts summer workshops. Pajaro Valley Gallery; free; Wed-Fri 11am, Sat-Sun noon. Through Oct. 4.

Aug. 27

A Midsummer Night's Dream A Shakespeare Santa Cruz performance of warriors, lovers, artisans and spirits in an exhilarating mix of fierce poetry and the madness of love. Festival Glen at UCSC; most tickets $28.50-$38.50; times vary. Call 831.453.2159 or see www.santacruztickets.com; Through Aug. 30.

Aug. 29

George Kahumoku Jr. Slack key guitar performance; Henry J. Mello Center for the Performing Arts; $20; 7:30pm.

Aug. 31

Printed: A Juried Exhibition Drawn from printmakers across California, focuses on the print in all its variations. Cabrillo Gallery, Rm 1002; free; Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Mon-Tue 7pm-9pm; Through Sept. 25.

Sept. 1

Morton Marcus The 1999 Santa Cruz County Artist of the Year reads from his body of work. Capitola Book Café; $3 suggested donation; 7:30pm.

Some Stories: Mothers & Daughters Presented by the Willing Suspension Armchair Theater. Actors' Theatre; donations accepted; 7:30pm.

Sept. 4

Hamlet Shakespeare's great tragedy of passion, corruption and revenge. Circle Theatre in Carmel; most tickets $16-$35; Fri-Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm. Through Oct. 18.

Scottish Fiddlers Concert More than 150 musicians fresh from the Valley of the Moon Scottish fiddling camp will delight audiences with strathspeys, reels and jigs. Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium; $18 adult/$15 senior and student; 8pm.

Praise the Board: 35 Years of Santa Cruz Design and Innovation in Skateboarding From Jim Phillips' Screaming Hand to the GoLearn Skateboarding app for iPhones, exhibit explores 3 1/2 decades of hard-core art and design. Museum of Art and History. Reception Sept. 4, 6:30pm. Through Sept. 27.

anima mundi: endangered species Digital photography, modeling and painting by Jennifer Pond and Jake J. Thomas. Felix Kulpa Gallery; Thu-Sun noon-6pm. Through Sept. 27.

Katie Rummel Photography with a global and cultural focus by Katie Rummel. Art and wine reception. The California Dollhouse; free; 7pm.

Sept. 5

Mindful Inversions: New Encaustic Paintings and Scrolls Tracey Adams approaches her artwork using vision, athematics and music. Museum of Art and History; $5 general/$3 seniors and students/$2 children; Tue-Sun 11am-5pm. Through Nov. 29.

Sept. 8

Laurel Blossom and Gary Young The two poets read as a part of Poetry Santa Cruz Monthly Event. Bookshop Santa Cruz; free; 7:30pm.

Sept. 9

Physicians Art Show Talented docs strut their stuff at the Santa Cruz Art League. Through Sept. 13. Reception Sept. 13, 4:30pm.

Sept. 11

Ali Baba and the Magic Cave Mr. Glennon's original approach to this "Arabian Nights" tale is fast-moving, action-filled and full of surprises and humor. Monterey Peninsula College Theatre Arts Building; $15 general/$12 young adult/$9 child; Fri-Sat 7pm, Sat-Sun 3pm. Through Sept. 27.

Sept. 12

The Art of Richard Mayhew: After the Rain This exhibition will feature primarily landscapes with some figurative works. Museum of Art and History; $5 general/$3 seniors and students/$2 children; Tue-Sun 11am-5pm. Through Nov. 22.

Daniel Roest & Alex de Grassi Watch the stars and listen to guitars. UCSC's Lick Observatory; $35; 7pm.

Xochipilli Dance Co. Promoting, preserving and creating Mexican folkloric dance. Henry J. Mello Center for the Performing Arts; visit www.santacruz tickets.com;10am.

Capitola Art and Wine Festival More than 185 artists, vineyards and performers make this festival a must-see. Capitola Esplanade; free; 10am. Through Sept. 7.

Sept. 16

Santa Cruz Follies Presenting That's Entertainment Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium; $18 general/under 12 free; matinees daily 1pm, Fri 7:30pm. Through Sept. 19.

Sept. 18

The Clean House Based on a chance remark overheard at a party, this is a tightly written play about laughter and death that somehow manages to avoid pretense. Actors' Theatre; call for tickets; Thu-Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm. Through Oct.18.

Monterey Jazz Festival The lineup for the nation's longest-running jazz festival is a who's who of the form: Chick Corea, Wynton Marsalis, Dave Brubeck, plus folk hero Pete Seeger and many more. Monterey Fairgrounds; $35-$45 grounds passes; Through Sept. 20.

Sept. 20

Watsonville Taiko The popular drummers will perform at the Kidrageous Carnival. Watsonville City Plaza; free; 12:10pm.

Sept. 21

Randall Grahm Book talk, signing and wine tasting for Grahm's book Been Doon So Long: A Randall Grahm Vinthology. Bookshop Santa Cruz; free; wine tasting starts at 7pm.

Sept. 22

Virsky Ukrainian National Dance Company Ukrainian folk dance performance. CSUMB World Theater; call 831.582.4580 for ticket information; 7:30pm.

Sept. 26

fashionART Runway Show Featuring emerging designers from Santa Cruz and surrounding areas. Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium; visit www.santacruztickets.com; 7:30pm.

Open Studio Preview Sneak peek at the work of artists who will be opening their studios next month. Reception Sept. 27, 3pm. At Santa Cruz Art league. Through Oct. 18.

Oct. 2-17

As You Like It Shakespeare brings to life some of the most romantic and charming scenes ever to be scribed. Outdoor Forest Theatre; most tickets $16-$35; 7:30pm.

Oct. 2

Webcam Works: Isabelle Jenniches Jenniches creates panoramic composites from public webcams collected over the course of years. Cabrillo Gallery, Rm 1002; free; Through Nov. 6.

enTrance: mesmerizing art Artists were either mesmerized when they created their pieces or want to mesmerize you. Felix Kulpa Gallery; Thu-Sun noon-6pm. Through Oct. 25.

Oct. 3

Santa Cruz County Symphony The orchestra explores freedom of expression and Romantic passion in the music of Scandinavian composers Jean Sibelius and Edvard Grieg along with Czech composer Antonin Dvorak's "New World" Symphony. Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium; tickets $20-$65; 8pm. Performance repeats Sunday at 2pm at Henry J. Mello Auditorium in Watsonville; most tickets $17.50-$43.50.

Open Studios Art Tour In a venerable event organized by the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County, local artists south of Seventh Avenue will open their studios and display their works. Various. $20 for guide (good for the next two weekends), available at many locations throughout Santa Cruz; 11am. Through Oct. 4.

Oct. 7

Full Disclosure Art and science come together in this co-curated collaboration by art faculty, science faculty and lab technicians. Sesnon Gallery, UCSC. Through Nov. 21.

Oct. 8

Kannabi: The Mountain Where Spirits Dwell Experience big drum power and joy at the 10th anniversary taiko performance of Monterey's Shinsho-Mugen Daiko. CSUMB World Theater; $20; 2pm.

Oct. 9

Grand Opening of the Cabrillo Visual And Performing Arts Complex Dedication of Cabrillo College's new Crocker Theater with a special gala opening performance event, "Dedicated to the Creative Journey." Crocker Theater; free; 8pm Fri-Sat, Sun 3pm. Through Oct. 11.

Oct. 10

Cabrillo Visual and Performing Arts Center Gala Open house events include tours, demonstrations, interactive art activities and student exhibitions. Cabrillo Visual and Performing Arts Complex; free.

Ethnic Dance Festival Santa Cruz Dance--the folks who've brought us National Dance Week for the last two years--branches out with a day of ethnic dance workshop culminating in a free performance. Mission Plaza Park, Santa Cruz; free; 3pm.

Open Studios Art Tour Local artists north of Seventh Avenue will open their studios and display their works. Various; $20 for guide (good for next weekend too; 11am. Through Oct. 11.

Oct. 13

Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium Reading Series Richard Lange and John Laue read a few excerpts of their work. East Village Coffee Lounge; $5; 7pm.

Oct. 17

Monterey Symphony The season's first concert pays tribute to legendary photographer Ansel Adams with a commissioned piece by Dave and Chris Brubeck. Sherwood Hall; tickets $20-$39; 3pm and 8pm. Performance repeats at the Sunset Center Sunday at 3pm and Monday at 8pm.

Open Studios Art Tour The encore weekend for the Open Studio Art Tour will feature artists from Santa Cruz County and beyond. Various; $20 for guide; 11am. Through Oct. 18.

Oct. 18

Handel's Messiah Cabrillo Choral presents the premiere performance in the new Cabrillo Music Recital Hall. $20 suggested donation; 4pm.

Oct. 23

Woods Tea Company This Vermont-based group will perform bluegrass, Celtic tunes, sea chanteys and folk songs. CSUMB World Theater; call 831.582.4580 for ticket information; 7:30pm.

Judy Shephard Book talk and signing of the memoir The Meaning of Matthew, by Matthew Shepard's mother, Judy. Bookshop Santa Cruz; free; 7:30pm.

Oct. 24

Cadenza The musical ensemble formerly known as the Santa Cruz Chamber Orchestra will perform a piece by Honegger for strings and trumpet, followed by a composition by Latvian composer Vasks and finish off with the gut-wrenching Piano Concerto no. 1 by Shostakovich. Holy Cross Church; $20 general/$15 senior/$10 student; 8pm.

The Makaha Sons An evening of the finest traditional Hawaiian music and dance with Hawaii's premier musical group. Henry J. Mello Performing Arts Center; $30 general; 7pm.

Russian Pianist Alexander Romanovsky A performance through Cabrillo's Distinguished Artists Series. Cabrillo Music Recital Hall; $20 general/$16 students/$18 seniors; 8pm.

Mi Casa Es Tu Casa Showcasing Latino art and culture. Pajaro Valley Gallery; free; Wed-Fri 11am, Sat-Sun noon; Through Dec. 12.

Beasts on Broadway, Animals Galore Just what it sounds like: a juried show constructed around the theme of critters. Reception Oct. 31 at 3pm. Santa Cruz Art League. Through Nov. 22.

Oct. 27

Pim Techamuanvivit Local superstar culinary blogger and consort of Manresa chef David Kinch will celebrate the release of her new book, The Foodie Handbook, with a book talk, signing and recipe tasting. Bookshop Santa Cruz; free; 7:30pm.

Oct. 28

Fall Festival of the Bands A chilling spectacle of spooky music for the scariest time of the year featuring the Cabrillo Symphonic Winds. Cabrillo Music Recital Hall; $7 general/$6 seniors and students; 7:30pm.

David Sedaris Bestselling author and NPR star David Sedaris returns to Sunset Center to share his wry humor and sardonic wit. Sunset Center; $52-$77; 8pm.

Oct. 30

Cabrillo Youth Strings/Suzuki Orchestra Concert Local youths will present music for string orchestras. Cabrillo Music Recital Hall; $7 general/$6 students/free 15 and under; 7pm.

Moving Voices UCSC theater students present a double bill consisting of portions of Pablo Neruda's play Splendor and Death of Joaquin Muriet and Italo Calvino's story "The Spiral." UCSC Barn Theater; $11 general/$10 seniors and students; 7pm, Sun 3pm. Through Nov. 1 and Nov. 5-8.

Nov. 1

The Picasso Ensemble Cabrillo faculty recital will feature traditional and new music selections. Sesnon House; $12 general/$7 seniors and students; 3pm.

Nov. 4

Pilobolus Smooth, organic choreography often blurs the lines between individual performers, creating a sense of dance-troupe-as-organism. Sunset Center; $52-$77; 8pm.

Nov. 5

Big Band Jazz The Cabrillo Jazz Ensemble, directed by Jon Nordgren, performs with special guest, Sam Burtis, the New York studio trombonist. Cabrillo Music Recital Hall; $7 general/$6 seniors and students; 7:30pm.

'The Great Nebula In Orion' and 'A Betrothal' Two one-act chamber musicals by Lanford Wilson and Kenneth Fuch. Actors' Theatre; $63 general /$54 seniors and students; 8pm, Sun 2pm; Through Nov. 20.

La Honda Performance of Jeff Carter's Hyperion Project-winning play. Circle Theatre; most tickets $16-$35; Thu-Sat 7:30pm, Sun 2pm. Through Nov. 15.

Nov. 6

The Grapes of Wrath Steinbeck's classic work in a stunning adaptation by Frank Galati. Crocker Theater; $18 general/$15 seniors and students/$12 child; 8pm Fri-Sat, Sun 3pm. Through Nov. 21.

Sky/Cielo Artists from Santa Cruz and the Canary Islands focus on their relationship with the sky, both environmentally and psychologically. Felix Kulpa Gallery; Thu-Sun noon-6pm. Through Nov. 29.

The Animals of Omaha A UCSC student theater production. UCSC Experimental Theater; $11 general/$10 seniors and students; 7pm, Sun 3pm. Through Nov. 8 and Nov. 12-15.

Nov. 7

War Just nominated for induction into the 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. With memorable hits like "Cisco Kid" and "Low Rider," the band War has inspired fans and musicians, regardless of generation or genre. Sunset Center; $47-$67; 8pm.

Nov. 10

Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium Reading Series David Swanger and John Dotson read excerpts from their work. East Village Coffee Lounge; $5; 7pm.

Nov. 13

An Evening With John Cleese Join the former member of Monty Python for a hilarious evening of stories, film clips and conversation about his illustrious and wacky career. Sunset Center; $52-$77; 8pm.

Nature's Abstractions Christopher Burkett is widely regarded to be the greatest color photographer working today. Photography West Gallery, Dolores and Ocean streets, Carmel; free; 11am-5pm every day. Through Nov. 18.

Nov. 14

Baroque Festival Organ and Brass Concert Royal sounds of a brass choir will merge with the stately sonorities of the historic Holy Cross pipe organ. Holy Cross Church; $20 adult/$2 child; 7:30pm.

Nov. 16

Student Exhibition 4 A comprehensive survey of artwork completed at Cabrillo College during the fall 2009 semester. Cabrillo Gallery, Rm 1002; free; through Dec. 11.

Nov. 20

Twelfth Night Shakespeare comedy of mistaken identity, practical jokes and unrequited love directed by Bill Peters of Ghostlight Theatre. Actors' Theatre; call 831.425.PLAY or visit www.brownpapertickets.com; 8pm. Through Nov. 21.

Mozart's Requiem The UCSC Orchestra and vocal ensembles present the timeless and masterful work by W.A. Mozart, featuring violinists Roy Malan and Darcy Rindt. UCSC Recital Hall; $24 general/$20 senior/$10 student; 7:30pm, Sun 2pm. Through Nov. 22.

Cabrillo Latin Music Ensemble Featured music from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Peru and Argentina, plus some New York-style salsa. Cabrillo Music Recital Hall; $7 general/$6 seniors and students; 8pm.

MIXED NUTZ! The Nutcracker Re-Mixed, Tandy Beal & Co.'s production featuring acrobats, juggling, dance and other visual treats with live music by acclaimed Bay Area vocal group SoVoSó performing Tchaikovsky's music a cappella. Mainstage UCSC; $10-$30; Fri-Sat 2pm and 7pm, Sun 2pm. Through Dec. 6.

Nov. 21

An Evening of Brass The annual "Evening of Brass" to benefit the Watsonville Salvation Army's kettle kick off. Henry J. Mello Performing Arts Center; visit www.santacruztickets.com; 7pm.

Pan-Americana: Creole Traditions in Music of the Americas Pianist Frank French performs as a part of Cabrillo's Distinguished Artist Series. Erica Schilling Forum; $20 general/$14 seniors/$12 students; 8pm.

Nov. 23

Ray Brown's Great Big Band Ray Brown's all-star big band, from the Bay Area and beyond, performs original jazz music by Ray Brown. Cabrillo Crocker Theater; $20 general/$15 seniors and students; 7:30pm.

Nov. 28

Luck of the Draw Kismet and art collide at this annual Santa Cruz Art League Event. Through Dec. 6, with preview, drawing and reception on Dec. 6 starting at 11am. Santa Cruz Art League.

Dec. 2

Improv Follies Theatre Arts improvisation students perform fun and thought-provoking skits as their final exam. Actors' Theatre; $3; 7pm.

Dec. 3

Cabrillo Jazz Series presents Big Band Jazz Featuring the Cabrillo Jazz Ensemble, directed by Jon Nordgren, playing the music of such jzz greats as Thelonious Monk, Cole Porter and Miles Davis. Cabrillo Crocker Theater; $7 general/$6 seniors and students; 7:30pm.

Dec. 4

Barbara Benish UCSC visiting artist in residence shows her work in an exhibition titled "The Giving Tree." Sesnon Gallery. Reception Dec. 4, 5pm. Through Dec. 12.

Jazz Combos Featuring the Cabrillo Jazz Ensembles directed by Ray Brown. Cabrillo Crocker Theater; $7 general/$6 seniors and students; 7:30pm.

Music for The Feast of Christmas The Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus performs a carol sing-along as well as choral masterworks and seasonal selections. Directed by Cheryl Anderson. Holy Cross Church; $20 general/$18 seniors and students; Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 4pm; Through Dec. 6.

One-Man Show Mark Wainer's photos will be the center of the exhibition. Felix Kulpa Gallery; Thu-Sun noon-6pm. Through Dec. 27.

Dec. 5

Cabrillo Jazz Singers Vocalists directed by Mark Bidelman perform contemporary and standard arrangements for solo and ensemble. Cabrillo Crocker Theater; $7 general/$6 seniors and students; 7:30pm.

Monterey Symphony Performance features soprano Tracy Dahl and conductor Arthur Post. Sherwood Hall; $20-$39; 3pm and 8pm. Performance repeats Sunday at 8pm at the Sunset Theater; $37-$77.

Dec. 6

Cabrillo Women's Chorus Songs of Winter, a concert of seasonal music for women's voices. Cabrillo Black Box Theater; $7 general/$6 seniors and students/15 and under free; 3pm.

Dec. 8

Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium Reading Series Santa Cruz poet Tillie Shaw will be joined by another poet for the final reading of the year. East Village Coffee Lounge; $5; 7pm.

Dec. 10

Cabrillo Youth Strings/Chamber Ensemble Concert Chamber music in various styles, including classical, jazz and ethnic pieces. Cabrillo Black Box Theater; $7 general/ $6 seniors and students/15 and under free; 3pm.

Cabrillo College Orchestra Mozart's Concertante Mozart's Concertante for oboe, carinet, bassoon and horn soloists with orchestra. Cabrillo Music Recital Hall; $7 general/$6 seniors and students; 7:30pm.

Dec. 11

Cabrillo Chamber/Strings Ensemble An evening of chamber music for large and small ensembles featuring the Cabrillo Strings Sinfonia and Kammermusiki ensembles. Cabrillo Music Recital Hall; $7 general/$6 seniors and students; 7:30pm.

Cabrillo Winter Dance Concert From explosive physicality to subtle minimalism, the dances cover a broad variety of topics, styles and approaches to dance. Cabrillo Crocker Theater; $12 general/$10 students and seniors; Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm; Through Dec. 13.

Dec. 12

Motion Pacific Annual Recital Bringing traditional, street, folk and contemporary dance to the theatre and streets. Actors' Theatre; call 831.425.PLAY for tickets; 10am.

Robynn Smith Solo Exhibition Monterey artist exhibits selections of her work. Museum of Art and History; $5 general/$3 seniors and students/$2 child; Tue-Sun 11am. Through March 7, 2010.

Winter Festival of Bands Traditional music by the Cabrillo Symphonic Winds with a sprinkling of holiday favorites and cheer. Cabrillo Music Recital Hall; $7 general/ $6 seniors and students; 7:30pm.

Cantiamo! Concert for a Winter's Eve The select group performs seasonal music from the full repertoire of a cappella and accompanied works of the past six centuries. Holy Cross Church; $20 general/$18 seniors and students; 8pm.

Dec. 14

Westside Community Folk Song/Gospel Choir Winter Concert Directed by Michael McGushin. Cabrillo Music Recital Hall; donations requested; 8pm.

Actors' Showcase Theatre Arts Department students perform scenes and monologues. Cabrillo Black Box Theater; donations requested; 7pm.

Dec. 17

SCROOGE Cabrillo Stage expands its season to include its first holiday show. Yule won't want to miss this beloved Christmas favorite performed by the Professional Musical Theatre. Cabrillo Crocker Theater; tickets at Cabrillostage.com; 7:30pm evenings, 2pm matinees.

Dec. 18

Cabrillo Latin Music Ensembles Concert Featuring music from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Peru and Argentina. Cabrillo Music Recital Hall; $7 general/$6 seniors and students; 7:30pm.

Gaelic Christmas Concert Performance by Mary McLaughlin. Holy Cross Church; 7:30pm.

The Nutcracker Traditional performance by the Santa Cruz Ballet Theatre. Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium; call for price and times. Through Dec. 20.

Dec. 19

Santa Cruz Chorale Concert Performing choral works of diverse periods, genres and traditions, both unaccompanied and with orchestra. Holy Cross Church; $20 general/$18 seniors and students; Sat 8pm, Sun 4pm. Through Dec. 20.

Rydell Recipients The fellowship was designed to provide local artists with resources to pursue their creative work and is not restricted to specific projects. This year's winners show their work at the Museum of Art and History; $5 general/$3 seniors and students/$2 child; Tue-Sun 11am. Through March 14, 2010.

Jim and Dina Scoppettone Family of home-grown painter and photographer's work on display. Museum of Art and History; $5 general/$3 seniors and students/$2 child; Tue-Sun 11am. Through March 14, 2010.

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