The Art of Autumn
A day-by-day guide to Santa Cruz kultcha this fall
Compiled by Curtis Cartier, Matthew Craggs, Craig Gawlick and Traci Hukill
AUGUST
Aug. 27
Ageless Arts Project of Santa Cruz County Mixed media adorn the halls of Louden Nelson in the closing week of this exhibit. Louden Nelson Community Center; free. Through Aug. 30.
Fourth Annual Fiber Art Exhibition All fibers, not just moral ones, are explored in this eclectic show. Broadway Playhouse; free. Through Sept. 7.
Remembering The Struggle Art chronicling the Watsonville frozen food cannery strike that lasted from 1985 to 1987. Pajaro Valley Gallery; free. Through Sept. 21.
The Wizard of Oz Head over the rainbow to Monterey for this timeless classic. Outdoor Forest Theater; $7-$35; 7:30pm. Through Sept. 28; check times.
Sculptures Within: Garden and Community Over 80 sculptures from 42 artists are displayed throughout the myriad plants, flowers and shrubs. Sierra Azul Nursery & Garden; free. Through Oct. 22.
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 2
(Un)Wearable Artists Kathleen Crocetti, Richard Elliot and Dawn Marie Forsyth display their textile-related artwork. Cabrillo Gallery; free. Through Oct. 3.
Sept. 3
Bill Evans' Soulgrass with special guest Sam Bush You got bluegrass in my straightahead! Two great American sounds that sound great together. Kuumbwa;
$25 adv/$28 door; 7 and 9pm.
Sept. 4
New West Guitar Quartet Four jazz guitarists, the performance standards of a chamber group. Kuumbwa; $10 adv/$13 door; 7pm.
Rondal Partridge A film and discussion by 93-year-old Partridge will precede a birthday party and a viewing of his photography from the early to mid-20th century. Museum of Art & History; $5-$7; 7pm.
Flight Risk The first of two winners from the Full-Length Playwriting competition. Actors' Theatre; Prices TBD; 8pm. Through Sept. 6.
Sept. 5
Rebelution California grown dub all-stars Rebelution bring youth and energy to reggae. Catalyst; $15/$19; 9pm.
An Initial Approach to Knowing Everything Paintings by Blaise Rosenthal featuring Pac-Man and Donkey Kong icons. Felix Kulpa Gallery; Free. Through Sept. 28; check times.
Introvert Extravert Paintings, drawings and hand-painted toys by Kansas City graffiti artist Scribe. Cardboard Spaceship Art & Toy Gallery; free; 5pm.
Different Directions Local photography by Susan Hillyard, Susan Lysik, Gail Nichols and Virginia Scott. Louden Nelson Community Center; free. Through Sept. 30.
Monterey County Artists' Open Studio Tour Exhibit A selection from each artists participating in Monterey's Open Studio tour will be displayed. Pacific Grove Arts Center; Free. Through Oct. 16.
Troilus and Cressida The Trojan war--the one with the wooden horse--is compared to current headlines in this Shakespearean drama. Circle Theatre; $7-$35; 7:30pm. Through Oct. 19; check times.
B-Side Players Funky Latin dance party masters with just a hint of reggae. Moe's Alley; $15; 9:30pm.
Sept. 6
Capitola Art & Wine Festival Over 200 artists, vineyards and performers make this festival a must-see. Capitola Esplanade; Free; 10am. Through Sept. 7.
Sept. 7
Seaside Crafts Kids can celebrate our wonderful planet with a mixture of nature and handmade crafts. Seymour Marine Discovery Center; $4-$6; 1pm. Through Sept. 28; check times.
Sept. 8
Jane Monheit Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist does the classics with a twist. Kuumbwa; $23 adv/$26 door; 7 and 9pm.
Diane Dreher Pieces of knowledge and wisdom from figures throughout the ages populate Your Personal Renaissance: 12 Steps to Finding Your Life's True Calling. Capitola Book Café; free; 7:30pm.
Sept. 9
The Surf Coasters The Godzilla of Japanese surf rock bands wreaking havoc in Santa Cruz. Moe's Alley; $10/$12; 8pm.
Santa Cruz Poetry Celebrated soldier-poet Brian Turner (Here, Bullet) and Santa Cruz wordsmith Maggie Paul are featured in this poetry reading. Bookshop Santa Cruz; $3 donation; 7:30pm.
Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium Reading Series The Front St. Poetry Group read their lyrical lines. East Village Coffee Lounge; $5; 7pm.
Sept. 10
Santa Cruz Follies After 53 years, the Follies are still rocking famous Broadway tunes. Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium; $3-$17; 1pm. Through Sept. 13; check times.
Sept. 11
Caribbean Allstars San Francisco roots reggae featuring unique vocals and soulful melodies. Catalyst; $7/$9; 9pm.
In the Middle of Nowhere The winners of the Full-Length Playwriting competition wrap up Actors' Theatre's annual competition. Actors' Theatre; Prices TBD; 8pm. Through Sept. 13.
Mysty W. Moonfree (a.k.a. The Jewels) This conglomeration of five local authors who wrote the surprising hit The Jewel Box are back with A Killer Festival: A Capitola Mystery. Capitola Book Café; free; 7:30pm.
Donny McCaslin Trio Local boy makes good and returns for Old Home Week, jazz-style. Kuumbwa; $18 adv/$21 door; 7pm.
Sept. 13
Wonderland ParTEA Performances and auctions mark this grand evening of fundraising. West End Studio Theatre; $90; 4pm.
Terry Brooks The Gypsy Morph is the third and final novel in Brooks' fantasy trilogy The Genesis of Shannara. Bookshop Santa Cruz; free; 4pm.
The Tilden Trio Bay Area violin, cello and piano ensemble plays Schubert, Dvorak and Ravel. Cabrillo Theater; $14-$25; 8pm.
Sept. 14
Poet/Speak Elowyn Corby will read her poetry and invite others to join in for this open reading. Central Library; free; 2pm.
The Itals Dreamy stoner reggae, the perfect chill-out night with a solid dub band. Moe's Alley; $17/$20; 9pm.
Sept. 15
James Carter Quintet The lauded young sax man proves himself a talented all-around reed guy. Kuumbwa; $25 adv/$28 door; 7pm.
Sept. 16
Paul Wall Undisputed king of the diamond grill and no slouch on the rap scene. Catalyst; $15/$18; 9pm.
David Harris Sports writer had unprecedented access to 49er great Bill Walsh in researching his book, The Genius: How Bill Walsh Reinvented Football and Created an NFL Dynasty. Capitola Book Café; free; 7:30pm.
Sept. 18
Michael Franti & Spearhead Reggae consortium led by one of the genre's premier vocalists. Catalyst; $29/$34; 8pm.
Mark Richardson Author faithfully retraces the steps of Robert Pirsig's 1968 modern classic, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, in his own work, Zen and Now: On the Trail of Robert Pirsig and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Capitola Book Café; free; 7:30pm.
Sept. 19
Monterey Jazz Festival The lineup for the nation's longest-running jazz festival is a who's who of the form: Nancy Wilson, Herbie Hancock, Joshua Redman, Maceo Parker, Christian McBride, Terence Blanchard, Ledisi and many more. Monterey Fairgrounds; $35-$45 grounds passes; Sept. 19-21.
Michaelangelo Fashion Show Santa Cruz's only fashion show returns for another year of startling designs sandwiched between a trunk sale. VIP tickets include champagne and dessert reception. Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium; $12-$15; 5:30pm.
Sept. 20
It's Magic Put a little razzle-dazzle in your life with this esteemed magic performance. Sunset Center; $25-$35; 2 and 8pm.
Esperanza Del Valle Mexican folklorica dance celebrating the culture and history of Mexico. Cabrillo College; $10-$15; 8pm.
Jack Zajac Life and death permeate the sculptures and paintings from this Southern California artist. Museum of Art & History; $2-$5. Through Nov. 16.
Down to Earth Tasha High will be featured in this exhibition of Santa Cruz studio ceramics. Museum of Art & History; $2-$5. Through Nov. 16.
Paul Wonner Juxtaposing interior and exterior, active and still life, Wonner mixes color and texture in his works. Museum of Art & History; $2-$5. Through Nov. 23.
Wailing Souls One of reggae's premier acts back together for reunion tour. Moe's Alley; $20/$25; 9:30pm.
Tiger Army The most trusted name in psychobilly and an all-around great rock band. Catalyst; $16/$18; 9pm.
Sept. 21
Anthony B Blistering reggae ska with hip-hop soul from the heart of Kingston Town. Moe's Alley; $27/$30; 9pm.
Improvathon An annual favorite, this 12-hour fundraiser features local and traveling improv troupes. Actors' Theatre; Price TBD; 10am.
Benjamin Mee We Bought a Zoo finds humorist Mee moving his family to France to save a dilapidated zoo. Bookshop Santa Cruz; free; 6pm.
Watsonville Taiko The popular drummers will perform at the Kidrageous Carnival. Watsonville City Plaza; free; 12:30pm.
Sept. 22
Atmosphere Who would have known a Minnesota white boy could spit rhymes like this? Catalyst; $22/$25; 8pm.
Sept. 23
Michael Brune A timely visit to Santa Cruz during this election cycle, Brune discusses his book, Coming Clean: Breaking America's Addiction to Oil and Coal. Bookshop Santa Cruz; free; 7:30pm.
Cheryl Jarvis The story of 13 women who pool their resources to buy an extravagant diamond necklace in The Necklace: Thirteen Women and the Experiment That Transformed Their Lives. Capitola Book Café; 7:30pm.
Sept. 24
Glenn Kurtz Memoir of classically trained guitarist Kurtz, Practicing: A Musician's Return to Music. Capitola Book Café; free; 7:30pm.
Sept. 25
Robert Scheer Forty year news veteran writes of current troubling trends in The Pornography of Power: How Defense Hawks Hijacked 9/11 and Weakened America. Capitola Book Café; free; 7:30pm.
Jaiku Theater mixes with Japanese taiko drums for a reverberating performance. Actors' Theatre; Prices TBD; 8pm. Through Sept. 27; check times.
Chiwoniso R&B hits Afro world with the Zimbabwean guitarist and mbira player. Kuumbwa; $20/$23; 7pm.
Sept. 26
Michael Burks Pure red hot blues from a true guitar master, bring a fire extinguisher and good dance shoes. Moe's Alley; $15/$20; 9:30pm.
Sept. 27
Vinyl Bay Area jam band thick with old school funk and Latin influences. Moe's Alley; $12/$15; 9:30pm.
Santa Cruz County Symphony The 51st season opens with Bernstein's West Side Story Symphonic Dances and selections by Rachmaninov and Stravinsky. Civic Auditorium; $20-$65. 8pm; repeats 2pm Sunday in Watsonville.
Sept. 28
John Brown's Body Full realized reggae orchestral sounds with polished vocals and heavy drums. Moe's Alley; $12/$15; 9pm.
Sept. 29
Hiromi's Sonicbloom Jazz pianist Hiromi Uehara lets it all hang out with an ensemble featuring Tony Grey, Martino Valihora and David Fiuczynski. Kuumbwa; $22 adv/$25 door; 7pm.
Sept. 30
Army and the 7th Street Band Island reggae in all its glory with a hefty dose of political protest. Moe's Alley; $12/$15; 9pm.
Mike Farrell Best known as an actor from M*A*S*H and Providence, Farrell talks of his activism and acting in Just Call Me Mike: A Journey to Actor and Activist. Capitola Book Café; free; 7:30pm.
OCTOBER
Oct. 1
Vagabond Opera Full-blown Eastern European cabaret theatre featuring a full cast of gypsy performers. Moe's Alley; $10/$12; 9pm.
Mask Not just for the ghosts and goblins of Halloween, this art exhibition will feature masks through a variety of mediums. Louden Nelson Community Center; free. Through Nov. 14.
Oct. 2
3 Leg Torso Violin, cello and accordion trio fuses tango, klezmer and ltin music into a culture shocking world experience. Kuumbwa; $12/$15; 7pm.
Favianna Rodriguez War, immigration and social movement are highlighted in Rodriguez's posters. CSUMB Visual & Public Art Department; free; 6pm.
Oct. 3
Bebe Neuwirth Best known for her portrayal of Lilith on Cheers and Frasier, Neuwirth is also a Broadway singer and dancer as displayed in this intimate performance. Sunset Center; $45-$55; 8pm.
The Comedy of Errors A zany comedy of mistaken identities is also your last chance for Shakespeare this year. Outdoor Forest Theatre; $7-$35; 7:30pm. Through Oct. 19; check times.
The Laramie Project Pisces Moon puts on one of the most powerful shows of our century, with this painful and inspiring story of Matthew Shepard. Actors' Theatre; Prices TBD; 8pm. Through Oct. 19; check times.
Felix Does 17th Avenue A hand-selected collection of works from the 17th Avenue Studios. Felix Kulpa Gallery; free. Through Nov. 9.
The Residents present Bunny Boy Part experimental jazz and rock collective, part anonymous film and stage project, all one of a kind avant-garde experience. Rio Theatre; $25: 8pm.
Justin Townes Earle Nashville blues singer is older than his 25 years and has authentic character in his bluegrass fusion. Crepe Place; $10/$12; 9pm.
Oct. 4
Open Studios Art Tour Organized by the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County, artists south of Seventh Avenue will open their studios and display their works. Various; $20 for guide (good for next two weekends), available at 50 locations throughout Santa Cruz; 11am. Through Oct. 5.
Stars Canadian indie ensemble with dreamy rock crescendos and moonlighting band members from Broken Social Scene. Rio Theatre; $15; 8pm.
Pillars and Tongues Dark and stringy shoegaze movements with the usual epic proportions. Crepe Place; $8; 9pm.
Plaid Nature Music Los Angeles funk rock featuring slap-happy bass lines and classic rock vocals. Catalyst; $6/$9; 9pm.
The Romeros Guitar Quartet The Carmel Music Society presents four guys with guitars. Sunset Center; $20-$65. 8pm.
Shanghai Quartet UCSC Arts and Lectures 2008-09 season kicks off with a performance by the talented group. Civic Auditorium; $20-$35; 7:30pm.
Michael Gesinger Photography West's 28th Anniversary Celebration features hand-colored nudes and figure studies by Gesinger. Photography West Gallery; free; 4pm. Ongoing; check times.
Oct. 5
Wendy Chapkis and Robert Webb Authors discuss their book on the controversial topic of medicinal marijuana, Dying to Get High: Marijuana as Medicine. Bookshop Santa Cruz; free; 7:30pm.
Oct. 6
Jon Jang/James Newton Duo Piano and flute plied around Chinese, African and American jazz melodies. Kuumbwa; $20 adv/$23 door; 7pm.
Danny Goldberg Prolific music industry executive and manager spills inside secrets in Bumping Into Geniuses: My Life Inside the Rock and Roll Business. Capitola Book Café; free; 7:30pm.
Oct. 7
Robert Martensen Author tackles the intersection of medicine and technology in A Life Worth Living: A Doctor's Reflections on Illness in a High-Tech Era. Bookshop Santa Cruz; free; 7:30pm.
Fuse/fureru Artists from Japan will be featured as part of a two-year exchange program with UCSC. Museum of Art & History; $2-$5. Through Oct. 22.
Oct. 9
Acoustic Alchemy Guitarists Greg Carmichael and Miles Gilderdale make unplugged magic. Kuumbwa; $25 adv/$28 door; 7 and 9pm.
Oct. 10
Sean Hayes Dusty bluegrass with a folky Southern tinge and a storyteller's delivery. Crepe Place; $12/$15; 7:30pm.
Oct. 11
Open Studios Art Tour A regular favorite. 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. 12.
Watsonville Taiko Watsonville Taiko celebrates their 17th Anniversary with two spectacular performances. Cabrillo College; $12-$15; 7:30pm. Through Oct. 12; check times.
Tom McDermott Renowned pianist ventures up from the Big Easy for an evening of jazz and ragtime. Part of the Cabrillo Distinguished Artists Series. Cabrillo Theater; $12-$20; 8pm.
Oct. 12
Poet/Speak Janet M. McEwan will read her poetry followed by an open reading. Central Library; free; 2pm.
Oct. 13
Gordon Hammer: The Voyage Home A presentation of multimedia art by Cabrillo photography instructor Gordon Hammer. Cabrillo Gallery; free. Through Nov. 7.
Art Spiegelman Best known for the groundbreaking graphic novel Maus, Spiegelman returns with a memoir, Breakdowns. Bookshop Santa Cruz; free; 7:30pm.
Babatunde Lea Quartet Bay Area master percussionist Babatunde Lea dishes out rhythms of Africa and the Caribbean, with Ernie Watts, Patrice Rushen and Gary Brown assisting. Kuumbwa; $22 adv/$25 door; 7pm.
Oct. 14
The Subdudes Well trained funky gospel harmony with a strong helping of Creole spice. Moe's Alley; $25/$30; 8pm.
Santa Cruz Poetry Laurel Blossom and April Ossmann will read selected works. Bookshop Santa Cruz; $3 donation; 7:30pm.
Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium Reading Series Poets Len Anderson and George Lober recite their stupendous stanzas. East Village Coffee Lounge; $5; 7pm.
Oct. 15
Antonia Juhasz An in-depth investigation of a booming industry during these hard times in Juhasz's The Tyranny of Oil. Bookshop Santa Cruz; free; 7:30pm.
Oct. 16
Sleeping Beauty The California Theater Center presents this classic fairy tale for children of all ages. Henry J. Mello Center; $7-$10; 9:30 and 11:30am.
Eric Vloeimans Trio 'Fugimundi' You wouldn't believe what a jazz-inspired Dutchman can do with a trumpet. Kuumbwa; $18 adv/$21 door (free for Kuumbwa members); 7pm.
Light and Shadow: Modern Photography at the Museum Photos from the museum's archive will be on display, focusing on local, female and international photographers. Monterey Museum of Art; $2.50-$5. Through March 21; check times.
Oct. 17
Sarah Jane Fiery hair and fiery lyrics, the local punk/folk diva is celebrating the release of a brand new disc. Catalyst; free; 9pm.
Guarneri String Quartet The revered foursome performs Beethoven on its farewell tour. Sunset Center; 8pm. Call for prices.
Oct. 18
Open Studios Art Tour The encore weekend will feature artists from throughout Santa Cruz County and beyond. Various; $20 for guide; 11am. Through Oct. 19.
Norma Jean This Christian mathcore band doesn't just pray to God--they scream loud enough for him to hear. Catalyst; $18/$20; 7:30pm.
MC Chris Hilariously creative--if the nerd your beat up in junior high could rap, he would sound like this guy. Catalyst; $12/$14; 8:30pm.
Santa Cruz Youth Band Revue High school rockers get their chance in front of screaming fans. Beach Boardwalk; free; 7pm
Oct. 20
Javon Jackson Band with special guest Les McCann Javon Jackson helps re-create the historic meeting between sax player Eddie Harris and pianist Les McCann. Kuumbwa; $25 adv/$28 door; 7pm.
Barbara Quick UCSC graduate returns to the area with her newest work, Tuna: A Love Story. Rio Theatre; call for price; 7:30pm.
Oct. 21
David Heatley Humorist and graphic artist delves into his own personal story and sexual history with a graphic memoir, My Brain Is Hanging Upside Down. Bookshop Santa Cruz; free; 7:30pm.
Oct. 23
Jacqui Naylor San Francisco jazz vocalist with an intimate and refined voice that oozes class. Kuumbwa; $18/$21; 7pm.
Hillstomp Sometimes dark indie-tinged hillbilly bluegrass with extra stomp. Moe's Alley; $9/$12; 9pm.
Oct. 24
Pion 2 Zion Classic stoner reggae loads the lyrical bong with sticky hip-hop-laced dub nuggets. Catalyst; 21+; free; 9pm.
My American Dream A multimedia theater approach to the coming-of-age story of an American girl by artist in residence Hillary Ana Flecha. The 418; Prices TBD; 8pm. Through Nov. 2; check times.
The Patrons' Show Annual Fundraiser Donated artwork from local artists will be raffled off on Dec. 6 as part of this annual fundraiser. Pacific Grove Arts Center; Raffle tickets, $50-$60; free exhibition. Through Dec. 11.
Oct. 24/25
The Skatalites Jamaican ska pioneers, the dub all stars are the top brass in their homeland. Moe's Alley; $25; 9pm.
Oct. 25
Jewel Theatre Staged Reading Randy Scott Goldberg's original musical in a staged reading followed by a talk-back with the author. Broadway Playhouse; 8pm; Prices TBD. Through Oct. 26.
Oct. 26
Jungle Jack Hanna A mixture of live animals and famous footage, Hanna presents the wild side of entertainment. Sunset Center; $25-$35; 1 and 4pm.
David Sedaris Humorist, satirist and bestselling author, Sedaris reads from his new book When You Are Engulfed in Flames. Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium; $25-$36; 7:30pm.
Cabrillo Strings/Suzuki Orchestra Concert Performers between 6 and 17 years of age show off their prodigious talents. Cabrillo Erica Schilling Forum; $7 gen/$6 students; 3pm.
Oct. 27
Phoebe Snow The versatile singer behind the haunting "Poetry Man" returns to the stage and rave reviews after a 14-year hiatus. Rio Theatre, $28 adv/$31 door; 8pm.
Oct. 28
Paul Taylor Dance Company The award-winning dance company presents cutting-edge work. CSUMB World Theater; prices TBD; 7:30pm.
Oct. 30
Senses Fail Garden State hardcore sweethearts Senses Fail make the kids scream, the girls swoon and everyone else fling fists in the mosh pit. Catalyst; $14/$17; 7:30pm.
Mount Eerie Lo-fi pioneer Phil Elverum mixes minimalist indie pop with earthy folk standards. Crepe Place; $8; 9pm.
Steve Czarnecki's Soul Jazz Quintet Local organist Czarneck rocks the house with his homies. Kuumbwa; $10 adv/$13 door; 7pm.
Tim Hague Sponsored by Capitola Book Café, Hague will discuss his book, Tomorrow You Go Home: One Man's Harrowing Imprisonment in a Modern-Day Russian Gulag. Rio Theatre; call for price; 7:30pm.
Oct. 31
Killer Joe What better way to start Halloween than with the tale of a cokehead who plots to off his mom for the insurance money in this play by award-winning playwright Tracy Letts. UCSC Experimental Theater; $10-$12; 7pm. Through Nov. 9; check times.
NOVEMBER
Nov. 1
The Best of MOMIX Surrealism is the name of the game when dancers creates living sculptures. Sunset Center; $45-$55; 8pm.
Mia Kirshner Actress from TV's The L Word, Kirshner compiled stories from refugee women from places like Chechnya and Africa. Bookshop Santa Cruz; free; 7:30pm.
Santa Cruz County Symphony Klein Competition winner Jing Wang joins the orchestra for a romp through Handel-Harty, Brahms and Beethoven's Symphony no. 1. Civic Auditorium; $20-65; 8pm.
Nov. 2
Picasso Ensemble Faculty recital with Cabrillo instructors Susan Brown, Victoria Ehlrich, Josephine Gandolfi and Wendy Hillhouse showcases music for piano, voice and strings. Sesnon House; $12 gen/$7 students; 3pm.
Nov. 6
Stewart O'Nan Songs for the Missing is a portrait of one family in the aftermath of a daughter's disappearance. Bookshop Santa Cruz; free; 7:30pm.
Nov. 7
Basquette Quese After premiering at WEST Performing Arts in 2007, the show returns with a magical journey filled with comedy and clowning for all ages. WEST End Studio Theatre; $16. Through Nov. 15; check times.
Dough Knees Jerry Garcia may be dead, but don't tell that to Santa Cruz's premier Grateful Dead cover band. Catalyst; free; 9pm.
Curtain Call The Hyperion Project's 2007 playwriting competition winner is a dramedy about life, happiness and comas. Circle Theatre; $7-$35; 7:30pm. Through Nov. 16; check times.
Haunted: A Love Story Guilt, torment, rage and forgiveness--would you have love any other way? UCSC Second Stage Theater; $10-$12; 7pm. Through Nov. 16; check times.
Seussical One fish, two fish, Dr. Seuss' tales are given the Broadway treatment. Cabrillo College; $12-$15; 8pm. Through Nov. 23; check times.
Fiddler on the Roof Sunrise, sunset ... Kids on Broadway present their fall production. Louden Nelson Community Center; $10-$20; 7pm. Through Nov. 23; check times.
Nov. 9
Poet/Speak An open reading followed by poet David Sahner. Central Library; free; 2pm.
Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium Reading Series Charles Atkinson and Elliot Ruchowitz-Roberts are featured in this month's series. East Village Coffee Lounge; $5; 7pm.
Katherine Neville Author discusses her latest thriller, The Fire, a quest for a mystical chess service that once belonged to Charlemagne. Bookshop Santa Cruz; free; 7:30pm.
Nov. 10
Cyro Baptista Brazilian percussionist and composer performs works from his new album Banquet of the Spirits. Kuumbwa; call for price; 7pm.
Paperback Dreams Sneak preview of a PBS special about two legendary Bay Area independent bookstores (Kepler's and Cody's) and their struggle for survival in the Amazon age. Bookshop Santa Cruz; Call for price and time..
Nov. 14
Hands Left Behind Mir & A Company present a dance production exploring the true story of a news correspondent who quits his job to live in the desert. The 418; $15-$25; 8pm. Through Nov. 23; check times.
The Unbreakables: A Juried Ceramic and Glass Exhibition Glass ceramics from around California are chosen by juror Ann Morhauser for exhibition. Cabrillo Gallery; free. Through Dec. 12.
American Chamber Players Youthful string quintet imbues Mozart, Shoenfield and Fauré with fresh energy. Sunset Center; 8pm; call for prices.
Collie Budz Bermudan reggae toaster with strong hip-hop roots and solid résumé, famous for song "Come Around." Catalyst; $20/$24; 9pm.
Nov. 15
Ozomatli Massive nine-piece world collective meshing Latin, salsa, hip-hop, rock and reggae. Catalyst; $24-28; 9pm.
Eva Bernstein and Robynn Smith The printmaking duo from Monterey Peninsula College come to Santa Cruz. Felix Kulpa Gallery; free. Through Dec. 28.
Autumn Landscapes Cibachrome prints create an inner luminosity within Christopher Burkett's landscapes. Photography West Gallery; free; 4pm. Ongoing; check times.
Nov. 16
Gary Nabhan. Food is the topic of discussion in Renewing America's Food Traditions: Saving and Savoring the Continent's Most Endangered Foods. Capitola Book Café; free; 7:30pm.
Nov. 17
Kenny Werner Trio with Toots Thielemans The jazz pianist performs with special harmonica-wielding, tune-whistling guest. Kuumbwa; call for price; 7 and 9pm.
Nov. 18
Maude Meehan Memorial Poetry Reading Lucille Clifton is featured in this first annual reading presented by Santa Cruz Poetry and UCSC Living Writers Series. UCSC Humanities Lecture Hall; free; 7:30pm.
Nov. 20
Brett Cook-Dizney Community inspired art with a touch of graffiti speaks to the residents of Cook-Dizney's displays. CSUMB Visual & Public Art Department; free; 6pm.
Nov. 21
The Wind in the Willows Shakespeare Santa Cruz's original holiday show returns after 10 years. UCSC Main Stage; $22-$39; 7pm. Through Dec. 14; check times.
Nov. 22
Sourgrass Funky Santa Cruz rock is features big vocals and rump shaking guitars and boogie down bass. Crepe Place; $10; 8pm.
Takacs String Quartet The world-famous quartet is sometimes referred to as the greatest in the world. Sunset Center; $20-$57; 8pm.
Nov. 24
Ray Brown's Great Big Band All-star big band from San Francisco performs original jazz by Ray Brown. Cabrillo Theater; $20 gen/$15 students; 7:30pm.
Nov. 30
Irving Berlin's I Love Piano The career of the great Irving Berlin is highlighted in this musical story accompanied by a 1910 upright piano. Sunset Center; $45-$55; 7pm.
DECEMBER
Dec. 2
The Elves and the Shoemaker The California Theater Center kicks off the holiday season with elves and lots of shoes with jingly bells. Henry J. Mello Center; $7-$10; 9:30 and 11:30am.
Dec. 4
Lewis Watts African American cultural landscapes and architectural landscapes blend in Watts' examination of the manipulation of space. CSUMB Visual & Public Art Department; free; 6pm.
Dec. 5
Wally Lamb The Columbine shootings set the backdrop for the story of an emotionally isolated man searching for a connection in Lamb's novel, The Hour I First Believed. Bookshop Santa Cruz; free; 7:30pm.
UCSC Open Studios UCSC presents student works over a wide array of mediums. Elena Baskin Visual Arts Center; free; noon.
Cabrillo Winter Dance Concert Choreography by faculty, professionals and students are featured in this yearly performance. Cabrillo College; $8-$12; 8pm. Through Dec. 6.
Music for the Feast of Christmas Renowned Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus and orchestra performs its annual holiday concert. Holy Cross Church; $22 gen/
$18 students; 8pm Fri-Sat, 4pm Sun.
Dec. 7
Songs of Winter The Cabrillo Women's Chorus performs music for the holiday season. Cabrillo Theater; $7 gen/$6 students; 3pm.
Dec. 8
Terry Tempest Williams Noted author and naturalist comes to talk about her most recent work, Finding Beauty in a Broken World. Capitola Book Café, free; 7:30pm.
Theatre Arts Improv Follies Who knows what will happen--that's the point of improv. Actors' Theatre; $3; 7pm. Through Dec. 10; check times.
Dec. 9
Santa Cruz Poetry December's featured poets are Robert Minhinnick and Joseph Stroud. Capitola Book Cafe; $3 donation; 7:30pm.
Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium Reading Series The final reading of the year will feature Dan Linehan and Barbara Mossberg. East Village Coffee House; $5; 7pm.
Dec. 13
Mary Alice Copp Portraits of students from the Newark Museum's Science Explorers' Program. Museum of Art & History; $2-$5. Through Jan. 11.
Jerry Ross Barrish: Take Two Sculptures made from recovered and reimagined plastics are highlighted from this graduate of the San Francisco Art Institute. Museum of Art & History; $2-$5. Through April 5.
Dec. 15
Starting Here, Starting Now New love and modern romances are explored in this Jewel Theatre musical. Broadway Playhouse; Prices TBD. Through Dec. 20; check times.
Charlie Hunter Trio Smokin' jazz guitar with backup. Kuumbwa; call for price; 7 and 9pm.
Dec. 19
The Velveteen Rabbit Presented by ODC Dance, it's the perfect family show for fans of big, cuddly bunnies. CSUMB World Theater; call for price; 7:30pm. Through Dec. 20; check times.
The Nutcracker A holiday classic, this ballet is loved by all ages. Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium; call for price and times. Through Dec. 21.
Site Seen
The premier arts and music venues on the Monterey Bay
The 418
418 Front St., Santa Cruz
831.466.9770
www.the418.org
Actors' Theatre
1001 Center St., Santa Cruz
831.425.1003
www.sccat.org
Bookshop Santa Cruz
1520 Pacific St., Santa Cruz
831.423.0900
www.bookshopsantacruz.com
Broadway Playhouse
526 Broadway St., Santa Cruz
831.425.WEST
westperformingarts.com
Cabrillo College
6500 Soquel Dr. Aptos
831.479.6331
www.cabrillo.edu
Cabrillo Gallery
6500 Soquel Dr. Room 1002, Aptos
831.479.6308
www.cabrillo.edu/services/artgallery/
Capitola Art & Wine Festival
Capitola Esplanade
831.475.6522
www.capitolachamber.com/artwine
Capitola Book Cafe
1475 41st Ave. #Gm Capitola
831.462.4415
www.capitolabookcafe.com
Cardboard Spaceship Art & Toy Gallery
803 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz
831.227.9270
www.cardboardspaceshiptoys.com
Catalyst
1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz
831.423.1338
www.catalystclub.com
Circle Theatre
Casanova between Eighth and Ninth, Carmel
831.622.0100
www.pacrep.org
Central Library
224 Church St., Santa Cruz
831.420.5700
www.santacruzpl.org
The Crepe Place
1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz
831.429.6994
www.thecrepeplace.com
CSUMB World Theater
CSU Monterey Bay100 Campus Center, Bldg. 28, Seaside
831.582.4580
http://worldtheater.csumb.edu
East Village Coffee Lounge
498 Washington St., Monterey
831.373.5601
www.eastvillagecoffeelounge.com
Elena Baskin Visual Arts
1156 High St. E-104, Santa Cruz
831.459.2272
http://art.ucsc.edu
Felix Kulpa Gallery and Sculpture Garden
107 Elm St., Santa Cruz
408.373.2854
www.felixkulpa.com
Henry J. Mello Center for the Performing Arts
250 E. Beach St. at Lincoln, Watsonville
831.763.4047
www.mellocenter.com
Holy Cross Church
126 High St., Santa Cruz
Kuumbwa Jazz Center
320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz
831.427.2227
www.kuumbwajazz.org
Louden Nelson Community Center
301 Center St., Santa Cruz
831.420.6177
www.ci.santa-cruz.ca.us/pr/nelson/
Moe's Alley
1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz
831.479.1854
www.moesalley.com
Monterey Museum of Art
559 Pacific St., Monterey
831.372.5477
www.montereyart.org
Museum of Art & History
McPherson Center
705 Front St., Santa Cruz
831.429.1964
www.santacruzmah.org
Outdoor Forest Theatre
Santa Rita and Mountain View streets, Carmel
831.622.0100
www.pacrep.org
Pacific Grove Arts Center
568 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove
831.375.2208
www.pgartcenter.org
Pajaro Valley Gallery
37 Sudden St., Watsonville
831.722.3062
www.pvarts.org
Photography West Gallery
Dolores and Ocean streets, Carmel
831.625.1587
www.photographywest.com
Rio Theatre
1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz
831.429.1812
www.riotheatre.com
Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
307 Church St., Santa Cruz
831.420.5260
www.santacruztickets.com
Santa Cruz Mountains Arts Center
9341 Mill St., Ben Lomond
831.336.3513
www.mountainartcenter.org
Sesnon House
Cabrillo College
6500 Sqouel Dr., Aptos
831.479.6100
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
End of Delaware Ave., Santa Cruz
831.459.3800
www2.ucsc.edu/seymourcenter
Sierra Azul Nursery and Garden
2660 E. Lake Ave., Wastsonville
831.763.0939
www.sierraazul.com
Sunset Center
San Carlos Street and Ninth Avenue, Carmel
831.620.2040
www.sunsetcenter.org
Watsonville City Plaza
Main and Peck, Watsonville
West End Studio Theatre
402 Ingalls St. Suite 3, Santa Cruz
831.425.WEST
http://westperformingarts.com
UCSC Performing Arts Center
(including Main Stage, Second Stage, Recital Hall
and Humanities Lecture Hall)
1156 High St., Santa Cruz
831.459.2159
www.santacruztickets.com
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