A weekly guide to what’s happening
Art Seen
“Trailblazers: Uncovering the Roots of Mountain Biking in Santa Cruz County”
From the wild experimentation of the 1970s “klunkers” to eBikes, the MAH’s newest exhibition explores the roots and evolution of mountain biking in Santa Cruz County. Thanks to a collection of early designs from the Marin Museum of Mountain Biking (home to the Mountain Biking Hall of Fame) visitors can get up close to one-of-a-kind bikes and learn about the development of the sport. Amongst the 25 bikes on display, the exhibition also features handmade frames from the 1970s and 80s. The show opens and is free to the public on First Friday. Photo: Spencer Harding.
INFO: Exhibit runs through Sept. 20. Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St., Santa Cruz. santacruzmah.org. Free/$10.
Wednesday 2/5
“How warming waters and red tides affect our oceans and us”
Many of us have gone to the beach or seen the ocean when it’s that gross, red color. Red tides are caused by an overproduction of certain types of algae, some of which can produce a toxin called domoic acid. But is domoic acid dangerous? Join experts from The Marine Mammal Center, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, NOAA’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and UCSC in discussing how the toxin is produced and how it impacts our food webs. Experts will also discuss the implications of rising ocean temperatures on the production and persistence of this toxin. This is the first event of an Earth Day 50 Speaker Series hosted by Save Our Shores.
INFO: 6pm. The Dream Inn, 175 W Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. Free.
Saturday 2/8
Green Fix
33rd Annual Migration Festival
Pack a picnic and migrate on over to Natural Bridges State Beach for a full day of activities to celebrate the migration of whales, butterflies, birds and other travelling species. The park will host migratory animal talks, active kids games, crafts, skits, live music, educational booths and displays, plus a celebratory habitat cake served at the end of the event. Picnic lunches are available for purchase for those who don’t bring their own.
INFO: 11am Saturday, Feb. 8. Natural Bridges State Beach, 2531 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. 423-4609, thatsmypark.org. Free/$10 parking.
Sunday 2/9
Celebrate Piano Ensemble Benefit Concert
Celebrate Piano Ensemble presents its annual concert with a concert of piano duos (two pianos, four hands) and duets (one piano, four hands). This marks 18 years of their popular concerts and fundraising for scholarships for young music students in Santa Cruz County. There will be music by Mozart, Schumann, Poulenc and more. This concert benefits the Talent Bank Scholarship Fund and the Josephine Alvarado Memorial Bach Scholarship Fund.
INFO: 2pm. UCSC Recital Hall, 402 McHenry Road, Santa Cruz. Donation. For more information, call 334-1215.
Sunday 2/9
Sunny Cove Beach Clean Up
Remember those New Year’s Resolutions? More gym, less fries, more family time, less work? How is that going, by the way? Resolution or not, it’s never too late to clear up our ocean backyard. Join Save Our Shores in keeping our beaches healthy and litter-free. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers should dress in layers, wear sun protection, wear closed-toe shoes and bring a filled reusable water bottle. Restrooms and drinking fountains are available onsite. Parking is limited, so plan accordingly. No RSVPs are necessary, but print and complete an online waiver beforehand to save time. Go to saveourshores.org/waiver. Meet at the end of Johan’s Beach Drive at the main entrance to the beach.
INFO: 9-11am. Sunny Cove Beach, 101 Sunny Cove Drive, Santa Cruz. al*******@sa***********.org. Free.
