A weekly guide to what’s happening.
ARTS AND MUSIC
DELVON LAMARR ORGAN TRIO WITH ANDRE CRUZ & THE BLACK DIAMOND RHYTHM BAND The best way to describe this musical cornucopia: 1960s jazz organ a la Jimmy Smith, soul strut reminiscent of Booker T. & The M.G.’s and sprinkles of the otherworldliness emitting from Hendrix’s guitar. Andre Cruz & the Black Diamond Rhythm Band deliver “fuzz heavy, groove-infused California soul.” $20/$25. Wednesday, Feb. 9, 8:30pm. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test (within 72 hours of the show) required. moesalley.com.
THE WEIR The arrival of a mysterious woman from Dublin disrupts the routine of a tiny pub in rural Ireland. The local barflies vie to impress her with tales of the supernatural but what starts as stories of ghosts and fairies leads to revelations about love and family. ‘The Weir’ scored playwright Conor McPherson the Laurence Olivier Award for ‘Best New Play.’ $45-50. Thursday, Feb. 10, 7:30pm. Friday, Feb. 11 and Saturday, Feb. 12, 8pm. Sunday, Feb. 13, 2pm. The Colligan Theater, 1010 River St., Santa Cruz. jeweltheatre.net.
BUILT TO SPILL Frontman Doug Martsch returns to Santa Cruz with a new backing band and a forthcoming record on the horizon—already being dubbed one of the most anticipated records of 2022. Attendees can look forward to an array of fan faves from the group’s classic albums, including Perfect From Now On. $33.60. Thursday, Feb. 10, 8pm. Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test (within 72 hours of the show) required. folkyeah.com.
LET YOUR IMAGINATION FLY: RED LETTER DAYS HANDS-ON ART EVENT Using the medium of collage, participants will create an original book cover design using authentic images from the McCarthy Era. Presenters Jo-Neal Graves and Sharon Ferguson are local artists and art educators; they will provide all needed materials, background information, collage techniques and encouragement. The number of participants is limited. Free. Registration and proof of vaccination required. Saturday, Feb. 12, 1pm. Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Road, Aptos. santacruzpl.libcal.com.
NICK DANGER AND THE LAVA LOUNGE Formerly The Dwellers, Nocturnal and Teaser, the five-piece Watsonville outfit’s musical style has evolved into a unique brand of Americana inspired by everyone from John Prine to Warren Zevon. Enjoy a mix of storytelling, sea shanties and early originals. Free with reservations. Saturday, Feb. 12, 2pm. El Vaquero Winery, 2901 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville. elvaquerowinery.com.
SANTA CRUZ SYMPHONY: BEETHOVEN & THE HILL WE CLIMB Destiny Muhammad (composer/singer/harpist), Leon Joyce, Jr. (drums), Noriyuki ‘Ken’ Okada (bass), Matt Wong (piano) and the Esperanza del Valle Baile Folclórico dancers will join the orchestra for an evening featuring the music of Beethoven. $31.50-102.50. Saturday, Feb. 12, 7:30pm. Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St., Santa Cruz. cityofsantacruz.com
HAND HABITS W/ GREGORY UHLMANN Hand Habits, aka singer-songwriter Meg Duffy, recently dropped the most ambitious record of her career, Fun House (engineered by King Tuff’s Kyle Thomas). The opus is a personal diary of grief, trauma and recovery. Chicago musician Gregory Uhlmann has collaborated with Tasha, Miya Folick, Nate Mercereau and Olivia Kaplan. $18/$22. Tuesday, Feb. 15, 8pm. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test (within 72 hours of the show) required. moesalley.com.
ZACHARY WILLIAMS (OF THE LONE BELLOW) The Lone Bellow frontman revealed that a bulk of the tunes on his new solo record, Dirty Camaro, came during late-night writing sessions in his East Nashville home. There’s also a 13-year-old ballad he wrote about his daughter growing up. $20/$24. Tuesday, Feb. 15, 8pm. Felton Music Hall, 6275 Hwy 9, Felton. Proof of vaccination or negative Covid test required. feltonmusichall.com.
COMMUNITY
VIRTUAL MOVIE NIGHT: ‘CAREGIVER: A LOVE STORY’ Caregiver: A Love Story documents the tale of one man struggling to care for his dying wife. The film highlights an essential yet largely unseen workforce—the family caregivers of America—and challenges viewers to acknowledge the growing strain placed on them. Registration required. Wednesday, Feb. 9, 6-7pm. scottsvalleychamber.com/events/virtual-movie-night-caregiver-a-love-story.
COMMUNITY PILATES MAT CLASS Build strength at the popular in-person community Pilates Mat Class. Bring a mat, a small Pilates ball and TheraBand (if you have one). Must be vaccinated. $10/Suggested donation. Thursday, Feb. 10 and Tuesday, Feb. 15, 10am. Temple Beth El, 3055 Porter Gulch Road, Aptos.
WEST CLIFF VALENTINE’S OUTDOOR MARKET Enjoy the Valentine’s Day iteration of the outdoor market, featuring unique artisans, food trucks and a beautiful ocean view. The one-of-a-kind market is held in two parking lots along West Cliff Drive, overlooking Steamer Lane. Free. Saturday, Feb. 12, 10am-5pm. Lighthouse Point Park, West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz.
VALENTINE’S DAY ONLINE WINE AND CHOCOLATE TASTING Taste six wine and chocolate pairings for up to two people while participating in a live zoom presentation featuring winemakers and chocolatiers. If you don’t have a kit, you must pick one up at the winery. Visit the online store to order. Saturday, Feb. 12, 5pm. El Vaquero Winery, 2901 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville. elvaquerowinery.com.
DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ ANTIQUE FAIRE For an eclectic blend of antiques and unique items, vintage clothing, collectibles, LPs, furniture, home dècor and memorabilia, check out the Santa Cruz Antique Faire (8am-5pm, the second Sunday of every month). Sunday, Feb. 13, 9am-5pm. Downtown Santa Cruz, Lincoln St. between Pacific & Cedar, Santa Cruz.
GROUPS
ENTRE NOSOTRAS GRUPO DE APOYO Spanish-speaking women diagnosed with cancer meet twice monthly. Free. Registration required. Friday, Feb. 11, 6pm. WomenCARE, 2901 Park Ave., Ste. A1, Soquel. 831-457-2273. womencaresantacruz.org.
WOMENCARE WRITING CIRCLE The Writing Circle is geared towards women who have been diagnosed with cancer. Meets on the second Saturday every other month. Free. Registration required. Saturday, Feb. 12, 10am-1pm. WomenCARE, 2901 Park Ave., Ste. A1, Soquel. 831-457-2273. womencaresantacruz.org.
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, Feb. 14, 12:30pm. 831-457-2273. womencaresantacruz.org.
WOMENCARE TUESDAY SUPPORT GROUP The WomenCARE Tuesday Cancer support group, for women newly diagnosed and those undergoing treatment, currently meets on Zoom. Free Registration required. Tuesday, Feb. 15, 12:30-2pm. 831-457-2273. womencaresantacruz.org.
OUTDOOR
COASTAL BIRDING WALK The 2.5-mile tour includes several stops to view birds, plants and scenery along the way. Bring your binoculars if you have them, and help identify birds. Clothes for variable weather and good walking shoes are recommended. Meet next to the park map in Wilder Ranch’s main parking lot. Rain cancels. $10/Lot fee. Friday, Feb. 11, 9am. Wilder Ranch State Park, 1401 Coast Road, Santa Cruz. santacruzstateparks.as.me.
SUNSET BEACH BOWLS & BONFIRE Watch the sunset and experience the multi-sensory vibrations of crystal bowls and the ocean waves, creating a blissful symphony of sound. Moran Lake Beach. Free. Tuesday, Feb. 15, 5-6pm. Moran Lake Park & Beach, East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz. 831-333-6736.