Lakecia Benjamin, known for jazz, funk and soul, heads the week's calendar picks. Performing at Kuumbwa, Friday March 27.

Liz Cooper comes to Santa Cruz with New Day, a bold, self-made reinvention that trades Americana roots for psychedelic pop textures, exploring identity, change and creative freedom in a performance that’s as personal as it is sonically adventurous. Saturday, 8pm at Felton Music Hall.

Australian multi-instrumentalist Donny Benét brings his bass-driven “Infinite Desires” tour to the Catalyst, 1101 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, Sunday at 8pm.

The immersive music of East Forest has been described as ambient, contemporary classical, electronic, psychedelic and even indie pop. Performing live at the Rio Theatre, Tuesday at 8pm

Forty-five years in, the Violent Femmes still bring the angst, the tranceaphone and the sing-along classics that made them folk-punk legends. Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, Tuesday.

The Magic City Hippies' high-energy, synth-forward sets have earned them the stage at Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and Austin City Limits. Monday at Felton Music Hall

Cameroonian singer Ekep Nkwelle has emerged as one of jazz’s rising artists. Monday at 7pm, Kuumbwa Jazz Center

Pianist Alfredo Rodriguez and batá drummer Pedrito Martinez unite to blend blend jazz, classical and Afro-Cuban musical traditions. 7pm Monday at Kuumbwa Jazz Center.

Imagine an Aussie B-52s where the beats were harder, the intensity greater and lyrical content just as tasty. Tropical Fuck Storm rocks Moe's Alley on Monday.

Acclaimed guitar virtuoso Matteo Mancuso uses quasi-flamenco technique to combine jazz, classical, and rock. At Rio Theatre, January 28.

The music of Haunt Me is full of ’80s synth sounds, a flair for the dramatic, the spooky and macabre, and plenty of romance. Saturday at The Catalyst.

This week’s calendar highlights live music, punk shows, festivals, literary events, and a featured performance by guitarist Mike Dawes at Felton Music Hall.