Legendary drummer Peter Erskine brings his trio to Kuumbwa Jazz Center, drawing from a career that includes Weather Report, Jaco Pastorius, Chick Corea and more than 700 album appearances.

Cimafunk brings his Afro-Cuban funk, Afro-rock energy and Havana band La Tribu to Moe’s Alley on Sunday, May 17, for a dance-driven Santa Cruz show built for movement.

The San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers bring Celtic-infused sounds to a special Mother’s Day show at 2pm Sunday, May 10, at Crocker Theater in Aptos.

Singer-songwriter Karla Bonoff brings her warm, melodic songwriting and timeless folk-pop sound to Felton Music Hall, performing beloved songs that have resonated across generations. Saturday 8pm

DJ Mandy brings her smart, self-aware mix of pop, throwbacks and unexpected twists to Santa Cruz—live April 23 at the Catalyst.

Minnesota’s Runaway Ricochet brings its high-energy blend of ska, punk and jazz to The Crepe Place on April 22, delivering a wild, genre-bending live show.

Abby Jeanne brings surf guitar, retro pop and powerhouse vocals to Santa Cruz this week, blending ’60s-inspired sounds with raw emotion and electric stage presence. Rocking The Crepe Place, Friday at 8pm

Renowned scientist and author Suzanne Simard presents When the Forest Breathes, sharing powerful insights into the hidden communication and resilience of forest ecosystems. Saturday, April 4, 2pm, Cowell Ranch Hay Barn

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