Cirque du Soleil’s “Quidam”…
March 23, 2011
Heading down the street, a million thoughts race through one’s head. Pick up the kids, pay the bills and set the TiVo for that Perfect Strangers marathon. All the while, people race past, each consumed with a similar inner monologue. Attentions drawn inward, everyone focuses on the same thing and yet no one acknowledges or shares this connection with others. For Cirque du Soleil, the people and this possible connection cutting through the anonymity is a wondrous plane of existence full of emotions, empowerment and dreams. In one word, it’s Quidam.
Premiering in April 1996, Quidam (pronounced “key-dom”) is the story of a young girl, Zoé, who wants desperately to connect to the parents who ignore her. Zoé‘s imagination spirits her away to a land of larger-than-life characters that help the child find a voice in her own world. The show opens March 24 in San Jose at the HP Pavilion.
The 52 acrobats, singers and musicians expand on their characters with amazing displays of dance, contortion, balance and strength. These artists, such as Olga Pikhienko, bring their own talents and interests to Cirque du Soleil’s patented blend of theater and circus.
“You are really involved in the creation of your act,” Pikhienko, a hand balancer, told me in a recent interview. In an average day during development of a show, Pikhienko explained, “we take classes—yoga, acting, singing and dance—and then we spend three hours experimenting with our act. Then we work with the choreography and the musical director.”
Pikhienko began training as a rhythmic gymnast in Volgograd, Russia, when she was 5 years old. At 11, she began to perform with her father, Alexander Pikhienko, in Moscow’s Nikulin Circus, and the two went on to win numerous prestigious awards, such as a gold medal at the International Festival in Paris in 1992 and a silver medal in Beijing at the World Festival a year later.
A cast member of Quidam from its opening until 2001 and then again from 2006 on, Pikhienko also performed aerial contortion and cloud swing acts, but her favorite is hand balancing, and she draws her inspiration for her act from the creative minds around her: “I listen to the music, trying to create a mood. I think, ‘What is the mood here, what do I want the audience to feel?’”
From here, the choreography is born, so each dancer brings something unique to the stage even if it is the same character in the same show. Drawn from the Latin word meaning “something or someone,” Quidam is identical to the original Big Top show in Montreal. “Everything about the production is the same,” Cirque’s Reggie Lyons said, “but this show is different than other Cirque shows. It came right after Alegria, a light, elegant, baroque show filled with cool blues and silvers, and Quidam has an urban, almost gritty feel to it. I hesitate to say it, but it’s a good type of darkness.”
While the extravagance, mind-blowing movements and over-the-top theatrics are there, Quidam is also unlike any other Cirque du Soleil show in that it deals with real issues and takes place in our world not just in a fantasy realm. Even so, Quidam doesn’t follow a narrative, and the singers use a made-up language to avoid forcing specific ideas or themes on the audience, plus it makes it easier to take the show around the world.
Pikhienko recently left Quidam to help create and perform in a new show called Iris, which opens in Los Angeles in September. Anna Ostapenko now performs the hand-balancing stunts. “The foundation of the act doesn’t change,” Pikhienko explained. “[Anna] began by wanting to do everything the same, but the choreographer, Debra Brown, told her to ‘Leave that alone. Let the movements come from you.’”
As Ostapenko puts her own touch on a character from Zoé‘s imagination, Pikhienko plays out the wishes of the isolated, young girl from Quidam. In Iris, for the first time since she left Russia at the age of 15, a daughter will once again perform onstage with her father.
Slide…
March 2, 2011
Blondes are ditzy, overweight people must be unhappy and fast-food workers are not intelligent. These snap judgments are all things that we may accept without question because of repetition or stubbornness or because it’s just easier.
However, what if the world presents evidence to the contrary, are we willing or even able to re-evaluate these shaky certainties? Using music and theater, Slide, a performance making its Bay Area premiere as part of the Stanford Lively Arts program, examines this question and the potential loneliness caused by isolating ourselves from information that contradicts our beloved perceptions. Landing somewhere between a symphony and a play, Slide incorporates acting and singing into an 80-minute song cycle split into 11 sections.
“This piece is musically driven,” composer Steven Mackey explains in a phone interview. “In fact, there really isn’t much of a narrative in terms of a theatrical narrative. The whole piece gets its logic from the music.”
Mackey, who settled in California during the 1960s and, influenced by the musical culture, learned to play the guitar, attended UC-Davis “in case the whole rock-star thing didn’t work out.” There, in an elective music-appreciation class, he fell in love with classical music.
Through the Paul Dresher Ensemble, Mackey became a frequent collaborator with Rinde Eckert, a professionally trained opera singer who found his way into avant-garde musical theater. Eckert wrote the libretto for Slide and plays a psychologist named Renard, who addresses the audience and Mackey (onstage playing the guitar) while performing an enigmatic experiment.
“I love his acting and his fluidity in switching between spoken word and singing,” Mackey says of Eckert. “Some people might listen to this and say, ‘OK, there’s a song, and then there’s music accompanying a monologue,’ but to me it’s all part of the song.” The song cycle’s music comes from eighth blackbird, the Grammy Awardwinning new-music chamber orchestra for which the piece was composed. The group also appears onstage as part of Renard’s memory.
“The thorough integration of [eighth blackbird] is what’s intriguing,” says Eckert, who makes his home on the East Coast. “The attempt to incorporate this kind of ensemble into a poetic gestalt is unusual, and the fact that eighth blackbird takes on something like this is wild.”
For both creators, the ensemble’s presence, the acting and the themes are all part of the experience, but it always comes back to the music. “It’s a concert contextualized by these other elements,” Mackay summed it up.
“All of the elements serve as a frame; in a way they act as captions to the music,” Eckert said, “We want you to look at the painting and not the frame. We make layered work but the emphasis is always on diving in and being absorbed by the music.”
In the course of the song cycle, the audience learns that Renard’s self-created fantasy life has isolated him from the world and created an intense loneliness. “Slide illustrates a profound human tendency to hold on to the familiar instead of the truth,” Eckert says of Renard’s condition. “Whatever we’re used to believing, it’s what we want to believe despite what the world is telling us. You’ll cherry pick the evidence to confirm your worldview. We get comfortable with ourselves and when our labels prove to be destructive we hold onto them regardless.”
“For the audience, Slide is not about unpacking the loneliness of Rinde’s character, but rather contextualizing the loneliness for their own life,” Mackey adds. “I would hate people to go in there looking to learn something. It’s an experience, like a symphony is.” In maintaining emphasis on the music and away from the narrative facts of Renard’s life, Slide focuses on emotions, not evidence, to break into the audience’s comfort zone and wreak a little havoc on crafted realities.
SLIDE
Saturday, March 5, 8pm
Dinkelspiel Auditorium, Stanford
$10-$50
Buy Tickets Now
Map Quest…
June 17, 2010
When people first began to record the world on globes and charts, mapmakers sometimes filled in unexplored or dangerous regions with frightening pictures of mythical creatures. Fueled by rumored encounters between sailors and sea monsters, the imagination didn’t have far to jump between writing, “Hey, we don’t know what’s here,” and, “Here be dragons.”
In modern times, the technology and knowledge available to cartographers is exceedingly advanced, but Bill Gilbert believes that maps continue to lead us astray, showing us a world that doesn’t accurately reflect nature’s reality.
In his current exhibit, Physiocartographies, at the Nevada Museum of Art, Gilbert attempts to show what he refers to as the disjunction between our perception of the terrain, represented by the maps, and the actual terrain.
“I try to walk the grid,” the co-founder and director of the Land Art Program at the University of New Mexico explained in a recent phone conversation, “One hour north, east, south and west.”
During the U.S. expansion into the West, the government carved the territory outside the states into neat little 160-acre squares with right angles that defied the natural terrain. The resulting U.S. Geological Survey maps, and these grids, form the base layer of Gilbert’s art. On top of the maps, he uses GPS tracking to record his movements and experiences as he attempts to follow the borders of the grid.
Included in Physiocartographies are “York Ranch” and “Wendover,” each named after the USGS maps Gilbert used. Across “York Ranch” Gilbert wrote the sights, sounds and tactile sensations he encountered walking the grid. “Wendover” uses an audio recording Gilbert made during his journey to add the sensory elements usually absent from a map. He encounters natural and man-made obstacles not clearly defined on a map.
“We all have these patterns of how we absorb the world,” says Gilbert. We’re just barraged with information, and we work out a habitual way to navigate. We do things at high speed, we multitask, and we’re very goal-oriented. It’s just the way our society is.”
Our society has an unprecedented access to information, and it’s forcing us to alter how we interact with the world. Location-based social media, such as Foursquare, Pepsi Loot and Loopt, encourages people to place themselves on the map, literally. Participants can use smart phones to virtually “check in” at restaurants, shops or points of interest and earn in-game and real world rewards while instantly notifying their network of friends what they’re doing. Along with GPS navigation, reliance on maps is extending into all aspects of contemporary life. However, if maps are an interpretation of the world we live in, these forms of social media and satellite-guided directions are only extrapolations of an already abstract idea—the dragons of our time.
Gilbert doesn’t see the rise of technology as a clear-cut danger, though. “I’m trying to find a way not to pit nature against culture, earth against technology. What I’m trying to do is find a synthesis here. It’s 2010. Technology absolutely permeates our lives; it doesn’t have to diminish our awareness of the environment.”
In the past dragons were born from ignorance. Today, they fill the maps not from a lack of information but from too much of it. Instead of using our eyes and ears to view what’s around us, tiny screens that never leave our side deliver, digest and discard the world in seconds. Ask Gilbert how to pierce the soft underbelly of the scaly beast, and he’ll tell you to take a hike—it doesn’t matter in which direction. Just go for a walk and take a look around.
Adventures in Geekdom…
September 24, 2009
It’s 5:37 a.m. on a Friday, and I can barely shuffle forward through the airport-security line. That large Red Bull I downed for breakfast opens only one of my eyes, but some guys near the back of the line utter two words and I’m wide awake: “Resto Druid.”
Instantly, I know they’ll also be on my flight headed to Orange County for Blizzcon, an annual gaming convention put on by Blizzard Entertainment, best known for the hugely popular multiplayer online game World of Warcraft.
Blizzard fans are true geeks incarnate. Fanatically devoted to the brand, these gamers immerse themselves in fantasy worlds such as Diablo, Starcraft and, of course, World of Warcraft, which alone boasts 11 million players worldwide. Some 26,000 geeks will attend this year’s Blizzcon.
Accordingly, over the past decade, the general public has paid increasingly more attention to a budding geek culture. Fashion adopted nerd glasses and Hollywood’s highest-grossing films have been titles such as Star Trek, Harry Potter, Spider-Man and Transformers. Now, it’s not only cool to own an iPod, it’s also a status symbol.
Geek is chic.
But while some see this as a chance for the trampled-on meek to rise up, the geek revolution likely will not be televised—simply because there will be no revolution.
You see, the mainstream media only is interested in a facade of true geek culture—the equivalent of wearing a Darth Vader costume on Halloween. In reality, true geeks have distanced themselves even more from status quo.
Blizzcon speaks to this fringe-geek way of life: passionate and awkward men and women who demand something mainstream society can never provide—and if mainstream society offered it, they wouldn’t even want it.
Consider Manzi Deyoung, who’s at Blizzcon dressed as High Inquisitor Whitemane, a boss from the Scarlet Monastery dungeon in World of Warcraft. Her costume, which took roughly 120 hours to construct, is dead on in its accuracy. And her combination of red thigh-high boots, elbow-length gloves and large phallic staff isn’t lost on the fanboys, either. People snap her picture and compliment the costume’s attention to detail. Deyoung effortlessly shifts into the same poses that Whitemane would strike in the game.
“I definitely think that WoW has something unique to it,” Deyoung says while chilling outside the Anaheim Convention Center. “More so than even Star Trek, WoW has a distinct language. You can make a joke about Vulcans and people are going to get it.”
A new nerd language is a means for geeks to offset mainstream culture. While playing World of Warcraft, gamers forgo English in favor of a watered-down language of abbreviations. Specifically, most gamers talk in code, “1337” or “leetspeak,” a language of typographical shortcuts that uses deliberately incorrect spelling and grammar.
A typical chat message during World of Warcraft, for instance, might read, “LFM DPS 1Healz no shammy 4 H HOL.” In English, this means: “I’m in a group that is looking for more people. We need one person who does damage per second and one healer—but no Shamans—who want to do the Heroic version of Halls of Lightning.”
Geek speak also carries over into real life.
“Are you Horde?” someone at Blizzcon asks, sliding an arm around my shoulder. After loading up on overpriced beers from the bar, my friends and I made our way to a rooftop pool, where hundreds of people cram into lounge chairs and even flower beds. We also discover Sippy, said stranger with his arm on my back.
“Are you for the Horde?” he repeats, wanting to know which side I’m on.
“Alliance,” I reply, hesitantly.
“Dude. That. Doesn’t. Matter,” he says. “Whether you’re Horde or Alliance, we’re all here for the same reason: The World. The World, man.
“I still like you,” he reassures before stumbling off.
Inside the convention, which is filled with spiraling colored lights and huge banners, a Zealot on stilts, Night Elf Druids, Draenei, Boomkin and a Mistress of Pain—a spider-woman who would eventually win the convention’s costume contest—roam the halls along with people of all ages, and even families.
“What a lot of people looking in from the outside don’t understand is the social elements to these games,” says Todd Pawlowski, who is attending Blizzcon with his wife, Cheri, and his 10-year-old triplets: Jordan, Caitlin and Lukas.
“The kids brought me into [World of Warcraft]. I actually took a job with Blizzard because of what I saw in their game,” he explains. Pawlowski moved his family from the Bay Area to Irvine, in Orange County, where he now works as Blizzard’s vice president of customer service.
“I know grandparents who keep in touch with their grandchildren through Warcraft. Friends and families stay connected using these games.”
Some friends take things to the extreme.
Brandon Kunimura and his pals Jin Kim and Paul Hsu wear cow outfits and carry giant weapons—an homage to a secret level in the Diablo series—and women at the convention flock toward the herd. Jenny Harris, dressed as the Grand Widow Faerlina, even snuggles up to take a photo with the cows.
“It’s about the quality of the game,” explains one giant cow. “There is a depth to the stories that you’ve come to expect.” And it’s the depth that nurtures camaraderie.
“I started when I was unemployed. I had to kill things,” explains Arabella Benson, whose Warlock hood falls across her face as she bends to pick up a piece of weapon off the ground. “Then I started meeting people in the game, forming friendships. I got into the story and joined a guild. I’ve become friends in real life with some of these people.”
World of Warcraft is like Facebook on crack: Fans embrace it to a degree that the mainstream can never keep up with—or even accept. Rare game items sell for nearly $1,000 on eBay. And the penchant for dressing up in costume is like the Oakland Raiders’ black hole times 10. And the fans vary from young to old.
A boy who can’t be older than 14 steps in my path.
“This is my dad’s room. We’re Horde,” he informs.
“Good to know. For the Horde!” I masquerade, setting off repeated shouts.
“This is my dad’s room. We’re Horde,” he reminds as I walk off.
Inside the room, heated debate over weapons, dungeons and quests punctuates a cacophony of cheers and garbled 1337 speak. A beer-pong table grabs my attention, however, so an Alliance friend and I challenge two members of the Horde to a contest.
The room becomes silent and all eyes focus on our game. I suddenly wonder if Sippy’s love-to-all attitude perhaps is not universal. An odd sensation, perhaps Crips vs. Bloods mixed with Star Wars vs. Star Trek, permeates the room, but the important lesson to take away is that we, the Alliance, beat the Horde. And beat them bad.
One of the last things I remember at the convention is hearing Michael Morhaime, president and co-founder of Blizzard, say something while standing over us in the hotel bar while playing the World of Warcraft card game at 4 a.m.
“This is great. Can I get a picture?” he asks. For nongeeks, this is the equivalent of President Barack Obama wanting to shake your hand. We barely have time to strike a pose, let alone bow and chant “We’re not worthy” before he’s gone.
One thing I learned from Blizzcon is that this rich and unique world may seem trivial, even ridiculous, but geeks will protect it. And with every forward step mainstreamers take, geeks will retreat three steps back, continually building upon a culture that most don as a costume once a year.
Math Killed the Arts…
March 25, 2009
The decision by UCSC to gut the Arts & Lectures program after the current season is a decision that ends a 35-year history of bringing well known artists to Santa Cruz. However, no one is wearing a black cowboy hat in this story. What the demise of Arts & Lectures comes down to is that not enough people–UCSC and non-UCSC parties alike–were willing to put enough money into the program to keep it economically viable in these hard times.
“There’s not just one magic bullet,” outgoing Arts & Lectures director Jeanette Pilak admitted in a recent phone interview. “One of the leading issues for A&L was that it had a very dedicated pool of donor members, but it was a very small pool.” Despite a heavy fundraising campaign over the past two seasons, Pilak says the economic interest from the community just wasn’t there. Over the last four years, not only has the donor support dropped by 50 percent, ticket sales have continued to decline as well. And in an effort to keep the program accessible to Santa Cruz residents, the program hasn’t raised ticket prices in the last four years.
“All of that exists against a backdrop where we have to have permanent budget cuts in the amount of $13 million,” explains UCSC Assistant Vice Chancellor Catherine Faris.
Though there are numerous reasons A&L became economically unviable, the UCSC Arts & Lectures Producer Circle Members believe that UCSC had the power to save the program. In an open letter to the media, members Trink Paxel, Ernie Hudson, Chinshu Huang and Gordon Pusser highlighted the positive treatment of the arts programs on the remaining eight UC campuses. They also claimed that while both A&L and Shakespeare Santa Cruz have had running deficits for years, it was the differentiating treatment that the two companies received from the University that doomed A&L. Citing Shakespeare Santa Cruz’s well publicized fundraising push to raise $300,000 in a week to save the company, the letter points out that A&L was not given this option.
In response, Faris says, “A&L tried to raise funds over the last two years. In fact, those numbers decreased.”
Arts & Lectures will finish the current season as planned. Next season, it will focus on campus cultural events, lectures and student and faculty productions. Faris doesn’t discount the possibility of a touring artist here and there, but they will no longer be the core of the program.
For Pilak, the loss of touring artist such as this season’s David Sedaris, Garrison Keillor and Zakir Hussain has a wide reach. “This year, many of the interns who worked with A&L were students who did not have arts or music education in their K-12 schooling, and unless they’re in an arts program in college, I really worry about where we’re going to be in a generation or two. There are a rich number of arts organizations in Santa Cruz and I wish them the best of luck. … But if you look at the quality of the [musicians] who were brought just this year, that would be a huge loss for the community.”
Fall ’08 Arts Preview…
August 27, 2008
Theatre, art, photography and dance were compiled by yours truly…
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
All’s well that learns well..
June 25, 2008
Out there in Willits, they don’t call them skillets. They call them a frying pan,” sang blues player Earl Oliver as he plucked a banjo in an Italian restaurant up north in Mendocino County. And as I struggled over an opening to this article meant to explore the virtues of a Cabrillo College course designed to make Santa Cruz music and theater festivals more accessible to the public, I couldn’t help but think of these simple and straightforward lyrics about a small-town diner. Why? Because they’re accessible–and there you have it.
Designed to be a preparatory class, “Performance Arts Attendance/Appreciation” will feature lectures and multimedia presentations to prepare students for the Shakespeare Santa Cruz, Cabrillo Stage and Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music performances on offer throughout the summer.
“We really have a rich arts community in Santa Cruz with these festivals, and it is surprising what a small portion of our citizens know about them,” says course instructor and Cabrillo College professor Phil Collins. Instead of a line-by-line dissection of Shakespeare, Collins prefers to show previous performances on film. For the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, which can be intimidating because of its often challenging contemporary classical content, students may listen to the piece in class before hearing it performed live. “I like to talk about each composition’s individual aesthetics,” says Collins, himself a composer and conductor. “They’re like a flower arrangement. Each concert has a dynamic feeling to it. Some are showboating and some are intimate.”
Throughout the class, students will be invited to attend all four of the Shakespeare Santa Cruz plays, Forever Plaid and Jesus Christ Superstar at Cabrillo Stage and a concert of their choice through the Cabrillo Music Festival. The class doesn’t carry any additional fees beyond the regular course fee. Add this to the series of guest lecturers from the various productions, and summer school never looked so good.
Unfortunately, despite the positive reaction to last year’s class, the course is in danger of being canceled due to low enrollment. “Last year we had 17 people. That’s near margin; we need about 20,” explained Collins, adding that this year about half that figure have signed up. Stressing that newcomers to the arts and veterans alike will find something to take from the class, Collins says he hopes the class gets off the ground.
“This is the way people should see art. A personal interaction and an enjoyable time.”
Who knows? Maybe after the class, Shakespeare’s Elizabethan English will sound like “skillets from Willits” and contemporary classical will be no more threatening than a banjo in an Italian restaurant.
PERFORMANCE ART ATTENDANCE/APPRECIATION July 15-Aug. 5 on Tuesday evenings. For information call 831.479.6343.
Summer ’08 Arts Preview…
June 18, 2008
As the curtains rise on the summer theater season, the fourth wall lowers and allows the audience to safely peer into worlds filled with murder, sex, scandals and slapstick comedy. Consider the summer theater season to be an intellectual tabloid that you don’t have to rush through in the 15 Items or Less line.
The biggest ado in the summer season is Shakespeare Santa Cruz. Following the departure last year of Paul Whitworth, Marco Barricelli opens his term as artistic director by playing it safe with Romeo and Juliet. Barricelli’s comedy selection, All’s Well That Ends Well, may not be the best-known Shakespearean comedy, but it’s a solid outing that comments on honor, loyalty, love and war. Acclaimed playwright and author Itamar Moses’ Bach at Leipzig revolves around a group of musicians who have gathered at the Thomaskirche in 18th-century Germany to interview for the position of organ master. Moses takes a farcical look at the lives of artists and intellectuals pre-determined to come up short.
It’s with Lanford Wilson’s Burn This that Barricelli takes his biggest risk. Fans of RENT will find similarities in the two scripts, and the mature themes may bog down the summer festival feel–a possible repeat of last year’s Endgame, which seemed a better fit for an October night than a summer matinee. Shakespeare Santa Cruz runs at the UCSC Main Stage and Festival Glen from July 19 through Aug. 31.
Shakespeare Santa Cruz highlights some of the best talent on the Pacific Coast, many of which probably got their start in acting classes and theater workshops. Locally, WEST Performing Arts provides fledgling actors the opportunity to flex their acting muscles. Housed at the Broadway Playhouse, WEST affords kids and teens the chance to enroll in a class that prepares them for a final production at the end of the course. June through August will see 10 productions of children’s fairy tales, classics and original tales.
To relieve the summer heat, Cabrillo Stage shines its lights on two cool musicals. Running June 27 through July 27, Forever Plaid features hits of the 1950s as a doomed band receives one more chance at the concert of a lifetime. From a musical with soul to a musical that can save your soul, Cabrillo Stage takes us from Plaid to the Broadway hit Jesus Christ Superstar. The Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber collaboration visits the Cabrillo Theatre July 11 through Aug. 17.
While Jesus Christ may be tried and true, sometimes you need something fresh–so new, in fact, that it was created on the spot. During weekend evenings from July 5 through Aug. 3, the Improvfest will rule supreme. Veteran Santa Cruz improv troupes such as Scriptease, UmGeeUm and Loose Cannon share the Actors’ Theatre stage with fellow improvisers. Transitioning from a regular season to a production rental space, Actors’ Theatre has pledged to continue production of its regular festivals and playwriting contests. The winning plays of the latest Full-Length Playwriting Contest will debut in early September. Flight Risk occupies the first weekend, followed by In the Middle of Nowhere the next.
On your return from Nowhere, if you find yourself realizing there’s no place like home, you can always take the Yellow Brick Road–or in this case Highway 1 south–to Pacific Repertory Theatre’s production of The Wizard of Oz. Performed in Carmel’s Outdoor Forest Theatre between Aug. 21 and Sept. 28, Oz‘s fantastical world is a natural fit to the surrounding pines–something thespians in Santa Cruz know a little something about. But just in case you didn’t get enough Shakespeare at UCSC, Pac Rep also offers a performance of Troilus and Cressida from Sept. 5 through Oct. 19 that’ll finally satiate your Bard-inspired theatrical lust that opened the summer.
Santa Cruz style in San Francisco…
November 28, 2007
Art is about showing the world how you see it, having a unique perspective on the world and sharing it. For two local artists, Lynn Guenther and Linda Ripatti, the world is a pretty fashionable place.
When she graduated as a graphic designer from Michigan State University, Santa CruzCK resident Lynn Guenther decided that she was too much of a hands-on person to stick with a keyboard and found her passion in crafting jewelry. Always learning as an artist, Guenther has adapted her style over the years, gathering experience while selling her jewelry in outdoor Berlin marketplaces, working at jewelry stores and taking classes in metalcraft at Cabrillo College (which she praises for its excellent metal shop).
Just as her skills have grown and evolved, Guenther’s inspiration continues to be molded by her life.
“I travel a lot and that’s one of my big inspirations, and I started this whole Mayan series after going to the Yucatan,” she explains, holding up a beautifully detailed bracelet layered with various metals and featuring a Mayan temple in the center. “I love to paint because I love to color, but the way that I get colors into these things is using different stones for the accents. And that’s the idea of using the mixed metals.”
Guenther prefers to start with sheet metal and wire, which allows her to keep her intricate pieces light and flexible. For her, part of the appeal of the art she creates is that even the larger, more complex pieces are practical and can be worn every day.
Fine Vintage
Not a stranger to the issue of practical fashion, Linda Ripatti designs her clothing around the concept of versatility.
“I try to make things that fit a lot of different people and fit a lot of different body styles. Something that people can feel comfortable in and work in,” Ripatti says as she slips into a retro swing coat that she recently designed. A 20-year veteran of design, Ripatti works out of her home in Watsonville, in a separate studio where she keeps the majority of her materials. A fan of vintage fashion, Ripatti allows the past to echo throughout her designs.
“I like vintage,” she says. “I go to vintage because, to tell you the truth, the ’20s and the ’30s, you can’t beat the vintage look. And the quality of the workmanship is unbelievable. So I like to go back to those looks all the time, and they have a very avant-garde style, which I am. That’s kind of me.”
One need only look to the swing body and box shoulders of the retro coat Ripatti’s wearing to believe that. Resembling a classic Myrna Loy piece, the coat is elegant and casual at the same time—another example of her emphasis on versatility. And if the ’20s and ’30s are considered vintage, Linda’s husband Steve Ripatti is practically Jurassic in some of his designs. He has been answering a need for unique fabrics for over two decades.
“I have enough ego that I don’t want to be near anybody with my design,” Steve explained while showing off a truly unique fabric. A customer favorite, the gray cloth with hints of plum features 32,000-year-old cave paintings.
Both Guenther and Ripatti bring a unique view of the world to their art and their fashion, so it should come as no surprise that they often share the same showcase. The largest event for craftswomen in the nation, the Celebration of Craftswomen in San Francisco, hosts both these artists, along with a half-dozen other local artists, Nov. 24-25 and Dec. 1-2. Designed to highlight the work of women artists, Celebration of Craftswomen is now in its 29th year. Since its inception as a small local fair with 22 exhibitors, it’s grown to host more than 200 artists and countless attendees from across the world. The event raises money for the Women’s Building, which supports programs designed to empower women and girls.
While artists each view the world through different lenses, the common ties that bind them often are stronger than their differences. For Guenther and Ripatti, the desire to bring the fashions of the past and from worlds abroad have brought them together under the same roof, for the same cause. At its most superficial art is mere entertainment, but, as these two artists prove, at its best, art is life.
CELEBRATION OF CRAFTSWOMEN is Dec. 1-2, 10am-5pm at Herbst Pavilion in San Francisco. Tickets are $8/$6 or $14 for a two-day pass; 415.345.7575. For more about Lynn Guenther see www.heartandsoulgallery.com; for Linda Ripatti see www.viaripatti.com.
