Park Hall
831.336.4777 | mctshows.org
When Annie’s husband John dies of cancer, she and best friend Chris resolve to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room. With help from other women in their British women’s club, (who are also of a more advanced age) they decide to pose nude and publish a calendar with the photos in order to raise funds. The news of the women’s charitable venture spreads like wildfire, and hordes of press soon descend on the small village of Knapeley in the Yorkshire Dales. The play is based on a true story and is both poignant and filled with sweet, good-natured British comedy that is sure to make you roar with laughter! By Tim Firth. Directed by Hannah Eckstein. General Admission $20.00 ($21.99 w/service fee), Seniors 60+/Students $17.00 ($18.84 w/service fee) and General Season Subscription $80.00 ($84.99 w/service fee).
County of Santa Cruz Government Center
831.454.2000 | pvarts.org
Pajaro Valley Arts exhibit, Vote! Your Vote is Your Voice/ ¡Vote! Su Voto es Su Voz, aims to inform, inspire and develop greater interest in the non-partisan democratic process. Co-curated by Maria Gitin and Pajaro Valley Arts Curator Judy Stabile, the exhibit features Bob Fitch photography from the archives of Stanford University Library and artifacts from civil rights veteran Maria Gitin. The exhibit includes contemporary regional artists interpretation of voting rights and informative displays from Santa Cruz County Elections Department and Watsonville City Clerk’s Office. A visual timeline highlights key events in voting rights history including the historic Watsonville v. Gomez case. The exhibit is presented in partnership with Santa Cruz County Elections Department, and Santa Cruz County Arts Commission.
A First Friday Reception will be held Friday, February 7th, 2020 5:00-8:00 pm.
Artists Participating: Jessica Carrasco, Myra Eastman, Bob Fitch, Jane Gregorius, Hedwig Heerschop, Matt Herron, Lucien Kubo, Jaime Sánchez, Sandra Takashima Shaw and Peggy Snider. Photo Art: “We the People” by Peggy Snider.
The exhibit is free and open to the public, suitable for students and adults. Venue is ADA accessible.
Free
Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History
831.429.1964 | santacruzmah.org
Trailblazers will tell the creative history of the Santa Cruz County mountain biking community. Co-created with over 20 local biking groups, shops and artists, it will dive into the innovation, creativity and community spirit of the sport. From the dense redwood forests of Flow Trail to the rugged coastline of Wilder Ranch, mountain biking in Santa Cruz County has blazed the trail for community, creativity and collaboration. Come learn about the history and development of this popular Santa Cruz County sport in an exhibition co-created with local frame builders, artists and mountain bike enthusiasts like the Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz and the Marin Museum of Bicycling. Inside, check out prewar Schwinn cruisers to full suspension down-hill speed machines. Then dive into the history of off-road cycling and the importance of public lands. Learn how the desire to explore our local landscapes alongside friends turned into the trail stewardship and internationally recognized brands we know today. Uncover the lifecycle of a trail and learn how expansive trail networks are built and maintained.
Throughout the exhibition, participate in a variety of collaborative programs from trail building days and group rides to behind-the-scenes workshops.
Admission Fees: $10 General Admission, $8 Students, Free for MAH members and children under 5. Free on the First Friday of each month!
Persephone
831.612.6511 | www.persephonerestaurant.com
Wednesday Nights are for Flights and Bites! Every Wednesday night we will serve a flight of 3 different wines paired along with 3 different small bites all for just $25! Stop in for a flight on your way home from work!
Santa Cruz Harbor
831.475.6161 | www.santacruzharbor.org
Harbor restaurants & the beach are great viewing areas to watch the sailboat races against the setting sun.
Free
Esplanade Park
831.475.7300 | www.cityofcapitola.org
Wednesdays in June, July and August. Bring chairs, jackets, a picnic supper and the family to enjoy live music and the sunset. Visit our local restaurants and pick up dinner to go and enjoy a picnic at the beach! Suggested to bring low back chairs or picnic blanket for seating. No dogs or alcohol in the park or on the beach.
Free
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
831.459.3800 | seymourcenter.ucsc.edu
This 90-minute, behind-the-scenes hiking tour takes visitors into Younger Lagoon Reserve adjacent to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Part of the University of California Natural Reserve System, Younger Lagoon Reserve contains diverse coastal habitat and is home to birds of prey, migrating sea birds, bobcats, and other wildlife. Come and see what scientists are doing to track local mammals, restore native habitat, and learn about the workings of one of California’s rare coastal lagoons. Younger Lagoon Reserve tours are free and open to the public. Space is limited to 14 participants. Advance reservations highly recommended. Tours are best suited for children 10 years of age and older. Participants must be physically able to walk up and down steep inclines. Water and weather protection is strongly suggested. Parking fees on Thursdays.
Free
Capitola Historical Museum
831.464.0322 | www.cityofcapitola.org
Explore how Capitola has changed (or not changed) over the past 150 years? Drawing on the Museum’s rich collection of historic photographs, this display will compare the Capitola of the past with the Capitola of today. The Museum will be closed during exhibit installation. The Museum will reopen March 1st. Hours: Thursday through Sunday, 12:00-4:00 pm. A reception for the new exhibition will be held Saturday, March 14th, 12:00-2:00 pm. This exhibit will run through the end of December, 2020.
Various locations
www.firstfridaysantacruz.com
Celebrate the arts each month as dozens of venues showcase Santa Cruz’s wealth of artists. See website for complete listing of venues, artists, music and special events.
Free
University Business Park (The Old Wrigley Building)
www.theartcavesc.com
Come over to the Wrigley for a great First Friday Santa Cruz Art Tour. There will be music, demos, and many Wrigley Building business owners and shops, such as The Art Cave, r. blitzer gallery, Idea Fab Labs, Radical Movement Factory, Bluestone Imports, Mr. California, Onewheel, LIFEAID, Blix Electric Bikes, Ted Holladay, and Sara Birns to socialize, offer demos, samples, and/or sales of their fine products and services.
Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf
831.420.5725 | seymourcenter.ucsc.edu
Come learn more about the Monterey Bay, from a vantage point half-mile out to sea, without ever leaving land! The Santa Cruz Wharf extends a half-mile out to sea in a dynamic and truly marine environment. Scientists from the University of California, Santa Cruz utilize this easy access to ocean eco-systems to conduct research in sustainable energy, biological oceanography, harmful algal blooms, and marine mammals. Seymour Center volunteers are available to answer your marine science questions. Look for us near the end of the Wharf.
Free
Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
831.420.5260 | santacruzsymphony.org
Join us on a movie odyssey as we explore scores from such movie greats as The Godfather, 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Pink Panther, Mission Impossible, Batman, and more! The festivities start with a Street Party at 5:30 pm prior to the concert in front of the Civic Auditorium with music, food, and drink. 7:30-10:00 pm Pops Concert.
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
831.459.3800 | seymourcenter.ucsc.edu
Created in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, World Oceans Day is the perfect time to learn how to protect the 71 percent of our planet that’s blue. Come get empowered to make a lasting difference for the future. Create a special conservation-themed craft, take a pledge to protect the ocean, learn cool ocean facts, and more! Wear blue to show your support for the ocean.
Castro Adobe State Historic Park
831.226.9669 | www.parks.ca.gov
Summer really brings out the beauty of the Rancho, and is a great chance to explore a historic local treasure, whether it’s June gloom or full California sun. Kids out of school? No problem! Bring the whole family! Active construction site, open only during scheduled events. Free event. Limited parking; carpooling encouraged. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.
Free
Wilder Ranch State Park
831.423.9703 | www.parks.ca.gov
Come experience firsthand the early days of life on a dairy ranch with our costumed docents, living history demonstrations, and old-time activities. Draft horse wagon rides available. Bring the whole family and a picnic lunch. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks.
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
831.459.3800 | seymourcenter.ucsc.edu
Make it and take it! Come create and take home a fun souvenir, an activity for the whole family to share. For example, find out what gray whales eat by creating a bright sun catcher for your window, or create a fancy fish with paper, paint, and color. Build a seal or sea lion puppet decorated with your own special seal nose, complete with whiskers! Join the hands-on fun at the crafts table! Free with admission to the Seymour Center. Sponsored by: Sigma Alpha of Omega Nu.
City of Watsonville Nature Center
831.768.1622 | www.cityofwatsonville.org
Every week, the Watsonville Nature Center offers a bilingual guided tour of the Wetlands. This Nature Center displays a diversity of wildlife habitats, including the Pajaro River, the Watsonville Sloughs and Pinto Lake. Over 200 species of waterfowl, raptors and songbirds live in and migrate through the wetlands, making it and ideal place to watch for feathered creatures, or enjoy one of the many trails winding through the area. Join us in exploring our award winning trails through this rich wetland habitat. Meet at the Nature Center. No reservations required! Binoculars provided! Families with children welcome! Great for all ages! Bring water, sunscreen, comfortable shoes and dress for weather.
Free
Kuumbwa Jazz Center
831-427-2227 | www.kuumbwajazz.org
Cimafunk made his impactful U.S. debut at Austin’s SXSW festival in 2019 and was recently names by Billboard as a “Top 10 Latin Artist to Watch” in 2019. The world is lucky to now discover the music that has turned Cuba upside down since 2018. Cimafunk has created a movement in Havana and throughout the island, selling-out venues with thousands of fans excited to dance to the groove of Afro-Cuban funk. Cimafunk’s name refers to his heritage as a ‘Cimarron’ – Cubans of African descent who resisted and escaped slavery – as well as to the essence of his music that aims to subvert conventional sounds through rhythmic innovation. By bringing out the best in Cuban rhythms and traditions, and infusing them with sounds and styles from Africa and the U.S., Cimafunk has created something unique and special.
Kuumbwa Jazz Center
831-427-2227
Ben Williams is an acclaimed bassist, bandleader, performer, music educator, and composer who has performed with the likes of Wynton Marsalis, George Benson, Pat Metheny, David Sanborn, Chaka Kahn, Pharrell, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Stefon Harris just to name a few. Williams’ own albums as a bandleader move affirmatively towards assuming the mantle of leadership in contemporary jazz. Williams adds, “I believe each tune should tell a story…where there are emotional ups and downs, thematic and character development, and so on. At the end of it all you should feel moved and inspired…I truly believe that music is the most powerful force in the universe that we all can connect to.”
Kuumbwa Jazz Center
831-427-2227 | www.kuumbwajazz.org
Best known as a world-class percussionist – most famously with the Buena Vista Social Club and alongside his father Ry Cooder – Joachim Cooder approaches his solo career steeped in the roots of American and world music. Accompanying himself on the electric mbira and other melodic percussion, he transforms Appalachian music and blues with a powerful aesthetic that draws the listener deep into the music. The same trance-inducing and transfixing experience informs his original compositions. Cooder’s sound is very much inspired by the world music he grew up with. “I’m always hearing some sort of defunct cosmic ice cream truck in my head – that’s the sound I’m after with my mbiras and tank drums and other tuned percussion. Hopefully people will get that.”
Watsonville Municipal Airport
831.768.3575 | www.cityofwatsonville.org
Watsonville Municipal Airport hosts a Historical Aircraft Display every second Saturday. Admission is free and everyone is welcome to show (qualified aircraft) and admire these historical aircraft.
Capitola Village
831.425.1234 | www.capitolacarshow.com
Save the dates! The 15th Annual Capitola Rod & Custom Classic Car Show will be held the 2nd weekend in June! Watch these classic beauties cruise the coastline on Saturday morning from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk to Capitola starting at 8:30 am. Enjoy a weekend filled with awesome cars, great music, charming shops, restaurants for every taste, and family fun at the beach!
Free
Agricultural History Project Center and Museum
831.724.5898 | aghistoryproject.org
Every month we produce a 2nd Saturday on the Farm, a family event that focuses on a particular area of agriculture. Visitors can participate in the regular activities of the Ag History Project plus others related to the day’s special focus. We have created some unique interactive educational activities to help you have fun learning about past agricultural practices. What we like to call our “usual” activities include: Wooden cow milking – we have life-size wooden cows with rubber teats that help you learn how to milk a cow. Kid-driven tractor – we retrofitted a John Deere tractor so that anyone can learn to drive it. You sit in the seat and control the steering wheel while a trained volunteer stands on a platform to your right to controls the speed. We even have space for a parent or friend to stand to your left and enjoy the ride. Tractor Simulator – we have a stationary tractor that you can drive down a crop row. The computer screen in front of you displays how well you are handling the tractor. Puppet Theater – each month we have a new show playing. Facilities are handicapped accessible.
Free
Downtown Santa Cruz Antique Faire
www.downtownsantacruz.com
“Original” Downtown Antique Faire is on the 2nd Sunday of the month. Vendors offer an eclectic blend of antiques and unique items. Weather permitting. Rain out date: Third Sunday. Year round.
Free
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
831.459.3800 | seymourcenter.ucsc.edu
This 90-minute, behind-the-scenes hiking tour takes visitors into Younger Lagoon Reserve adjacent to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Part of the University of California Natural Reserve System, Younger Lagoon Reserve contains diverse coastal habitat and is home to birds of prey, migrating sea birds, bobcats, and other wildlife. Come and see what scientists are doing to track local mammals, restore native habitat, and learn about the workings of one of California’s rare coastal lagoons. Younger Lagoon Reserve tours are free and open to the public. Space is limited to 14 participants. Advance reservations highly recommended. Tours are best suited for children 10 years of age and older. Participants must be physically able to walk up and down steep inclines. Water and weather protection is strongly suggested. Parking fees on Thursdays.
Free
Kuumbwa Jazz Center
831-427-2227 | www.kuumbwajazz.org
Trumpeter Wallace Roney has been earning the admiration and respect of his musical colleagues and elders since the age of sixteen. He has collaborated with a who’s-who of jazz masters and was mentored by Miles Davis after Davis heard Roney perform at a 1983 concert at Carnegie Hall. Their association peaked when Davis chose Roney to share the stage with him at his historic 1991 concert at the Montreux Jazz Festival. After Davis’ death, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Wayne Shorter, Tony Williams, and Roney banded together and toured the world in tribute. Roney has become a figurehead of Davis’ musical legacy and classic jazz approach to the trumpet. As he puts it, “My goal is to make the best music I can. In enjoy, listen and can play all types of music…” and that “…I filter my expression through the jazz experience.”
Kuumbwa Jazz Center
831-427-2227 | www.kuumbwajazz.org
Barcelona, Spain is home to the nuevo flamenco movement and Los Aurora, an exciting group in the aforementioned movement, that recently opened the city’s Ciutat Flamenco – one of the most important flamenco festivals in the world. The band is comprised of a talented circle of young artists who have created a unique melding of flamenco, jazz, and other contemporary genres. Los Aurora features vocalist Pere Martinez, pianist Max Villavecchia, bassist Javier Garrabella, drummer Joan Carles Mari, and dancer Pol Jiménez.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
831.423.5590 | beachboardwalk.com
There’s nothing like watching a classic movie on the beach with the Giant Dipper twinkling overhead and the sound of gentle summer surf in the background. Bring the family and your blanket or low-back beach chair and join the fun!
Free
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
831.459.3800 | seymourcenter.ucsc.edu
This 90-minute, behind-the-scenes hiking tour takes visitors into Younger Lagoon Reserve adjacent to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Part of the University of California Natural Reserve System, Younger Lagoon Reserve contains diverse coastal habitat and is home to birds of prey, migrating sea birds, bobcats, and other wildlife. Come and see what scientists are doing to track local mammals, restore native habitat, and learn about the workings of one of California’s rare coastal lagoons. Younger Lagoon Reserve tours are free and open to the public. Space is limited to 14 participants. Advance reservations highly recommended. Tours are best suited for children 10 years of age and older. Participants must be physically able to walk up and down steep inclines. Water and weather protection is strongly suggested. Parking fees on Thursdays.
Free
Kuumbwa Jazz Center
831-427-2227 | www.kuumbwajazz.org
Christian McBride is a six-time Grammy Award-winning bassist/composer and host of NPR’s Jazz Night in America. Since the early 1990s, McBride has recorded on hundreds of projects as a sideman and has been a bandleader since 1995. Aside from collaborations with Sting, Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, and Goerge Duke, McBride has been Artist-in-Residence and Artistic Director with organizations such as Jazz House Kids, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and The Jazz Museum in Harlem. McBride still manages to tour consistently while also hosting The Lowdown: Conversations with Christian on Sirius/XM radio. McBride was also recently named the Artistic Director of the historic Newport Jazz Festival, taking over the reins from the festival’s longtime producer/founder, George Wein. A Christian McBride Situation explores McBride’s love of funk and R&B and features Patrice Rushen on keyboard, Alyson Williams on vocals, Keith Loftis on saxophone, and DJ Logic and Jahi Sundance on turntables.
Two show are available at: 7pm & 9pm.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
831.335.7077 | www.parks.ca.gov
Come spend an evening of astronomy and galactic greatness at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Enjoy live jazz music, arts and crafts, special astronomer guest speaker, moonlit guided walk, and stargazing with telescopes! Event held at visitor center. Free event. Vehicle day-use fee is $10. Event made possible by Santa Cruz Astronomy Club, Mountain Parks Foundation, and California State Parks.
Free
Harvey West Park
831.420.5270 | www.coastaltrailruns.com
Run through 300 foot tall, 1500 year-old Coastal Redwoods, lush stream canyons, open meadows, pine and oak forests, and high dry chaparral-covered ridges. The Half Marathon, 30 Km, Marathon, and 50 Km events cross the San Lorenzo River multiple times! (Distances are accurately measured using a Rolatape® surveyor’s measuring wheel.) There is a 9-hour time limit for all events. Events:8:00 am 50 KM Marathon $80, Marathon $70, 30 KM $65, Half Marathon $60, 8:15 am 10 KM $50 and 7:50 am Kid’s Fun Run – Lawn Parade Loop, 0.20 mi Free! Race-day Entry (if not sold out) – Add $10. Please read our Cancellation Policy. Hosted by Coastal Trail Runs. The top 3 male and female overall winners of every distance will win an award and race credits to future Coastal races: 1st Place $50, 2nd Place $35 and 3rd Place $20.
