We can’t predict the future, but we can read the weather report, and at the time of this writing it looks like we’re in for some much needed sun this weekend.
Look…sun!
Just in time to get out and enjoy all the weekend events coming our way. We’re planning on soaking up some sun at Saturday’s Migration Festival at Natural Bridges.
Warriors fans can enjoy two home games, though one of the “home” games is in Oakland.
The weekend also brings live performances, a look at paranormal phenomenon in Santa Cruz, a local rock cover band on the beach, and Pie for the People – sounds yummy, right?
Here are our picks for the top events each day this weekend:
Friday
The Book Club Play
When: 1/25 – 2/19
Where: Colligan Theater
Cost: $37 / $43
While not based on a book, you’re sure to catch references to your favorite classics and best-sellers in The Book Club Play. Invite your book club members and fellow book lovers to this comedy brought to you by the Jewel Theatre Company and performed at the Colligan Theater at the Tannery Arts Center.
White Album Ensemble “Unplugged”
When: 2/10 and 2/11 at 8:00 pm
Where: Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Cost: $25 General Admission, $35 Preferred Seating
Relive some of the Beatles’ most famous romantic songs from their last seven albums, including “The White Album.” This show will be mostly acoustic making for the perfect intimate Valentine’s weekend concert. In an effort to not turn anyone away, White Album Ensemble is offering a second night of their traditional “unplugged” concert so get your tickets quick.
Also on Friday
- Jungle Fire @ Moe’s Alley
- Steel Pulse @ The Catalyst
- Sevyn Streeter @ The Catalyst
- Little Feat Guitarists and Vocalists Paul Barrère and Fred Tackett @ Don Quixote’s
- The D’oh Bros @ Crow’s Nest
- Joan of Arc, Magas, Swollen Brain @ The Crepe Place
- Johnny Neri Band @ Severino’s
- What is Erotic? @ 418 Project
- Jewel Theatre Presents: The Book Club Play @ The Colligan Theater
- Crochet Coral Reef Opening Reception @ Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery
- The Figure Contemporary @ Santa Cruz Art League
- Kids’ Valentine Cookie Decorating Workshop @ New Leaf Community Market, 1101 Fair Ave, Santa Cruz
- Guided Elephant Seal Walks @ Año Nuevo State Park
- Wildflower and Nature Hike of Waddell Valley @ Rancho del Oso Unit
Saturday
Romantic Haunts of Santa Cruz: Not your Typical Valentine’s Day Story
When: 2/11 at 2:00 pm
Where: Scotts Valley Library
Cost: Free
Meet author Maryanne Porter at Scotts Valley Library on Saturday February 11 as she discusses her research into the paranormal for her book “Haunted Santa Cruz, California.” Sponsored by the Friends of Scotts Valley Library, a chapter of the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, the event will feature readings by the author, a question and answer session, and an opportunity to purchase an autographed copy of Porter’s book.
Santa Cruz Warriors vs. Austin Spurs
When: 2/11 at 7:00 pm
Where: Kaiser Permanente Arena
Cost: $35 – $65
This Saturday the Warriors take on the Austin Spurs on the home court. This is the first of two home games this weekend (but the only one in Santa Cruz…more on that later). The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive a free Warriors rally towel.
Migration Festival
When: 2/11 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Natural Bridges State Park
Cost: Event is free; vehicle day-use fee is $10
It’s that time of year again, when we bid a temporary farewell to the monarchs. Celebrate the migration of our beloved monarchs as well as whales, birds, and many other species at this family-friendly event. There are a ton of games and crafts for kids to enjoy, educational booths and displays, and live music from the nature-loving 5M’s Band.
The Lost Boys featuring James Durbin
When: 2/11 at 9:30 pm
Where: Crow’s Nest
Cost: $7
It’s gonna be a loud Saturday night in the harbor as the Crow’s Nest welcomes local rock cover band, The Lost Boys featuring James Durbin.
Also on Saturday
- THE ENGLISH BEAT + Chris Murray @ Moe’s Alley
- Sammy Adams @ The Catalyst
- Esoteric Collective, Profound Jazz @ Davenport Roadhouse Restaurant & Inn
- Jeffrey Halford’s ‘Roots That Rock’ @ Aptos St. BBQ
- Jason Mezilis, The Proudest Monkeys, Pan Dulce, Drifting Compass @ The Blue Lagoon
- Miss Lonely Hearts, HILLSTOMP,
Willy Tea Taylor @ Don Quixote’s - White Album Ensemble “Unplugged” @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
- Sour Mash Hug Band, Kat Factor @ The Crepe Place
- Moondance @ Severino’s
- SC Chamber Players Concert 4 @ Christ Luthran Church
- Lady Valentine: Chocolate + Yoga + Wine for Women @ Luma Yoga
- Wine 2 Water 4 Africa @ Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center
- What is Erotic? @ 418 Project
- JOURNEYS TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH @ Rio Theatre
- Jewel Theatre Presents: The Book Club Play @ The Colligan Theater
- The Red Ball Annual Fundraising Gala @ MAH
- 2-For-1 All-Day Rides @ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Animal Shelter Relief Rescue Adoption Fair! @ Pet Pals Discount Pet Supplies
- Aptos Farmers Market @ Cabrillo College
- Guided Elephant Seal Walks @ Año Nuevo State Park
- Volunteer with the Trail Crew @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- History, Nature and Scenic Views: A Tour of the Grey Whale Ranch Area @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Observing Big Basin: An Interpretive Hike @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Basket Making Workshop @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- The Road Less Traveled – A Dog-Friendly Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Romance on the Rancho @ Castro Adobe State Historic Park
- Guided Redwood Grove Walk @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Living History Demonstrations and Ranch Tour @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Discover Big Basin Redwoods Hike! @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Sunday
Carrie’s Dream Dance Showcase
When: 2/12 at 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm
Where: Aptos High School Performing Arts Center
Cost: $20
The 3rd Annual Carrie’s Dream Dance Showcase carries on the dream of a beloved dance teacher to provide dance scholarships for children and young adults in need. In memory of Carrie Dianda McCoid, over 150 local youth dancers will take to the stage performing jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and contemporary dance numbers. There are two performances to choose from, plus live and silent auction events and a bake sale—all proceeds will benefit the Carrie’s Dream Scholarship Fund.
Pie for the People-Santa Cruz
When: 2/12 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: Branciforte Small Schools Campus
Cost: $5 donation per person
What could be better than coming together as a community and eating pie? In true Santa Cruz fashion, bring your own plate, utensils, napkin, and mug, along with a sweet or savory vegetarian pie to share. Those who lack time or baking skills are welcome to attend and donate an extra buck or two. This community potluck benefits Senderos, a non-profit organization sharing and celebrating Latino culture and history through performing arts.
Santa Cruz Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Blue at the Oracle Arena
When: 2/12 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Oracle Arena
Cost: $35 – $150
Did somebody say Stephen Curry Bobblehead? The Boardwalk is sponsoring what is sure to be the giveaway of the season so you’ll want to come early as the giveaway is limited to the first 10,000 fans.
There is one big catch though…the game is in Oakland at the Oracle Arena. If the roads are in good shape and the rain takes a break then it just might be worth the trek.
Also on Sunday
- ISRAEL VIBRATION + Roots Radics @ Moe’s Alley
- Cherry Glazerr @ The Catalyst
- Joe Ferrara @ The Cats Restaurant & Bar
- Birthing Beauty @ Don Quixote’s
- Live Comedy @ Crow’s Nest
- MaMuse from the Heart @ Kuumbwa Jazz Center
- The Box @ The Blue Lagoon
- SC Chamber Players Concert 4 @ Christ Luthran Church
- Contra Cruz @ Santa Cruz Veterans Memorial Hall
- Young Makers: Popsicle Stick Lanterns @ Santa Cruz Public Libraries – Downtown Branch
- Downtown Antique Fair @ Downtown Santa Cruz
- Jewel Theatre Presents: The Book Club Play @ The Colligan Theater
- 2-For-1 All-Day Rides @ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Romance in the Redwoods @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Guided Elephant Seal Walks @ Año Nuevo State Park
- Berry Creek Falls Hike @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Living History Demonstrations and Ranch Tour @ Wilder Ranch State Park
- Guided Redwood Grove Walk @ Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
- Mushroom Hunt @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Redwood Grove Loop Walk @ Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Nature Wander @ Rancho del Oso Unit
- Sunday Seaside Crafts @ Seymour Marine Discovery Center
- Younger Lagoon Reserve Tour @ Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Featured Upcoming Event
What: Santa Cruz Music Festival 2017
Where: Downtown Santa Cruz
When: February 18 & 19, 2017
The Santa Cruz Music Festival is back and ready to take over Downtown Santa Cruz. The festival spans two days and is spread out over 12 venues, ranging from the Catalyst to San Lorenzo Park.
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