The final weekend of January is chock full of musical and dance performances, including local choreographer Tandy Beal’s 40th anniversary show.
Read on to see the rest of our picks for the best events in Santa Cruz this weekend.
Community Rental: Light Up the Night Bike Ride
When: Friday, 1/30 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: MAH
How Much: Free
Local company People Power is celebrating bicycle culture with its Light Up the Night Bike Ride where they’ll give away free bike lights and lead the community in an evening ride.
Blonde Redhead
When: Friday, 1/30 at 8:30 pm
Where: Rio Theatre
How Much: $21
NYC alternative rock band Blonde Redhead is known for their always changing and inventive musical style, and their latest release, Barragan, continues their bold musical tradition. Visit the Rio to hear them play old favorites and new hits.
Moo, Great Spirit, Lucy Arnell
When: Friday, 1/30 at 9:00 pm
Where: The Crepe Place
How Much: $8
UCSC rock band Moo has only been around since 2013, but they’ve already gained a spot in the local music community by frequently playing at The Poet & the Patriot and Mission Street BBQ. Now they’ll take their music to the Crepe Place this Friday night.
40 Odd Moves: Solos and Other Entertainments!
When: Friday, 1/30 & Saturday, 1/31 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, 2/1 at 2:00 pm
Where: Cabrillo Crocker Theater
How Much: $14-$45
Tandy Beal takes the stage this weekend for her first solo dance performance in 10 years. The performance is the first in a series marking the 40th anniversary of Tandy Beal & Company. Music by composer Jon Scoville.
Purchase a Gold Circle ticket to attend the 40th Anniversary Champagne and Chocolate reception following the opening night performance.
8 Tens @ 8 Festival
When: Friday, 1/30 through Sunday, 2/1. Runs through 2/8
Where: Center Street Theater
How Much: $22-$40
Some scientists say the average human attention span is about ten minutes, so this collection of ten minute one act plays should keep the audience engaged all night. If you want to experience some theatrical variety, this is the perfect event for you.
The Road Less Traveled—A Dog-Friendly Walk
When: Saturday, 1/31 at 10:00 am
Where: Big Basin Redwoods State Park
How Much: Free
North Escape Road, which runs along Opal Creek, is usually closed to traffic, but you and your four legged friend can experience its mysterious wonder this weekend. The group will meet at Park Headquarters. Dogs are welcome but not required.
Deep Ellum, Sugar Candy Mountain
When: Saturday, 1/31 at 9:00 pm
Where: The Crepe Place
How Much: $8
If “bootcut boogie,” “cosmic country,” and “roadhouse rock n’ roll” sound like your cup of tea, you won’t want to miss local band Deep Ellum’s performance, which will evoke bands like Flying Burrito Brothers and Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Youth Bank Cabaret 2015 at Kuumbwa
When: Saturday, 1/31 at 6:00 pm
Where: Kuumbwa Jazz
How Much: $25
Three young Santa Cruz bands will perform this weekend in support of at risk youth in the area. Not My Fault, Marty O’Reilly, and Coffis Brothers & The Mountain Men will all bring their own unique style to the show.
The Crooked Road Céilí Band ~ Santa Cruz Mountains Winter Céilí and Set Dance
When: Saturday, 1/31 from 8:00 pm – midnight
Where: The Trout Farm Inn
How Much: $5
If you’re craving a trip to Ireland but aren’t likely to get there anytime soon, come experience the next best thing in Felton, where an Irish dance party will be held at the Trout Farm Inn this weekend. “Céilí” is Gaelic for “party,” so it’s sure to be a good time.
Beach Cleanups
Additional events this weekend
Friday:
- Willie Watson
- David Kahiliaulani Kuhia Ka’io
- Upon A Burning Body, Veil of Maya, Volumes
- Nigel & Clive
- Annual Ukulele Spaghetti Extravaganza
- Las Cafeteras Benefit for PVUSD Scholarship Fund
- Blame Sally
- La Misa Negra + Flor De Caña
Saturday:
- “Aja Vu plays Steely Dan Stealin’ Chicago plays Chicago”
- A Musical Residency with Tess Dunn
- Ballast
- Pawn Shop Soul
- Seth Augustus Band @ The Pocket
- Wilder Ranch Coast Nature Walks
- Wilder Ranch State Park Docent Training
- Royal Southern Brotherhood
Sunday:
- An Evening of French Baroque Music
- Sunday Seaside Crafts
- RL Grime
- Coo Coo Birds, Rat King, Beach Fuzz
Recurring Events You Can Find Every Weekend
- Tours of the Reserve at Elkhorn Slough (weekly event – every Saturday & Sunday)
- Santa Cruz Farmers Markets (weekly events)
- Live Comedy at the Crow’s Nest (weekly event – every Sunday night)
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