Although Santa Cruz is one of the most expensive cities to live in California, this week we are rich with live music, including one of the most legendary punk bands of all time, grimy pacific northwest ska bands, and dozens of traveling “street performers”—so at least we’ve got that goin’ for us.
Wednesday, June 1
World’s Finest at Moe’s Alley
Hailing from the foggy lands of Portland, Oregon, World’s Finest have artfully bridged the gap between Ska, Americana, Dub, and classic Bluegrass. Mixing old school upright bass, sax, and strings with modern electric guitar and keys, they create a new world sound that the old one would be proud of as well.
Show at 8:30pm. $7 advance/$10 at the door
Wednesday, June 1
Santa Cruz Air Guitar Championship at The Blue Lagoon
“US Air Guitar is devoted to taking our nation’s unofficial pastime out of the bedroom and putting it up on the world stage. Founded in 2003, the US Air Guitar Championships have grown into a major national event that reaches more cities, fans and competitors every year.” If you just jumped in the air in exultation and started to fire up that old imaginary guitar, then don’t fret (haha)—you can still get down! Enter to compete here for only 10 bucks. Bring your A-game because this ain’t no joke—people get seriously sweaty up there on those Gas Guitars. Needless to say, this will be an interesting show.
Show at 9pm. $5 at the door
Friday, June 3
Bad Religion at The Catalyst Main Stage
Purveyors of punk rock since 1979, these old school legends have still got it. 16 studio albums, two live albums, three compilation albums, three EPs (including a personal favorite that is comprised entirely of Christmas song covers) and two DVDs later, these guys are taking their act on the road for another summer and luckily we get another stop. If you’re not familiar with the group, we caught up with band member Brian Baker last year—you can read the interview here. You should snag a ticket to this one fast—we’re surprised there’s still some left.
Show at 9pm. $29.50 in advance/$33 at the door
Saturday, June 4
The Budos Band at The Catalyst Main Stage
Brooklyn-based The Budos Band has a classic but unique sound, almost like futuristic, evil-funk, instrumental, spaghetti western music. If you were scoring a dystopian sci-fi remake of Don Quixote, then they would be the guys to do it. They have built their reputation on the back of an absolutely scorching live set featuring horns, instrumentals, acoustics, vocals, beards, and lots of everything else music lovers are into. Don’t miss out.
$25 in advance and $30 at the door
