Decisions, decisions. Between political candidates, cable companies, coffee places and types of eggs benedict, does it ever feel like the world may just be giving you too many choices sometimes? This week we’re taking some away for you. Four days. Four shows. Nothing to decide between. See one or see them all—all we ask is that you have some fun while you’re at it.
Wednesday, August 3
Local Singer and Songwriter Showcase at The Blue Lagoon
Santa Cruz is home to a truckload of great bands, but sometimes there’s something a little more interesting and soul-churning about watching a single performer get up on stage and do their thing, holding the crowd with no one to rely on but themselves. Aliza Hava, Tyler Larson and Alex Abreu will be doing just that for your enjoyment this Wednesday. Hava and Larson, collectively known as Eve of Eden, and Abreu have all made appearances on our weekly list in the past, so you know they are about to bring some solo musical fire. Come out and support some solid local talent.
Check out our interview with Aliza Hava here.
Show at 9pm. Tickets $5 at the door
Thursday, August 4
Atlas Genius at The Catalyst Club
You might not recognize the name at first glance, but you might remember a tune or two from their debut album When It Was Now. Its release launched the two brothers that make the core of the band out of small-town Australia and into the national spotlight. While on the road the album took off, with the song “Trojans” gaining millions of YouTube plays practically over night. Their tour was only supposed to go for two months and ended up lasting two years. Upon finally returning home the band decided to relocate to Los Angeles to turn their two years of experience into a sophomore album. Now that Inanimate Objects has been released, the band of alt-rock brothers is back on the road doing what they do best. Come see them in action this Thursday.
Show at 9pm. Tickets $20 in advance/$23 at the door
Saturday, August 6
Wild Iris at The Crepe Place
Kate Mullikin and Bryan Shelton of Wild Iris are just plain fun. Their twangy, whiskey-dipped, country, bluegrass-y brand of rock has made them a local favorite in Santa Cruz, and this summer they took their act on the road to see how the rest of California could get down. After almost two months on the run, they are playing a homecoming show at The Crepe Place, and after their musical boot camp, you know they’ll be in top form. Come get you some good ol’ fashioned string pickin’.
Show at 9pm. Tickets $8 at the door
Monday, August 8
Wavves at The Catalyst
It’s not often that a Monday night show is pumpin’ enough to make the weekly list, but Wavves brings Saturday night energy to every one of their shows. Named after his fear of the ocean, Nathan Williams released his first album under the name Wavves at the age of 18 while still living with his parents and turned into one of the most buzzworthy artists of 2008. Since then Wavves and their cheeky brand of scuzzy surf punk have been going strong—touring, making insanely fun music videos and even recording some music for the new Grand Theft Auto video game soundtrack “Welcome To Los Angeles,” which features some of the most sought-after artists in the industry. Get pitted on a Monday, brah.
Show at 9pm. Tickets $20 at the door
