After watching humans who are at the peak of physical fitness compete for the last few weeks, there are a lot of us out there renewing gym memberships, investing in some swim goggles and dusting off that Fitbit we got for Christmas. We figured we’d help you on your way to your Olympic Physique with some especially high energy shows for you to line dance, mosh and headbang to this week.
Friday, August 19
The English Beat at Moe’s Alley
Rudeboys, dust off those blazers and roll up those pant cuffs because The English Beat are back in town at Moe’s Alley to give us our bi-yearly dose of Ska greatness. The band is coming up on 40 years as an outfit, and they are still consistently touring, bringing their legendary brand of sci-fi punk, ska and attitude with them to every show. Don’t miss out on some English royalty in Santa Cruz—you never know if this will be their last trek across the pond.
Show at 9pm. Tickets $26 in advance/$30 at the door
Friday, August 19
International Metal Showcase at The Blue Lagoon
Featuring NEID all the way from Italy, Hand Of Fire from the East Bay, Genocide Method from Colorado and Eviscerate from right here in Santa Cruz, this metal showcase is pretty much guaranteed not to disappoint the headbanger in your life. The speakers, loud music and good company will be plentiful (along with cutoff Ts and long hair). If you’re looking to get loud, sweaty and throw some bows in a pit, look no further.
Show at 9pm. Tickets $5 at the door
Friday, August 19
Hot Flash Heat Wave at The Crepe Place
If sweat and elbows in a mosh pit isn’t your cup of tea on a Friday, don’t fret—The Crepe and Hot Flash Heat Wave have you covered with a tasty new twist on West Coast indie rock. This four-piece out of San Francisco has been making quite a buzz with their brand of lo-fi surf rock and punky, sun-dipped rock jams. Think Wavves meets The Beach boys with a little bit of Matt and Kim cheekiness thrown in there.
Show at 9pm. Tickets $8 at the door
Saturday, August 20
Power Of Expression FEST at The Catalyst
In its first year, this brand new local event looks to unite hardcore and punk musicians, fans and bands in Santa Cruz and the greater Bay Area for one night of pure musical mayhem, and judging by the line-up it looks like they’ve done a damn good job. The night will feature music from Good Neighbor Policy, Dan Potthast, Great Apes, Dearly Divided, Thanks Buddy, Give You Nothing, Russ Rankin, Drain, No Greater Fight, Year Of The Cobra, Cost Of Living, Bowers, Call Sign, Outdone, Fake Enemies, Cold Shoulder, At The Bricks and VWLS. Eat your Wheaties before this one, you’ll need the energy.
Show at 5pm. Tickets $10 in advance/$15 at the door
Sunday, August 21
Jamestown Revival at The Catalyst
They might be a little bit cliché in the “two friends from Texas who make Americana and Southern country music songs about everyday life” sense, but that’s really the only critique we can offer on these two endearing musicians. Their songs are simple yet somehow exciting, while their harmonies and guitar picking are surgical in their precision. When you combine all that with their down-home Texas style and flavor, they make for quite the duo. If you’re a fan of The Avett Brothers or Mumford & Sons don’t miss out on this one.
Show at 8pm. Tickets $15 in advance/$18 at the door
