While this may be the most gorgeous time of year in Santa Cruz, it’s been absolutely sweltering lately, and unless you’re lucky enough to work in one of the few buildings in town with capable AC, it’s probably all you can think about right now. Luckily we here at Good Times & SantaCruz.com have found a week’s worth of great shows to distract us from the sun outside, and a real reason to sweat at night.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Short for “Of a Revolution,” O.A.R has delivered quality rock and jam band music since 1994. Well known for playing electric and breathtaking live shows that display true mastery of their instruments and genre, O.A.R. has garnered a huge following over the years. Constantly touring and as active in their charitable pursuits and they are in their music, O.A.R is truly a group that not only commands your respect, but deserves it. 8 p.m. Tickets: $25/$30.
Get a taste of down under with Clowns, a relentless and hard-hitting rock group from Melbourne, Australia. Currently on tour, this weirdly awesome band may feel right at home in downtown Santa Cruz. Come hear the noise at local dive, The Blue. They will be joined by Bay Area and local punk rock bands, Get Dead, Sad Boy Sinister, and The Gutz. 9 p.m. Tickets: $5.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Donavon Frankenreiter at Moe’s Alley
Donavon Frankenreiter burst onto the scene as a fresh-faced 18-year-old surf rat signed to the Billabong team in San Clemente. As Jack Johnson’s protege, he released his self-titled debut in 2004 and has since released seven more albums. He is also a tireless environmental activist. Is there anything Donavon can’t do? We think not. His acoustic surf rock talents will be on display at Moe’s. 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $25.
It is tough to stay fresh and relevant in the electronic and indie music scenes where trends age as fast as their mob of youthful devotees. One group that has managed to stay at the top, producing groundbreaking sounds on every release since their debut album, 2005’s Crazy For You, is Best Coast, made up of former child actress, guitarist and vocalist, Bethany Cosentino and guitarist and multi-instrumentalist, Bobb Bruno. Experience their insane skills and versatility at The Catalyst, with Lovely Bad Things. 8 p.m. Tickets: $20/$25.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
The Queer Queens of Comedy at Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Okay, so this is not strictly music, but you would be sad to miss this showing of comedic star power. Poppy Champin and Jen Kober are two of the hardest working people in comedy, and it shows during their live performances. Poppy is a veteran of multiple standup and sketch programs, appearing on Showtime, HBO, LOGO, and Comics Unleashed. Joining her will be Jen, currently taking Hollywood by storm with appearances on television shows, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Up All Night and the movie Grudge Match with Robert De Niro. 8 p.m. Tickets: $25/$40.
Pictured: Clowns via Facebook
