Santa Cruz gets to play host to a lot of the best touring acts in the music industry, but we’re also home to some of the best up-and-coming bands. This week our music picks are all about that Santa Cruz flavor. Get out there and support some local artists.
Thursday, July 7
Local Music Showcase at The Catalyst Atrium
Gun-to-our-head scenario in which we had to choose the ten best rising bands in Santa Cruz right now, all of the bands at the Local Music Showcase at the Catalyst would make the list. Sap Laughter and their infectious indie rock are fresh off of a Pacific Northwest tour. The Jolly Llamas and their jovial sound have been tearing down just about every venue in the city limits this past year. Henry Chadwick is taking a break from local rock band The Coffis Brothers to bring his solo guitar style and his band Battlesnake. Getaway Dogs round out the bill with their Brazilian-inspired folky jams.
Show at 9pm. Tickets $7 in advance/$10 at the door
Friday, July 8
The Coffis Brothers at Moe’s Alley
Plenty of bands have been able to nail, or rather re-nail, that old school classic rock sound from the likes of Neil Young and Tom Petty. The Coffis Brothers, however, are one of the very few bands who have been able to hit that old school aesthetic while still remaining hip and relevant to current and younger listeners’ tastes. They combine classic techniques with Santa Cruz mountain roots, folk, jazz, and even a little bit of R&B. Come get down with the get down.
Show at 9pm. Tickets $9 in advance/$12 at the door.
Saturday, July 9
Alex Abreu at The Crepe Place
Abreu is a local singer-songwriter who has a lot more going for him than just a catchy alliterative name. Abreu’s songs are as infectious as it gets, somewhere along the lines of surf rock a la Donavon Frankenreiter with a little Santa Cruz folk twinge and just enough sappy love stuff, plus some G Love & Special Sauce funk swagger sprinkled on top. Abreu is the local musician you’ve been waiting to discover and brag about to your friends. Bring them along to the show this Saturday.
Show at 9pm. Tickets $8
Saturday, July 9
12 to Midnight at The Blue Lagoon
Sultry, dark, fast and groovy, 12 to Midnight are a female-fronted post-punk group. This four-piece band has been doing their thing around Santa Cruz for awhile now but have been picking up more steam lately on the back of their powerful and slightly vitriolic live set. They will be joined by other locals Moon Cadillac, Aria, and Arrows for sweaty fast paced night of local music any punk or rock fan would swoon at.
Show at 9pm. Tickets $5
