Visitors to our beachside community would not be faulted in thinking Halloween is a year-long holiday in Santa Cruz. Someone is always dressing up. So when Halloween comes around, you know to expect something special. Vibrant, loud, colorful, theatrical and yes, a little bit grotty, Santa Cruz comes alive on All Hallows’ Eve. This week, throw on your scary mask and hit the local music scene for some amazing live shows.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27
Chucho Valdes and Irakere at The Rio Theatre
Latin jazz pianist, composer and bandleader Chuco Valdes is one of Cuba’s most accomplished musicians. His 50-year career produced 24 albums in the afro-Cuban jazz genre he helped popularize around the world. The multi-Grammy Award-winning artist and performer takes the stage with his supergroup, Irakere at The Rio. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $40/$60.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29
Get ready to regulate and head to The Catalyst this Thursday to see one of the most legendary names in hip-hop, Mr. Warren G. Coming straight outta Long Beach in 1990 with his group 213 (the Long Beach area code before it switched to 562) and fellow emcees, the late Nate Dogg and Snoop Dogg during the now immortalized beginnings of West Coast gangsta rap, Warren G has stayed busy, releasing six albums and countless collaborations with members of hip-hop’s finest during his twenty-five year career. Be prepared for a lyrical masterclass. 8 p.m. Tickets: $18/$23.
Heralding from the green pastures of North Carolina, this inventive folk-pop three-piece straddles the line between quirky and serious folk with ease. Catch glimpses of Sea Wolf mixed with the high pitched weird folk falsettos a la Neutral Milk Hotel and The Unicorns. With San Francisco’s Peachalope opening. 9 p.m. Tickets: $10.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30
The Frogman Experience at The Blue Lagoon
One of the most eclectic groups to rise out of the miasma of the Santa Cruz music scene in recent months, The Frogman Experience hosts a night of psychedelic funk and theatrical skits for one crazy night at The Blue. The Frogman’s Haunted Carnival also features a costume contest, so remember to dress up if you want to win! 8 p.m. Tickets: $5.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31
Freaker’s Ball at The Catalyst Club
The entire Catalyst Club is transformed into a Halloween musical wonderland, featuring live art, costume contest, multiple dance floors, burlesque show and an insane lineup of artists to keep you dancing all night long. With Dimond Saints performing a special Halloween set, Thriftworks, Gladkill, The Human Experience, Digital Honey and more. Fuel up on candy, its going to be a long one. 8 p.m. Tickets: $20-$45.
Contact Sam at [email protected]. Pictured: Freaker’s Ball via Facebook.
