Santa Cruz is coming at you with a wild week of live shows, featuring a full-blown rock band that plays with no instruments and a group known for their less than politically correct antics on stage. Then there is Point Break Live! an interactive theater experience that brings the surfer bro/crime thriller flick to life and where one lucky audience member gets to play special agent, Johnny Utah.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5
The Dandy Warhols at The Catalyst Club
Adding some glam and 60s psychedelia to the grungy alternative scene of the 1990s, cult favorite The Dandy Warhols finally made it out of the college radio circuit with the release of “Bohemian Like You” the second single off their third studio album, Thirteen Tales from Urban Bohemia. The video features full-frontal nudity, which is not at all surprising if you have ever seen this Portland, Ore. band live. During their early days they got a reputation for nudity filled live shows and an eclectic stage performance. With eight studio albums under their belt, they may not be the libertines of yesteryear, but for a trip down memory lane, this show cannot be beat. 9 p.m. Tickets: $20/$25.
The House Jacks at Kuumbwa Jazz Center
“A rock band without the instruments” is the perfect description of The House Jacks, an acapella group that initially formed in 1981 in San Francisco. Not your typical college acapella group, The House Jacks tackle a wide variety of instruments that most groups stay away from due to difficulty, such as horns, trumpets, guitar, and harmonica. This will be their first performance with an all new lineup. 7 p.m. Tickets: $20/$25; half-price night for students.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Five Local Bands for $5 at The Blue Lagoon
Palmz, Pyromids, Strange Hotel, Denny Joints, and Eagle Wolf share a bill this Friday night at downtown dive, The Blue. That comes out to $1 a band – we did the math. Come out and support your local bands for a night of “mystery and mayhem, hugs and dancing, camaraderie and cohorts” and cheap drinks. You can’t even buy a sandwich for $5 anymore. Let that sink in. 9 p.m. Tickets: $5 at the door.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Point Break Live! at The Catalyst Club
Have you ever thought after watching 1991 cult classic film, Point Break, “Hell, even I could be Johnny Utah!” Well, now is your chance. This live, interactive spoof of the movie that brought us Patrick Swayze in full surfer dude glory and Keanu Reaves as well, Keanu, Point Break Live! acts out portions of the movie with Johnny Utah played by a lucky member of the audience. Prepared to get drenched by a 50-year storm while getting robbed by the Ex-Presidents. Don’t miss this show or Patrick Swayze will haunt your dreams. 7 p.m. Tickets: $20.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8
Arrows is a local band that has been making some calculated moves in town the past few months, playing shows with growing crowds at venues like The Blue Lagoon and The Catalyst. Like most post-punk bands that list Joy Division as an influence, their somber and heavy backtracks are filled with catchy bass lines and savvy guitar chords, punctuated by singer Isaac Romero’s deep and monotone vocals, bringing to mind bands like Interpol and She Wants Revenge. They play an intimate set at The Crepe Place. With Yaquina Bay and Night Dive. 9 p.m. Tickets: $8 at the door.
Contact Sam at [email protected]. Pictured: Point Break Live! via Facebook.
