The sun is shining outside so why are you still indoors? Embrace the drought, slather on some sunscreen and fill up your reusable water bottle (PBA free, of course) and check out these events happening in a neighborhood near you, compiled by the editors at Good Times.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20
New Leaf Jazz Education Fundraiser
Five percent of all sales on Thursday, Aug. 20 at the Westside New Leaf market will be donated to Kuumbwa’s Jazz Education Programs, which work to introduce youth and adults to jazz, inspiring them to participate both as artists and audience members. Programs include Summer Jazz Camp for teenagers, the renowned High School Honor Jazz Band, Artists-in-the-Schools, which performs at underprivileged school campuses, and the free Master Class series. In an era where music education has all but disappeared from many schools around the nation, these classes provide a valuable community resource.
Info: All day, Westside New Leaf Community Market
FRIDAY – SATURDAY, AUGUST 21/22
Mountain Community Theater ‘Frank and Stella’
Both at a critical crossroads, Frank and Stella are two people in their twilight years going in opposite directions. At his wit’s end, Frank seeks escape and plans on giving up; determined and unrelenting, Stella wants desperately to reclaim what she lost. “Frank and Stella” is a tale of marriage, life, love and all the tragedy and comedy that gets mixed up in the tumultuous narrative. Mountain Community Theater presents their “New Works Night” with a staged reading of the play by Chad Davies, Ruth Elliott, Suzanne Schrag, Steve Capasso and James Rummonds.
Info: 8 p.m. Mountain Community Theater
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
Food Truck Block Party
Somehow food from a truck eaten in the middle of a busy street with friends milling, music playing and not nearly enough napkins to go around makes an outdoor summertime feast all the more fun. The last food truck extravaganza drew hundreds and on Saturday, Aug. 22, the United Presbyterian Church of Watsonville and Watsonville Forward welcome Mariscos San Juanito, Zameen Mediterranean, G’s Tacos, Aunt Lali’s, Choke Coach, and many more food entrepreneurs for a true community feast on wheels. To burn some calories in between meals (so that you can go back for seconds, and thirds!) there will be a bounce house for kids and The Ville Band providing bluesy Latin grooves.
Info: 4-7 p.m., United Presbyterian Church parking lot, 112 E Beach St., Watsonville. Free. Check Food Truck Block Party—Watsonville on Facebook for more information.
SATURDAY – SUNDAY, AUGUST 22/23
Tequila & Taco Music Festival
Producers of the California Beer Festival bring to Santa Cruz the second annual event, featuring top-shelf tequila tasting, craft beer, gourmet tacos, art vendors at San Lorenzo Park in downtown Santa Cruz. Sunday is “Mas Margaritas” day and will not have tequila sampling. Live music will be provided by local favorites, Extra Large, Patrone, The Bomb, KALYDE and Sambada. For a complete schedule visit Tequila & Taco Music Festival. Tickets: $10-$40. Kids 12 and under free.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26
‘House on Rodeo Gulch’ Screening
Local independent filmmaker William Scherer will show his new film House on Rodeo Gulch this Wednesday at the Del Mar Theater. Five years in the making, this psychological thriller will make its worldwide debut on the big screen—chronicling the tenuous relationship between a mother and daughter who move from Texas to the Santa Cruz redwoods. Nothing in the wooded paradise is as it seems, however, as they quickly find themselves in a strange and dangerous struggle for possession of their dream home.
Info: 7:30 p.m., Del Mar Theatre, Tickets: $10.
