By the end of the week, the collective mind of Good Times is literally swirling with dates, times and locations. There is simply so many events happening in Santa Cruz County! Where to being? Oh yes, Friday. Here is a list of the top events happening in a neighborhood near you.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28
‘Iran Nuclear Agreement: Implications for Regional Security’
With the recent nuclear agreement with Iran and all the opposition in the U.S. Congress, it’s a little difficult to keep all the stipulations clear before the issue goes to a vote in September. That’s why Professor Stephen Zunes will discuss the agreement, Iran’s internal struggles and its role in the Middle East. Zunes is a professor of Politics and International Studies at the University of San Francisco, and he’ll be joined by UCSC lecturer Daniel Hirsch, lecturer on nuclear policy and former director of the UCSC Adlai Stevenson Program on Nuclear Policy.
Info: 7:30 p.m. Resource Center for Nonviolence. Suggested donation $8-$15.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
‘En Nuestra Imagen/In Our Image’
Pajaro Valley Arts Council curator and artist Juan R. Fuentes has put together a collection of works from artists all over the San Francisco and Monterey Bay areas. The exhibit speaks to a distinct Chicana/Chicano, Latina/Latino perspective through a wide range of techniques, mediums, styles, and approaches. Exploring issues of gender, labor, culture, nature, immigration, humor, and beauty, En Nuestra Imagen works in conjunction with three Latino and Latina experiences of genesis in the Chicano movement in California and beyond. Co-sponsored by the Cabrillo College Gallery, the exhibit will also feature Pancho Rodriguez, Juan R. Fuentes and Michelle Mouton to discuss the cultural, historical, and political impact of Chicano life.
Info: 4-6 p.m. Cabrillo College, Watsonville, Multi-purpose Room 130, 318 Union St., Watsonville. pajarovalleyartscouncil.org.
Candid Camera’s Eight Decades of Smiles
Allen Funt revolutionized television when he started out as host and creator of “Candid Camera” in 1948. The only show to have produced new episodes in each of the last eight decades, “Candid Camera” celebrates its legacy with the late Funt’s son, Peter Funt, taking audiences on a trip down memory lane. As a benefit for Second Harvest Food Bank, the show will feature many scenes from Santa Cruz County, in addition to Funt’s favorite scenes of all time. Audiences are invited to join the presenter on stage to answer trivia questions and get a chance at winning prizes.
Info: 7-10 p.m., Rio Theatre. $25-$40.
Ethnic Dance Festival Free Family Days
Learn the pulsing rhythms of Puerto Rico, the thrumming beats of the congas, barriles, and maracas, from Ali Luna of Luna Rhythms. In partnership with the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, the Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center brings a variety of ethnic dances to families throughout the county with dance, music and cultural history from artists Luna Rhythms, Baile Folklorico from Puerto Rico and Hawaiian music and dance from Leolani Lowry. These free workshops will take place on Saturdays leading up to the main Ethnic Dance Festival in September at the Tannery.
Info: 11 a.m, Capitola Library. houseonrodeogulch.com. Free.
MONDAY, AUGUST 31
Award-winning, best-selling author, Jonathan Franzen discusses and signs copies of his highly anticipated new novel, Purity.
Info: 7 p.m. Bookshop Santa Cruz. Book and ticket package: $30/$45.
Top image: Artwork by Juan R. Fuentes
