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Playing Around: UCSC's outdoor Sinsheimer-Stanley Festival Glen plays host to the area's summer ode to the Bard, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, just one of the season's many cultural, musical and theatrical offerings.
Thursday, May 29
Chautauqua
Farewell to Manzanar/Baba/Flight of the Monkey King
Friday, May 30
Chautauqua
Farewell to Manzanar/Baba/Flight of the Monkey King
Groupo Folklórico
Circus Catti
Saturday, May 31
Chautauqua
Farewell to Manzanar/Baba/Flight of the Monkey King
Sisters of the Visitation
Circle Trail Day
KUSP Live Radio Auction
Vintner's Festival
Sunday, June 1
Farewell to Manzanar/Baba/Flight of the Monkey King
The Hollow Crown
Knights of the Road
Pride Parade
Tuesday, June 3
Sonia Gariaeff
Wednesday, June 4
Ben Blechman
Thursday, June 5
Farewell to Manzanar/Baba/Flight of the Monkey King
A Psycho-Sexual Incantation
Friday, June 6
Farewell to Manzanar/Baba/Flight of the Monkey King
Into Another Realm
University Concert Choir
Saturday, June 7
Farewell to Manzanar/Baba/Flight of the Monkey King
Into Another Realm
Gay & Lesbian Chorus
Kazuko Hara Mockett
Music of the American Shakers
World One Festival
Cement Ship Festival
Strawberry Festival
Sunday, June 8
Farewell to Manzanar/Baba/Flight of the Monkey King
Into Another Realm
Avant Garden Party
Cartoon Jazz
World One Festival
Saturday, June 14
Into Another Realm
Bat Night
Juneteenth Celebration
Sunday, June 15
Pops for Pops
Art on the Wharf
Tuesday, June 17
Zoo at Sunset
Thursday, June 18
Zoo at Sunset
Friday, June 20
The Barber of Seville
Surf Solstice Slam Festival
Saturday, June 21
The Barber of Seville
The Best of Friends
A Bicentennial Celebration
Japanese Cultural Fair
Surf Solstice Slam Festival
Woodies on the Wharf
Sunday, June 22
The Barber of Seville
Discovery Walk
Surf Solstice Slam Festival
Monday, June 23
1907 Nights
Thursday, June 26
Pride and Prejudice
Friday, June 27
Summertime, Summer Nights
The Barber of Seville
Pride and Prejudice
Eric Vormanns
Saturday, June 28
Monterey Bay Blues Festival
The Barber of Seville
Pride and Prejudice
Olive Oil Tasting
Roller Derby
Sunday, June 29
Monterey Bay Blues Festival
The Barber of Seville
Pride and Prejudice
Summer Music Picnic
Friday, July 4
The Drifters
Music in the Mountains
Firecracker 10K Race
4th of July Celebration
Old-Fashioned Picnic
World's Shortest Parade
Saturday, July 5
Bobby Valentino
Funny Girl
Monterey Bay Meltdown
Friday, July 11
Bachmann-Turner Overdrive
The Barber of Seville
Saturday, July 12
The Barber of Seville
Monterey Bay Meltdown
Sunday, July 13
The Barber of Seville
Thursday, July 17
Shakespeare Santa Cruz
Friday, July 18
Hot & Cool Jazz Festival
The Shirelles
Saturday, July 19
Hot & Cool Jazz Festival
Monterey Bay Meltdown
Reptiles
Sunday, July 20
Hot & Cool Jazz Festival
Shmuel Thaler
May
The annual showcase of diverse student-directed and written theater returns. May 29-June 1, 5:30 and 7:30pm. $4. Performing Arts Center, UCSC (459-2159).
Professor Kathy Foley directs an adaptation of Jeanne Houston's chronicle of Japanese internment and a version of Belle Yang's Baba and Odyssey of a Manchurian. 8pm. $9/$8/$6/$5. Barn Theater, UCSC (459-2159).
See May 29.
See May 29.
The local Mexican folkloric dance troupe presents its annual showcase. May 30-31, 8pm. $10/$7/$5. Performing Arts Main Stage, UCSC (459-2159).
A three-ring circus complete with acrobatics, stilt walkers, trapeze artists, and lions and tigers and bears, oh my. 4:30 and 8pm. May 31, 2 and 7pm. June 1, 1 and 7pm. $10/$9/$8. SC County Fairgrounds, Watsonville (714/730-9033).
See May 29.
See May 29.
Francois Deniaenne's comic opera about the secret goings-on within a convent. May 31-June 1, 8pm. $10/$8/$5. Recital Hall, UCSC (459-2159).
20 separate but interconnected events including a 10K run, EcoThon, walks, river paddles and more to advance ecological lifestyles and ecotourism. 7:30am-5pm. $150 (EcoThon teams)/$27 (10K fee)/free. Locations throughout Santa Cruz (426-8810).
The celebrated radio auction kicks off a nine-day buying frenzy, including fine wines, adventurous trips, art pieces and so much more. noon-9pm. McPherson Center, 705 Front St, SC (476-2800).
Santa Cruz Mountain wineries provide a marriage of food and wine, tours, art and music at various locations throughout Santa Cruz, Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. May 31-June 1, June 7-8 11am-5pm. $15 for both weekends. Call 479-9463.
June
See May 29. 3pm.
Santa Cruz County Artist of the Year Paul Whitworth takes a look at the kings and queens of England seen through the eyes of their contemporaries. 7pm. Free. Cabrillo College Theater, 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos (462-8300).
The Soquel High School Booster Club hosts a classic car show, with a raffle, DJ, dance contest, vendors and oodles of choice autos. 10am-3pm. Soquel High School, 401 Old San Jose Rd, Soquel (429-3918).
A street party for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community, with speakers, food, booths and more. Noon. Free. Parade on Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz (425-LGBC).
A senior recital of vocal works by Brahms, Mozart, Debussy and Thea Musgrave. 8pm. Free. Recital Hall, UCSC (459-2159).
A concert of unaccompanied violin works by J.S. Bach and Ysaye, and Brahm's first string quartet with guest artists. 8pm. Free. Recital Hall, UCSC (459-ARTS).
See May 29.
The Knucklehead Spoken Word Tour features Peter Gault and Amy Rachelle in a literary, musical and performance art maze. 8pm. $7. Actors' Theatre, 1001 Center St, SC (425-7529).
See May 29.
Fifteen choreographers from San Francisco, Davis, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Cruz and Ecuador offer a unique mix of solo and group productions. June 6-7, 13-14. 8pm. $10. Santa Cruz Dance Gallery, 418 Front St, SC (457-1448).
An informal concert of spring and summer songs conducted by Margaret Kvamme. 8pm. $5/$3. Recital Hall, UCSC (459-2159).
See May 29.
See June 6.
The choir performs everything from classical songs to Broadway hits emphasizing gay and lesbian composers. 8pm. $7-$18. First Congregational Church, 900 High St, SC (662-8790).
A recital featuring songs by Franz Schubert in celebration of the composer's 200th birthday. 8pm. $3. Recital Hall, UCSC (459-ARTS).
Shelley Phillips, Lars Johannesson and Debra Spencer take on the music of the 19th-century religious sect. 8pm. $10/$8. Holy Cross Mission Adobe Chapel, 144 School St, SC (426-9155).
Sounds from the emerging world culture. Robert Tree Cody, CJ Chenier and the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Laura Love Band, Los Lobos, San Francisco Taiko Dojo, Conjunto Céspedes, Klezmatics, Fourth World. 1:30am-midnight. $99/$33/$22. Aslo June 8. Monterey Fairgrounds, Monterey (655-1094).
Celebrate the WWI-era cement ship, its ballroom, arcade, restaurant and fountain at this fourth annual event with music by Banjos by the Bay, dances, games and stories. 11am-5pm. Seacliff State Beach, Seacliff exit off Hwy 1, Aptos (685-6444).
Raffles, games, food and entertainment all in celebration of one of the world's sweetest berries. 11am-5pm. Free. Walnut Ave. Women's Center, 303 Walnut Ave, SC (426-3062).
See May 29.
See June 6.
New Music Works and a host of musical greats pay tribute to composer Lou Harrison on the eve of his 80th birthday. 2pm. $40/$25. Lemon Yellow Farm, 111 Vine Hill Rd, SC (427-2225).
The UCSC Jazz Ensemble and Little Big Ban end their performance season with a fun and unique concert featuring the quirky cartoon music of composer Raymond Scott. 8pm. $8/$5/$3. Recital Hall, UCSC (459-2159).
Jai Uttal and the Pagan Love Orchestra, Zakir Hussain and the Rhythm Experience, GS Sachdev, Hamza El-Din, Vasen, Steeleye Span and Mari Boine Band. 11:30am-midnight. $99/$33/$22. Monterey Fairgrounds, Monterey (655-1094).
See June 6.
Bat aficionado Morgan Venable introduces one and all to the night creatures through a slide show and live appearance. 7:30-9pm. $1. Quail Hollow Ranch, 800 Quail Hollow Rd, Felton (462-8300).
A celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation features food, crafts, music and speakers. noon-5pm. Free. Laurel Park, Louden Nelson Center, 301 Center St, Santa Cruz (429-3504).
The Santa Cruz County Symphony pats the backs of dads everywhere with its annual Father's Day concert in the park. 2pm. Free. Henry Cowell State Park, Felton (462-0553).
Roger Eddy and India w/Straightahead provide the musical backdrop as 30 artists display their original works. 9:30am-5:30pm. Free. Santa Cruz Wharf, SC (429-3477).
A staged reading of Phil Slater's play directed by Meg Harlor. June 17-18, 8pm. $3. Actors' Theatre, 1001 Center St, SC (425-7529).
See June 18.
Bay Shore Lyric Opera Company presents Rossini's classic opera. 8pm. $25. Through July 13. Capitola Theater, 120 Monterey Ave, Capitola (475-3518).
West Coast poets converge on Santa Cruz for three days of slamming, readings and performances. Tonight a Full Moon Poetry Beach Bonfire. Sunset-10pm. Call for complete times and locations (335-3991).
See June 20.
West Abbey Productions kicks off its 16th season with a summer production of a three-person play adapted from the letters and writings of George Bernard Shaw. June 21-July 20. MAH, 705 Front St, SC (335-7906).
A celebration of monumental proportions honors the 200th birthday of Mission San Juan Bautista and its surrounding town with a fiesta, parade, music, speakers and dancing. June 21-22, 11am. Throughout San Juan Bautista (623-2127).
A celebration of the art, crafts, cuisine and culture of Japan, along with Watsonville Taiko, the Okinawa Dance Academy and more. 11:30am-6pm. Free. Mission Plaza, 144 School St, SC (429-3778).
June 21: Multidimensional Poetry. 11am-5pm. Duck Island, San Lorenzo Park. CyberSlam. 8pm. Kuumbwa, 320-2 Cedar St, SC. Call for complete times and locations (335-3991).
More than 100 pre-1950s "woodie" cars line the wharf for a celebration of the wood-rimmed autos. 10am-3pm. Free. Santa Cruz Wharf, SC (429-3477).
See June 20. 3pm.
A leisurely exploration of the flora and fauna that call Quail Hollow home. 9:30-11am. Free. Quail Hollow Ranch, 800 Quail Hollow Rd, Felton (335-9348).
Outdoor open readings. Call for complete times and locations (335-3991).
Enjoy all the fun of the Boardwalk when all rides are only 50 cents each. Mondays and Tuesdays through August 26. 5pm. Boardwalk, 400 Beach St, SC (426-7433).
Easy Street Theatre Company presents an adaptation of Jane Austen's sentimental comedy/drama directed by Becky Wilding. 7pm. $15/$14. Through June 29. Actors' Theatre, 1001 Center St, SC (458-3614).
The summer concert series features hits from the '60s, '70s and '80s on Friday nights at 6:30 and 8:30pm through August 29. Jefferson Starship kicks off the series tonight. Free. Boardwalk, 400 Beach St, SC (426-7433).
See June 20.
See June 26.
The West African healer takes a look at maintaining spiritual integrity in the midst of personal challenge. 7pm. $10. Pacific Cultural Center, 1307 Seabright Ave, SC (426-8893).
BJ Sharp, Frankie Lee, Beau Jocque and the Zydeco Hi-Rollers, Luther Allison, Barbera Morrison, Tommy Castro and Clarence Carter. 10:30am. $15/$12. Also June 29. Monterey Fairgrounds, Monterey (394-2652).
See June 20.
See June 26. 2 and 7pm.
Sample some of the finest in the world's olive oil and vinegar. 11am-5pm. Free. Jones & Bones, 621 Capitola Ave, Capitola (462-0521).
The Santa Cruz Royal Rollers, the area's only roller derby team, straps on its skates and gets down and dirty against the Los Angeles Turbos. 7:30pm. $10/$5. Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St, SC (292-7783).
Gospel Hummingbirds, Chris Cain, Arthur Adams & the BB King All-star Band, Billy Branch and Etta James. 10:30am. $15/$12. Monterey Fairgrounds, Monterey (394-2652).
See June 20.
See June 26. 2 and 7pm.
The three-time series kicks off with an Italian country picnic and old- world musicians. 1-3pm. $15. Also July 20 and August 17. Hallcrest Vineyards, 379 Felton Empire Rd, Felton (335-4441).
July
Spend some time under the boardwalk with this classic, smooth-sailing band. 6:30 and 8:30pm. Free. Boardwalk, 400 Beach St, SC (426-7433).
Enjoy live country music in the meadowlands. July 4-6, 9am-5pm. Free admission. Roaring Camp, Graham Hill Rd, Felton (335-4484).
The race through Pogonip is the most scenic and challenging course in Santa Cruz. 8:30am. $20/$16. Harvey West Park, Santa Cruz (429-3477).
Live music, children's entertainment, exhibits, food, drink and fun for the whole family in honor of our nation's birthday. 11am-5:30pm. Free. Harvey West Park, Santa Cruz (429-3477).
Step back in time for a day of 4th fun with hand-cranked ice cream, crafts, a cake walk and more. 11am. $6. Wilder Ranch, 1401 Coast Rd, SC (426-0505).
Celebrate Independence Day with a parade followed by a family day in the park. 10am-4pm. $2. Aptos Village Park, 100 Aptos Creek Rd, Aptos (688-1467).
Dine under the stars with the cuisine of Tarpy's Roadhouse, then a cut a night-time rug to the jazz and Western swing sounds of Valentino. 6pm. Cachugua Community Center, Carmel (800/GALANTE).
Cabrillo Stage is tickled pink over its summer production of the comedic musical. July 5-Aug 3. $20/$17/$15. Cabrillo College Theater, 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos (479-6154).
The third annual culinary event offers tantalizing tastings of salsas, spices, sauces and more. Each weekend in July. 11am-5pm. Free. Jones & Bones, 621 Capitola Ave, Capitola (462-0521).
Get ready to rock & roll with this blast from the past. 6:30 and 8:30pm. Free. Boardwalk, 400 Beach St, SC (426-7433).
See June 20.
See June 20.
Sample flavors from other worlds. 11am-5pm. Free. Jones & Bones, 621 Capitola Ave, Capitola (462-0521).
See June 20. 3pm.
The professional summer theater festival celebrates its 16th season, this time under the direction of Paul Whitworth, in productions of Alexander Ostrovsky The Forest and Shakespeare's Richard III and As You Like It. July 17-Aug 31. Performing Arts Center, UCSC (459-3160).
Jean Kittrell and the Jazz Incredibles, Igor's Jazz Cowboys, Hot Frogs Jumping Jazz, Cats N' Jammers and more than 10 other jazz bands from around the state perform at locations along the wharf. July 18-20. Call for scheduling and ticket info (662-1912).
The all-female band hits high notes from an era gone by. 6:30 and 8:30pm. Free. Boardwalk, 400 Beach St, SC (426-7433).
See July 18.
The tasting series continues. 11am-5pm. Free. Jones & Bones, 621 Capitola Ave, Capitola (462-0521).
Herpetologist Rick Oliver shares his reptile collection. Children welcome. 10am-1pm. $1. Quail Hollow Ranch, 800 Quail Hollow Rd, Felton (335-9348).
See July 18.