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Night Howl
By Karen Reardanz

Eight Womon (and One Unknown) Out: A plethora of talented gals show SC what they're made of when What Is Art? throws open its doors this weekend for WomonFolk III. Big Night Out: Local talented ladies strut their stuff at What Is Art?'s latest take on the successful where-the-boys-aren't WomonFolk concerts IF A BOMB DROPPED on What Is Art? Saturday or Sunday night, this town would find itself seriously hurting for female talent. Those are the nights of the third installment of the WomonFolk showcase, What Is Art? organizational maven Lopi LaRoe's brainchild. That's right--more music, more performance art, more experimental dance, more eclectic mixing by local women than you can shake a shtick at. From whom, you ask? Oh, past WomonFolk performers--like Lopi, Andrea Zvaleko, Melissa Bañales, Cat & Shout--plus new recruits (perhaps discovered at the WomonFolk auditions a few weeks past?) Rosy Simas, Amy Cray, Cameron McHenry and more. Always stimulating, WomonFolk III is a bargain for that $5-$8 requested donation. What Is Art? is located at 2044 N. Pacific Ave., SC. For info on the show or other happenings, call 458-9508. Dance Hall Days The Vets Hall takes a decidedly worldly turn on Saturday night when the International Dance Party Benefit pays it a visit. A variety of cultures will be represented as local dancers perform (with grace and flair, of course) moves from around the world. Whether you've got a hankering for some Brazilian dance, Middle Eastern bellydance or some flamenco, you'll find it here. Sahar, Sambadá with Fusão Brazilian Dance Troupe, Flamenco with Manolo "El Choco," Andrea "La Canela" and Richard "el Quixote," and Fred and Mabiba take the stage. And no local dance festival would be complete without the bangs and clatters of drums--the Santa Cruz Community Drum and Dance Ensemble humbly takes care of those details. But the dancing is not to be relegated to the stage. A very capable DJ will also be on hand to spin salsa tunes so you can boogie like a queen or king the whole night through. The whole soiree benefits the 1997 Batizado (graduation) for Grupo Abadá Santa Cruz and San Francisco, and gets in full swing on Saturday night at 8pm at the Vets Hall, 846 Front St., SC. Tickets cost $5-$15 on a sliding scale and will be available at the door. Fashion Statements The runways of Paris and Milan ain't got nothin' on Santa Cruz. This town may be better known as the capital of hippie fashion than haute couture, but pay no mind to that. Almost two dozen artists, designers and inventors show off what their minds can create at Seventh Sense, one of the most unique and experimental fashion shows around. Imagine a world where supermodels, fashion editors and snotty designers did not dictate what the world wears, and you've got a hint of this show. Dark, uncensored and maybe just a little bit naughty, it promises to be a night with a unique flair. Seventh Sense will be held Saturday (8pm) at the Santa Cruz Dance Gallery, 418 Front St., SC. Tickets cost $10. For more info, call 423-6611. FutureThink Pipa & The Shapeshifters host a night of music, poetry, juggling and comedy on Thursday at the Actors' Theater. ... Poetry slammers Clebo Rainey and Bert Glick read their own works at the Ugly Mug on Friday. ... So She Stirs, a trance-formational Halloween celebration, will be at the Pacific Cultural Center on Oct. 31. ... The Santa Cruz Dance Gallery celebrates its fourth birthday with a dance concert on Nov. 8. [ Metro Santa Cruz | MetroActive Central | Archives ]