Vibrant Santa Cruz Events Highlight Music, Benefit Causes, and Showcase Local Art

From Latin jazz to hip-hop legends, Santa Cruz boasts a lively event lineup engaging audiences with diverse interests. Renowned Cuban pianist Harold López-Nussa graces the stage at Kuumbwa Jazz Center, sharing his rich infusion of traditional Latin jazz with contemporary twists, supported by his family and eminent musicians, in his latest tour.

Supporting Pajaro Community

Recovery efforts for the Pajaro community continue after last year's devastating floods. A coalition of esteemed authors and activists unite for a fundraiser at Cowell Ranch Hay Barn, aiding the nonprofit Community Bridges in their mission to assist impacted residents.

Local Art and Holiday Shopping

At the Santa Cruz County Office, a distinctive art exhibition offers an alternative to the frenzied holiday shopping rush, featuring the works of Anil and Charlene Sawe among other local artists, designed to enrich the season with cultural appreciation and support for the art community.

Concerts for a Cause

The Tom Ralston Band rocks out at the Rio Theatre in a performance to aid the Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz, while a unique Yule celebration hosted by Santa Cruz Mountain Priestesses at Lille Aeske Arthouse promises an immersive experience with dinner and performances to welcome the winter season.

Opera to Indie Hip-Hop

The weekend is colorfully highlighted by a family-friendly opera at UCSC Music Center and the return of California indie hip-hop supergroup Living Legends at the Catalyst Club, epitomizing the vast musical tapestry of Santa Cruz.

Ska and More

Anchoring the week, the legendary ska group The Slackers, and the folk-punk sounds of Austin Lucas at The Crepe Place, stand out as vibrant displays of Santa Cruz's musical diversity and dedication to inclusive representations in genre.

music, community, art