THURSDAY 12/18
CELTIC
TOMASEEN FOLEY’S A CELTIC CHRISTMAS It’s not exactly controversial to say that music is an artform best enjoyed live, but it’s doubly true with Irish music. These stirring, whirling, lively tunes played on strings, both strummed and bowed, tin whistle flutes, and made even more rambunctious by the fast footwork of Irish dancers, offset by heartfelt poetic ballads and captivating storytelling makes for a great night of Christmas tradition. Irish storyteller Tomáseen Foley has put together a top-shelf troupe of musicians and dancers and one needn’t be Irish to enjoy; the spirit of this great music knows no borders. KEITH LOWELL JENSEN
INFO: 7:30pm, UCSC Music Center Recital Hall, 400 McHenry Rd, Santa Cruz. $50-$55. 459-2159
EXHIBITION
TOY TRAINS 2025 All aboard for the annual Toy Train exhibition at The MAH! Members of the Golden State Toy Train Operators will be sharing their wonderful and whimsical collection of toy trains. This is the 20th year of hosting the pop up. It is a completely free event. It will be accessible during The MAH’s regular hours within the Atrium. From model 1920s trains to trains from the 21st-century, be immersed in a fun way to celebrate technological history while also enjoying some seasonal festivity. This display is a great activity for seasoned model train collectors and casual enjoyers alike. Goes until Dec. 29. ISABELLA MARIE SANGALINE
INFO: Noon, The MAH, 705 Front St, Santa Cruz. Free. 429-1964.
FRIDAY 12/19
INDIE
HOD AND THE HELPERS Hod and the Helpers pour out clean, jangly guitar and offer crooning ballads. Songs about life’s simple moments are peppered with humor and social commentary and often blur the lines between fact and fiction. With Hod Hulphers leading the charge, the band storms forward with A.J. Marquez on keys, Greg Braithwaite on drums, Dan Potthast on bass, and Jeff Stultz on guitar. With a touch of psychedelic, the band takes everyday narratives and spins them into alt-folk songs, often with driving basslines and crashing drums, occasionally mixing in dreamy lounge lullabies. SHELLY NOVO
INFO: 8:30pm, Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $20. 429-6994.
HOLIDAY
THE TROLLEY DROPS There’s one thing most of us can agree on, holiday music needs revamping. Sure, it’s easy to love the classics at first. But by the second week, the songs we’ve all heard a million times before start to wear down the nerves. This year, reignite that love for the musical holiday cheer with The Trolley Drops as they perform their unique “Twistmas Carols.” The jug band takes standards like “Rudolph,” then gives them a popular twist with jazz, rock, country and pop classics like Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising” for a new holiday tradition, “Reindeer on the Rise.” MAT WEIR
INFO: 5:30pm, Discretion Brewing, 2703 41st Ave., Suite A, Soquel. Free. 316-0662.
A JOHN PRINE CHRISTMAS Beloved singer-songwriter John Prine released 18 studio albums, beginning with his self-titled 1971 debut and continuing through his final studio set, 2018’s The Tree of Forgiveness. He also released six live albums and a pair of compilations. Midway through his recording career, he wrote, recorded and released 1994’s A John Prine Christmas, his 11th studio LP. Featuring two traditional tunes, the record was primarily Prine originals. For this holiday show, the Jenner Fox Band focuses on songs from that overlooked release, showcasing Prine’s wry wit on cuts like “Silent Night All Day Long” and “Christmas in Prison.” BILL KOPP
INFO: 7:30pm, Felton Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. $27. 705-7113.
SATURDAY 12/20
BALLET
THE NUTCRACKER This enchanting holiday classic dazzles young and old with captivating choreography and Tchaikovsky’s effervescent score. This charming story follows a young Clara, played by Pacific Northwest Ballet’s principal dancer, Lucien Postlewaite, as she undertakes a magical journey. From a battle between tin soldiers and mischievous mice to Sugar Plum Fairy kingdoms, this tale will delight the whole family. This incredible ballet will be directed by Conrad Usseldinger and will feature talented students from Agape Dance Academy. Whether a first or twentieth viewing, this beloved ballet is the perfect show for ringing in the holiday season. Multiple shows on Saturday and Sunday. SN
INFO: 1:30pm, Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St., Santa Cruz, $20-$65, 420-5240.
AMERICANA
A VERY SHUT-INS CHRISTMAS The string band known as the Shut-Ins continue their holiday tradition of playing their signature bluegrass/country/folk/Americana-ish versions of all everyone’s favorite Christmas sing-along tunes and of course we’re all invited to sing a long, and dance along, and drink along, and otherwise make yuletide cheer. Drums, stand-up bass, guitar, uke and violin along with a whole lot of loose harmonies belting out the “jingle” and “merry” and “ho ho ho” will be on hand. KLJ
INFO: 7pm, Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $10. 429-6994.
DANCEHALL
SISTER NANCY A pioneering figure in Jamaican dancehall, Sister Nancy came to prominence as the first major female artist in that field. She released a long succession of singles in the early 1980s and became even more prolific in the ’90s and beyond. Primarily a singles artist, Sister Nancy has released comparatively few long players. But her influence is substantial: Her 1982 track “Bam Bam” has been sampled in more than 150 songs by other artists including Kanye West, Jay-Z and Lauryn Hill. And “Bam Bam” has long since taken on a life of its own, being reissued on 45s at least three times in 2025 alone. BK
INFO: 9pm, Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $38/adv, $45/door. 479-1854.
SUNDAY 12/21
BLUEGRASS
BEAN CREEK When Bean Creek founding member Peter Hicks passed away in 2022, the future of the local bluegrass outfit seemed uncertain. However, local musicians Henry and Ella Warde—or as locals know them, Hank and Ella—stepped up and helped usher the band into a new era of old-timey tunes. They have won the Best Band Award at the Northern California Bluegrass Awards four times and are consistently voted one of the Bay Area’s bluegrass favorites. This Sunday for the mere price of $10 see the magic Billy Pitrone, Ella and Henry Warde, Rob Horgan and Sarah Eblen bring to the table. MW
