THURSDAY 11/12
LITERARY
PEGGY DOWNES BASKIN Food is more than just the fuel for the body. There are a lot of external influences on the choices made when it comes to how food is produced, manufactured, and consumed. Looking at the intersection of economic, social, and scientific factors that go into how people decide what to eat, Marion Nestle sheds light on what is on the menu under the Trump administration. With the food pyramid being flipped upside down, it is especially important to understand how politics affects the food people eat. Food marketing, production, and intake shape more than just the individual’s health. It shapes the health of populations, communities, environments, and the planet. ISABELLA MARIE SANGALINE
INFO: 6pm, Cowell Ranch Hay Barn, Ranch View Road, Santa Cruz. Free. 423-0900.
FRIDAY 11/13
FOLK
JONNY FRITZ Jonny Fritz, the eccentric architect of “Dad Country,” brings a refreshing blend of humor and poignant realism to the stage. Known for his honky-tonk delivery and sharp songwriting, Fritz transforms moments like forgetting the trash or the quirks of social climbers into Americana anthems. His performances are intimate storytelling sessions, peppered with dry wit. This concert marks a vibrant return for the veteran traveler following a lengthy hiatus. Expect a setlist featuring classics alongside tracks from his ambitious multi-album project, Debbie Downers. Whether backed by a Nashville band or experimenting with woodwind arrangements, his presence ensures an evening of genuine artistry and unconventional charm. SHELLY NOVO
INFO: 8pm, Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $20, 429-6994.
NATURE
40TH ANNUAL MIGRATION FESTIVAL This annual gathering emphasizes the ecological significance of the park’s famous monarch butterfly grove, as well as the seasonal movements of whales, birds, and elephant seals. Dozens of local organizations participate, offering educational booths and hands-on activities that foster conservation awareness. This community-focused day features live music, nature-themed skits, and special crafts. Attendees explore the natural world through guided talks and interactive “passports” that encourage visits to various exhibits. This tradition highlights the park’s role as a sanctuary, concluding with cake to celebrate the interconnectedness of these traveling creatures. SN
INFO: 11am, Natural Bridges State Beach, 2531 West Cliff Drive. Santa Cruz. Free. 429-1964.
EXPERIMENTAL
MATT SARGENT This night is starring Matt Sargant, but he’s just one of a trio of composers with eclectic roots. Matt Sargent is an assistant professor of music at Bard College and a composer, guitarist, recording engineer, and music technology specialist. Italian-born guitarist and musicologist Giacomo Fiore commissioned a new work for his just intonation National steel guitar and live electronics from Sargent. This work will be preceded by Chris Pierandozzi Everingham who was a graduate student at UCSC. The dance floor is the commons, a place to meet, move and make a difference. DNA
INFO: 8:30pm, Indexical, 1050 River St #119, Santa Cruz, $16. (509) 627-9491.
SATURDAY 11/14
BLUES
CEDRIC BURNSIDE As the grandson of famed bluesman R.L. Burnside (and son of drummer Calvin Jackson), multi-instrumentalist Cedric Burnside has quite a legacy to live up to. But as a three-time winner of Drummer of the Year at the Memphis Blues Awards, he’s his own man. His 2015 album Descendants of Hill Country earned him a Grammy nomination, and 2022’s I Be Trying scored a Grammy (Best Traditional Blues Album). Burnside’s 2024 release, Hill Country Love, received another nomination in that same category. Burnside’s body of work showcases both his signature tradition-minded style and select readings of work from greats like Mississippi Fred McDowell. BILL KOPP
INFO: 8pm, Felton Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. $27. 705-7113.
SUNDAY 11/15
REGGAE
LONG BEACH DUB ALLSTARS Formed out of the ashes of ’90s punk reggae legends Sublime after the death of singer Bradley Nowell, the Long Beach Dub Allstars continue to carry his legacy into the 21st Century. By blending reggae, ska, punk and hip hop, the Allstars represent their SoCal origins while still keeping the sound fresh and Irie. In 2023, the band put out their fourth full-length studio album, Echo Mountain High, written during the height of the 2020 pandemic and practiced in singer Opie Ortiz’s backyard before recording. Last year, they dropped a new single, “Pepper,” featuring fellow reggae rockers—yup, that’s right—Pepper. This weekend at Moe’s Alley, they are joined by Canadian indie-ska-rockers, Bedouin Soundclash. MAT WEIR
INFO: 8pm, Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $35/adv, $40/door. 479-1854.
SOLO GUITAR
WARREN HAYNES Every genre of music has a hierarchy, and in the so-called “jam band” world, at the top of the heap is Gov’t Mule. And the captain of that enterprise is Warren Haynes, one of the hardest-working humans in show biz. Hayne’s stage time with the Allman Brothers and Phil Lesh and Friends was always exemplary. Technically magnificent, but more so, inspired and full of soul. This solo show will highlight the extraordinary breadth and depth of one of America’s greatest singer/songwriter/musicians. This is just the fifth show of his most extensive solo tour, called “Winter of Warren.” Expect to be charmed. DNA
INFO: 8pm, Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz. $50. 423-8209.
MONDAY 11/16
HIP HOP
BBNO$ The Canadian artist first came about the scene on Soundcloud in 2016 and surprisingly made it big in China before anywhere else, thanks to a viral video of Chinese artist Jackson Yee dancing to one of bbno$’s songs. The next year, bbno$ released his debut EP, Baby Gravy, with Minnesotan rapper, Yung Gravy. Similar to Yung Gravy, bbno$ combines house music with dubstep and pop beats under a fast flow of words that range from party lyrics to the irreverent in what he calls “oxymoronic rap” that is “ignorant but melodic.” It’s the type of music that some people might really hate, and to them it should be said: relax. It’s party music. Enjoy accordingly. MW
INFO: 9pm, Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $52-$178. 713-5492.
VOCAL JAZZ
EKEP NKWELLE Born in Washington DC and trained as a jazz vocalist in New York City, Ekep Nkwelle is a singer with Cameroonian roots. Still in her mid-twenties, Nkwelle has emerged as one of jazz’s rising artists. Winner of high-profile recognition (Juilliard Career Advancement Grant, a spot on NPR’s tastemaking Tiny Desk Concert), the Duke Ellington School of the Arts (and Howard University) alumna has performed at Radio City Music Hall, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and other prestigious venues. Nkwelle is also the subject of a compelling new documentary from Randy Cole, Why Do I Sing. BK
