THURSDAY 3/19
PSYCH IMPROV
THE THIRD MIND A supergroup of sorts, The Third Mind features guitarist Dave Alvin and bassist Victor Krummenacher among its coterie of stellar musicians. But the group sounds nothing like any of the members’ other projects. Based on improvisation (not jamming!), The Third Mind injects exploratory innovation into covers and originals. Few other bands have the moxie to tackle “East/West.” They also capture the essence of the Grateful Dead’s “Dark Star” in five minutes, something Jerry and his pals never managed to do. In just a few short years the group has amassed a tidy catalog, but seeing them live is the best option. BILL KOPP
INFO: 8pm, Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $35/adv, $40/door. 479-1854.
FRIDAY 3/20
THEATER
GREASE It is time to shake it at the sock hop! Students at Pacific Collegiate School are working together to bring the classic musical Grease to the Landing. The play follows a group of 1950s teens as they navigate the ups and downs of being a teenager. Together, they go through the teenage trails and tribulations of peer pressure, love, and politics while also surviving high school. It’s an emotional rollercoaster ride, as audiences watch the cast process the world around them through catchy songs. The songs will have everyone doing the hand jive in their seats. Join the students of Pacific Collegiate School and find out if Sandy pierces her ears at the party. Goes until 3/29. ISABELLA MARIE SANGALINE
INFO: 7pm, The Landing, 251B Kings Village Rd, Scotts Valley. $20. 479-7785.
ROOTS
TOUBAB KREWE If you’re familiar with Asheville, North Carolina you might think of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains or the rivers that flow through this beautiful region of America. But Asheville is also ripe with bands. Toubab Krewe formed in 2005, and from the get-go, their choice of traditional West African instruments, alongside modern technology set them apart from everyone else. They’ve played the biggest festivals, but inside a tight room they can achieve complete trance mode. With beats thousands of years old, alongside frenetic guitar crunching and solos, Toubab Krewe is unique, visionary and body moving adventure—like a scene from Sinners. DNA
INFO: 9pm, Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Drive, Santa Cruz, $25/adv, $30/door. 479-1854.
FUNK
FLORATURA Funky, jazzy and definitely flowy, Santa Cruz’s own Floratura invites listeners to step into a warm groove. They’re a neo-soul act with psychedelic jam band vibes that embrace the love. Check out their debut album, (appropriately named) Oasis Glow, that dropped last month. Spun throughout are tunes in the vein of Herbie Hancock, Curtis Mayfield and Erykah Badu. Get ready for a night of dancing, celebrating and a spiritual beauty that only music can conjure where magic is alive and love is abound. MAT WEIR
INFO: 7pm, Woodhouse Brewing, 119 Madrone St., Santa Cruz. Free. 313-9461.
SATURDAY 3/21
INDIE
LIZ COOPER Taking herself apart just to put herself back together again, Liz Cooper explores layers of identity in her newest record, New Day. While reflecting on themes of coming out, moving to a new city, getting into and leaving a relationship, Cooper wrote the album by recording demos alone in her apartment. Taking on this endeavor autonomously, rather than in her habitual manner of writing with a full band, Cooper executed the theme of reinvention musically, as well as in her lyrics. Tired of being boxed in as an Americana artist, she’s conjured up a psychedelic pop experiment with bold textures and boisterous new anthems. SHELLY NOVO
INFO: 8pm, Felton Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton. $22.704-7113.
INDIE POP
LANDON CONRATH Starting out as a drummer, Landon Conrath ventured out on his own and developed his own brand of indie pop. Debuting in 2020, Conrath gained traction when his music landed on multiple Spotify playlists. His second album, Employee of the Year, was well received by critics, many of whom noted the degree to which Conrath’s songwriting had progressed in a relatively short time. His brand of confessional pop had earned him a following, and a heavy touring schedule has put Conrath in front of more and more listeners who appreciate his winning style. BK
INFO: 9pm, Catalyst, 1101 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $29. 713-5492.
TUESDAY 3/24
ALT ROCK
JEFF TWEEDY Juxtaposed by gravely vocals, gritty guitars, and grungy feedback, Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy is a cool glass of water on a hot day. Singing and playing with friends of family in an act of resistance against hopelessness and dread this age seems to bring, he presents, Twilight Override, in an effort to fight back against the twilight he feels in his own life. This triple record featuring 30 songs is poetry to guide the weary traveler home. With fuzzy melodies, listless piano, and acoustic guitar to transport you to a Midwest back porch, Tweedy sends love letters that disrupt the void. SN
INFO: 7:30pm, Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz. $23.50. 423-8209.
JAZZ
IMMANUEL WILKINS QUARTET For those who think jazz is an archaic genre, it’s time to step out of the 1960s and into the 21st Century. Welcome to the world of Immanuel Wilkins. When he broke out onto the scene in 2020 with his debut Omega (on the world-famous Blue Note Records), this alto sax player took the genre by storm. Since then, he has been playing and arranging pieces that tap into the soul of the art form while keeping his movements fresh, modern and innovative. Throughout the years, Wilkins has continuously impressed audiences and critics alike, earning him awards around the globe. MW
INFO: 7pm, Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. $24-$47. 427-2227.
WEDNESDAY 3/25
BLUEGRASS
MAGOO Denver, Colorado’s Magoo is one of the tightest bluegrass bands you’ll ever see. The young group all hold award-winning titles. Dobroist Dylan Flynn, Flatpicker Erik Hill, Mandolinist Courtlyn Bills and bassist Denton Turner are the best of the rest. Together, Magoo recently won first place at UllrGrass Band Competition and Clash of the Strings, and second at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Competition. Their new debut album, What a Life, just came out and it’s time to celebrate with a band that exudes excellence and brings bluegrass into the 21st century. The songwriting will ground you in the now, the harmonies will have you travel to Appalachia. DNA
