THURSDAY 5/28
FOLK
MASON JENNINGS
Getting his start in music in Minneapolis, folk singer-songwriter Mason Jennings did it all on his self-titled 1998 debut: he wrote, performed, arranged, engineered and produced the album, and self-released it to enthusiastic critical acclaim. That praise followed the prolific Jennings as he turned out a steady stream of high-quality albums – 19 to date – including his latest, 2025’s Magnifier. Jennings earned a prestigious star outside famed Minneapolis nightclub First Avenue, placing him in a pantheon that includes Prince, the Replacements and Hüsker Dü. Jennings’ richly drawn musical first-person narratives have won him a following that appreciates his emotionally resonant songcraft. Blue Lemonade opens. BILL KOPP
INFO: 8pm, Felton Music Hall, 6275 Hwy 9, Felton. $32. 705-7113.
JAZZ
JACOB FRED JAZZ ODYSSEY
This show is bananas! For almost 30 years, The Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey has toured the world on repeat, produced 27 albums, and continues to be one of the finest jazz bands in America. Members have changed over three decades, and this time around it’s the OG JFJO with Reed Mathis (Bass & Guitar), Brian Haas (Piano) and Jason Smart (Drums). A tractor beam of energy emanates from the outdoor stage, drawing you into the orbit of their wild risk-taking, fringe-bending, unique and beautiful take on Coltrane, Monk, Mingus and the fiery outside lane of rock and funk. DNA
INFO: 7pm, Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz. $25-$28. 429-6994.
FRIDAY 5/29
BLOCK PARTY
MIDTOWN FRIDAYS SUMMER BLOCK PARTIES
As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, Midtown Fridays Summer Block Parties return for a sixth year. Every Friday from May 29th to August 28th, the Midtown Santa Cruz parking lot will be buzzing with live music, local vendors, and activities for the whole family. The kickoff will feature down-home coastal rock with an opening set by JAM and the Buttered Biscuits, who pay homage to California with signature original funk rock. The energy can only rise as the evening continues with Santa Cruz’s own, James Durbin and The Lost Boys, serving up hot guitar riffs and high-voltage rhythms. SHELLY NOVO
INFO: 5pm, 1111 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. Free. 332-8677.
PUNK
THE DARTS
Formed in 2016, this all-women band had released two full-length albums before being signed to Jello Biafra’s Alternative Tentacles in 2018. No strangers to Santa Cruz, The Darts have played in town several times, and each time it just gets better, so it stands to reason this week’s record release show will be their best yet. Their music is garage rock, distilled through the history of punk and mixed with a dash of darkness, à la The Damned (who they’ve also toured with). This is for fans of The Lords of Altamont, The Black Belles, fast cars, bad movies, late nights, and no responsibilities. MAT WEIR
INFO: 8:30pm, Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $23. 479-1854.
HIP HOP
GZA
Wu-Tang Clan’s GZA, i.e. The Genius, presents his masterful lyricism and poetic prowess. Thought of as WTC’s “spiritual head,” GZA served as a prelude to the group’s success, being the first to secure a record deal. His solo career is characterized by crystal-clear flows, razor-sharp metaphors, and fire-forged academic lyricism. Armed with an expansive vocabulary and dedicated interest in science, GZA weaves physics and philosophy into gritty boom-bap tracks studded with cinematic samples. His passion for science keeps him rubbing shoulders with Neil deGrasse Tyson, and delivering lectures at MIT and Harvard, yet the MC’s message remains. Fight the system and “protect ya neck.” SHELLY NOVO
INFO: 8pm, Catalyst, 1101 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $46-$52. 713-5492.
SATURDAY 5/30
AMERICANA
BOULDER CREEK BREWERY BAND
Some things never get old and the Boulder Creek Brewery Band knows it. That’s why this seven-piece plays a mix of classics and new material. They draw “KPIG covers” from the full gamut of country, Americana and rock to the excitement of fans who get to hear their favorite songs from their favorite artists. But that’s not the only trick they have up their sleeve. The Boulder Creek Brewery Band also plays an assortment of originals in the same vein as the covers, seamlessly blending the old and the new into a full set that leaves audiences wondering where one ends and the other begins. MW
INFO: 5:30pm, Discretion Brewing, 2703 41st Ave., Capitola. Free. 316-0662.
LGBTQ+
2026 RETRO RAINBOW
Everyone deserves to enjoy their prom with the person or people they want. Not everyone can have that, but it isn’t too late to change that. The 2026 Retro Rainbow: GLAM! offers older adults a chance to have the fabulous prom that perhaps wasn’t always possible. For this prom, channel the inner glam, find the fiercest energy, and be ready to party! This prom promises burlesque, a DJ, food, and amazing company. It will be bolder, louder, and simply more incredible than the one offered in high school. Whether inspiration is pulled from Ziggy Stardust or Whitney Houston, everyone is encouraged to showcase their definition of GLAM. ISABELLA MARIE SANGALINE
INFO: 4pm, London Nelson Community Center, 301 Center Street, Santa Cruz. Free, 420-5030.
MONDAY 6/1
JAZZ
BENNETT ROTH-NEWELL TRIO
Jazz trios go back to Bill Evans and Oscar Peterson with just piano, bass and drums. Bennett Roth-Newell might be of a newer generation, but his piano playing, exploratory nature and ability to combine genres into new sounds are legendary. Roth took his MA from San Jose State University and mutated it into performances at festivals and venues. This performance is a tribute to Thelonious Monk. ‘Round About Midnight sounds as fresh today as when it debuted in 1943. Roth-Newell adds his layer of interpretation to the proceedings, so don’t be surprised if you hear some modern sounds with your Monk. DNA
INFO: 7pm, Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz. $29-$32. 427-2227.
TUESDAY 6/2
ROCK
KYLE GASS COMPANY
Kyle Gass may be best known as half of rock duo Tenacious D (with Jack Black). At present, that outfit is on hold, due at least in part to fallout from a poorly-received joke Gass made concerning a certain widely unpopular political figure. In any event, his creative inclinations are too expansive for one project to hold. Featuring guitarists John Konesky (who’s also lead guitarist in Tenacious D) and Sean Gardner, Gass’ acoustic trio presents a mix of songs from throughout Gass’ career, along with some inspired choices of covers. A meet-and-greet follows the show. Wolf Jett co-founder Chris Jones is also on the bill. BK
