THURSDAY 6/18
FOLK
MARY GAUTHIER For three decades Mary Gauthier’s music had delighted audiences with her vibrant melodies and rich storytelling. A musician’s musician, Gauthier’s songs has been covered by Jimmy Buffett, Blake Shelton, Vince Gill, and Bettye Lavett. Not to mention her songs have appeared on playlists by Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, and Wally Lamb. Her honest and visceral themes come from a well-worn life that has battled addiction, heartbreak, and growing up queer in a time and place where it wasn’t acceptable. But nevertheless, she persisted and had become one of the most beloved voices in American folk music. On Thursday she will be joined by Jaimee Harris. MAT WEIR
INFO: 7pm, Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. $37-$62. 427-2227.
AMERICANA
LUCINDA WILLIAMS Critics often find themselves digging deep into their lexicon of superlatives in an attempt to express just how superb a singer-songwriter is Lucinda Williams. She debuted on record with 1979’s Ramblin’ on My Mind. The critical acclaim began in earnest soon thereafter. The listening public caught on in a big way with the release of Car Wheels on a Gravel Road in 1998. An Americana Music Award (Album of the Year for 2015’s Down Where the Spirit Hits the Bone) and three Grammys would follow. Today Williams is widely recognized as one of America’s finest songwriters. Her latest album is 2026’s World’s Gone Wrong. BILL KOPP
INFO: 8pm, Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $60. 423-8209.
FRIDAY 6/19
ART
HIDDEN LABORS, SONIC TENSIONS As part of an ongoing dialogic collaboration between the Artist-in-Residence Abram Stern and Dorothy R. Santos, there will be a reception and live performance at the Indexical. This celebrates the opening of the latest portion of the series, Hidden Labors, Sonic Tensions. The collaboration features the artists responding to each other through their respective works. Previous work by the artists is offered as a prompt for a response. The latest portion will utilize sound, installation, and performance. It utilizes artifacts and sounds that show their research and artistic methods. It is a unique chance to watch artists work and respond to each other live. ISABELLA MARIE SANGALINE
INFO: 5pm, Indexical, 1050 River St. #119, Santa Cruz. Free.
REGGAE
ISRAEL VIBRATION & ROOTS RADICS It’s undeniable that Moe’s Alley is the desired haven for elders of roots reggae. The Israel Vibration origin story begins in the Mona Rehabilitation Clinic of Kingston, Jamaica. During the 1950s, a savage polio epidemic spread across the island. Lascelle “Wiss” Bulgin, Albert “Apple Gabriel” Craig, and Cecil “Skelly” Spence met in the Clinic and found medicine in harmonizing their voices. Their love of Rastafarian culture provided the foundation for their ascent as a beloved band. Wiss remains and is backed up by Roots Radics. The flavor is authentic and the vibe is dank. DNA
INFO: 9pm, Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Drive, Santa Cruz, $46. 479-1854.
SATURDAY 6/20
THEATER
STREET THEATER Dictionary.com defines “street theater” as “the presentation of plays or other entertainments by traveling companies on the streets, in parks, etc., often with the use of temporary or mobile stages.” So, is it actually “street theater” when it’s at a venue like the Santa Cruz Actors’ Theater? That question and more will be answered this Saturday with not one, but two performances (2pm and 7pm). There are 14 different ticket price tiers but buy in confidence knowing proceeds will be split evenly between Renegade’s Rainbow: Casper’s Memorial Fund, which provides scholarships to LGBTQ+ youth at Renegade Theater and Trans Families of Santa Cruz, a parent-led organization dedicated to supporting families of transgender and gender-diverse children. MW
INFO: 2pm & 7pm, Santa Cruz Actors’ Theater, 1001 Center St., Santa Cruz. $13-$210. 431-8666.
ROCK
THE VERVE PIPE The Verve Pipe has spent over three decades carving out a sound where pop hooks meet post-grunge grit. Brothers Brian and Brad Vander Ark set the anchor for the band, with Brian penning the well-loved track, “The Freshmen,” a haunting, platinum-selling centerpiece of 1996’s Villains. Soul-searching lyrics, layered guitar work, and a knack for melodic tension earned the band sold-out dates across the country and spots on Letterman and Leno. Showcasing impressive range, the band pivoted to acclaimed children’s records before returning to adult rock with 2014’s Overboard. The Verve Pipe always finds a way back to the stage, and to themselves. SN
INFO: 8pm, Felton Music Hall, 6275 Hwy 9, Felton. $38. 704-7113.
SUNDAY 6/21
METAL
DEATH ANGEL Launched in 1982, thrash metal band Death Angel built a loyal Bay Area following, earning opening spots for some of the biggest names in metal (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer). Remarkably, when Death Angel debuted on record with 1987’s The Ultra-Violence, all band members were still teenagers. After 1990’s Act III, the band’s first run ended, but the group reformed in 2001. Today only vocalist Mark Osegueda and lead guitarist Rob Cavestany remain. The band’s current tour celebrates Act III, the critically-acclaimed record that broke them in Europe and earned their videos placement on the then-trendy MTV program Headbanger’s Ball. BK
INFO: 7:30pm, Catalyst, 1101 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $46. 713-5492.
MONDAY 6/22
JAZZ
KEITH GREENINGER & VICKI RANDLE The MAH and Kuumbwa Jazz are celebrating the Santa Cruz Guitar Company hitting 50. The SCGC has been making guitars using responsibly and ethically sourced wood since its inception. From happy owners like Elvis Costello to Jack Black, these lovingly assembled guitars are respected worldwide. Keith Greeninger and Vicki Randle will be getting the vibe going and you can expect a special appearance from SCGC founder Richard Hoover. Greeninger, who is well known in the music fest circuit, and rock star Randle bring the goods. A celebration of Luthiers, community and the power of music. DNA
INFO: 7pm, Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz. $29-$31. 427-2227.
WEDNESDAY 6/24
INDIE POP
JOH CHASE Rooted in the Pacific Northwest and transplanted to Los Angeles, Joh Chase carries both worlds into every song. The multi-instrumentalist has been shaped by the music of Elton John, The Cranberries, and the Mamas and the Papas, and weaves alt-folk with an indie sensibility that feels familiar and fresh. Their 2024 album, SOLO, is the culmination of a career built on self-funded tours, crowdfunded records, and a do-it-yourself devotion to their craft. Vulnerable yet steady, Chase’s songs remind the listener of truths both personal and universal. Nestled in a quiet self-assurance, Chase’s blend of delicate folk, glittery pop, and triumphant indie rock offers reflection and rediscovery. SHELLY NOVO
