For some locals already in the know, a private garden in a Seabright neighborhood house has become a new venue for live performances from magic acts to improv theater and hip-hop music.
Shows are every Saturday afternoon, 4:30 – 6:30, and run through October 16. “Build a stage and they will come,” says Kevin Keelan about bringing this new venue to life.
“A lot of what holds us back is ourselves, and I’ve proved again and again that we are way more capable than we think,” says Keelan.
Curated by this multi-talented writer, performer and director, the sessions are an eclectic mix of acts, including variety shows with improv comedy, cabaret, jazz or hip-hop fusion groups, and sketch comedy. “You have to create the conditions for magic,” says Keelan. He organized his first backyard event at 7 years old, inspired by his parents’ theatrical friends.
“We do it for love,” he says, reflecting on its official first season. Struggling with health issues and loneliness as he got older, Keelan reflected on his past experience and joy with theater — writing, directing and performing — and thought, “Why not create something in my own backyard?” He did just that.
Every other Saturday is dedicated to Keelan’s storytelling. The performances are reflections on his childhood and other life experiences, expressed over nine monologue installments with dry humor and wit. These readings are each accompanied by different soloists.
The inspiration for this work was actor and writer Spalding Gray, whose monologue “Monster in a Box” he covered.
Some upcoming highlights:
July 11 – Growing Up Twisted, Pt. 2 Kevin Keelan presents his monologue: “God’s Playground,” accompanied by soloist Traci Tilsi on flute ($1 donation)
Aug. 1 – Bill Walker and Max Scott will perform sets of their original music on guitar and other instruments. Both are live looping artists. Walker plays electric guitar, keys, beat-boxes, and uses pedals, looping guitar riffs as well as vocals. Scott does live looping, and plays keys with his trio, The Max Scott Band, including his brother David Bortnick on drums and James Kirkham on guitar. They have a self-titled album out, Max Scott Band, released through TreeHouse Records and available on digital platforms. ($20 Suggested donation, no one turned away for lack of funds)
Sept. 12 – Rick Walker (yes, brother of Bill) is a well-respected local guitarist and percussionist in his own right, head of the International Live Looping Festival, attracting people from the world over. You can find him playing regularly at a bi-weekly jam session with the “Jazz Society of Santa Cruz” at Pono Bar & Grill stage.
Oct. 10 – Etienne Franc and The Mosaik Project. Born in New York City, Franc, 56, moved to Santa Cruz in ‘94. Franc describes the musical style as drawing “from his deepest musical tastes and passions and all the eclectic styles” he’s presented over the years. That would include jazz, hip-hop, neo-soul, rock, reggae and Afro-Latino styles. ($20 Suggested donation, no one turned away for lack of funds)
“I’ve known Kevin since the mid-’90s, when we worked together at the Bagelry,” says Franc. “I remember we were mopping the floor one day, and we told each other we would support each other’s artistry in the future. He knew I was an aspiring musician, and I knew he was an aspiring writer. This is such a culmination of that vision.”
For more info: ca*********@***il.com
