Inner Revolution—Uranus Retrograde: Risa’s Stars August 7-13

When planets enter new signs, or retrograde back into previous ones, we change, too. Our time references shift, new possibilities and opportunities occur, we speak differently, our focus switches, things are either revealed or they go into hiding. July was quite a tumultuous month, with two eclipses (things disappeared) activating Saturn, Pluto and the South Node (transforming structures of the past—governments in disarray) and the Mercury retrograde (things turned upside down, inside-out).

In August, although we feel we can move forward (Mercury direct, returns Sunday to fiery Leo, where we begin to talk about ourselves again) another retrograde, the higher octave of Mercury (Uranus) is beginning. Uranus, planet of revelation, revolution and sudden, unexpected changes, stations retrogrades in Taurus Sunday evening. Uranus is the Great Awakener. It shakes us up and breaks everything down. With Uranus retrograde, it’s as if our whole body, our whole lives, are shaking apart.

Retrogrades are a time of restructuring the old, making room for the new. Internally, we begin to create new visions, seek new archetypes and new rhythms.

Uranus brings us a new order of things, an inner revolution. Our heads are turned around, facing both the past (old realities) and the future (new ideas). Taurus makes sure we stand in the present, with ideas practical, sensible and most of all, comforting.  

ARIES: You love and appreciate your work and those you work with, and communication is good with everyone (though you must battle against critical thoughts). You want to help others more, which inspires them, and then work is even better and more fulfilling. Loyalty toward you emerges, new goals are considered and workflow increases, and so does success. It’s like a river flowing harmoniously for everyone. You stand at the river’s beginning.

TAURUS: You may not be romantic outwardly because of so much work to be done to insure the future’s sustainability. But this doesn’t mean you feel less love. It’s just that you’re focused and determined and disciplined and must follow your instincts and intuition and not let relationship concerns get in the way. You seek intellectual activities that also offer fun and a bit of leisure. The environment is kind to you when you travel. Remember, though: health first!

GEMINI: Emotional and then physical safety and stability are concerns now, and so you must assess, tend to and create safety measures around your home and self, then ask everyone to help maintain them. Everyone knows you change your mind so often they really can’t make plans with you. But for now, this has eased up and decisions made are decisions you follow through with. Or try to. Something ended last month. What was it?

CANCER: You feel the need to communicate with everyone, both casually and in-depth, for you realize everyone has a gift, and if they simply talk enough, that gift emerges and you learn more. You, too, have a gift—in fact, many gifts—and when you speak, when you come out from under your crab shell, then we see your gifts, too, and we learn from them. You are very perceptive now, more than usual.

LEO: There’s an inner and outer reality concerning something. They seem to be in opposition. You think you have to choose one over the other. Do you? Oppositions are actually only different sides of the same coin, seeking integration. Eventually they come together and unify. What is occurring that seems in opposition? Is it spiritual or material factors, self or others’ needs or values, being worthy or not worthy? Time will integrate the two.

VIRGO: You want to talk about issues and ideas important to you—things held deep inside and not often communicated: what you believe and how you want to serve; your new emerging identity and all the things you hope, wish and plan to do. You’re practical and inventive, and thoroughly modern in your approach. These may be important and applicable, especially concerning family. You bring a new reality forth. At first, it’s shocking. Then accepted.

LIBRA: Plans created long ago are now ready to be implemented, and you’re on the road toward their fulfillment. I hope all that you expected, all that you hoped and waited for, are available. There are some issues hidden behind the scenes, not quite ready for the light of day. For now, you’re ordering and organizing your inner-self so you can order and organize your outer realities, relationships and environments. Did a dream come true?

SCORPIO: As changes continue, it’s good to have a get together of friends and acquaintances you care about. Include local, sustainable and seasonal foods, scatter several interesting books around, set the music to old jazz standards. Perhaps you could suggest a subject to discuss, like how to create communities (the steps), what people would be attracted, the focus and purpose of community, and how it would prepare everyone for the new times to come. Allow no criticisms. Have a giveaway while saying goodbye.  

SAGITTARIUS: Do all that you can to create compromise between yourself and those who see issues differently. Small disagreements can escalate quite quickly. Include good things in your compromises, so those around you feel they have been heard and listened to. Ask what they want and need, and this will be reflected back to you in terms of recognition and rewards. Be dashing as you perform these acts of kindness. You’ll become even more attractive and radiant. New vistas beckon ahead.

CAPRICORN: You could feel a bit overwhelmed due to just too many events flooding your reality, not eating adequately and in a timely matter, or simply because you’ve been “on” for just too long. When you’re upset, you can lash out with words that hurt everyone, including yourself. Lay low for a while, maintain a bit more solitude, rest and recuperate, allow others to perform tasks while you’re in the garden reading. Tell everyone you need tender loving care.

AQUARIUS: You may need to discuss issues with someone, perhaps a partner, parent, family, friend, or roomie. Do this openly with candor and ease, always using an informational, neutral tone. Do not be frightened to discuss finances. Information is knowing you’re speaking the truth for you and those listening. Ask for teamwork, understanding and consideration. Maintain humor each day as things change, and then change some more.

PISCES: The focus is on relationships, those close and intimate. This includes work partners and close friends. You find yourself with two trajectories—one seeks to create harmony and goodwill; the other to increase discipline and efficiency, forging ahead with ideas and plans. It seems the two are opposite, and sometimes they are. You will have to bring them together, create a unity and synthesis. It may be difficult. Have willingness, dedication and intention. Then harmony prevails.

Music Picks: August 7-13

Santa Cruz County live entertainment picks for the week of Aug. 7

WEDNESDAY 8/7

COUNTRY

GRETCHEN PETERS

As a tunesmith for hire, Gretchen Peters’ list of clients is like a music industry who’s who. Not limited to fellow country artists like Shania Twain, Martina McBride and George Strait, the Nashville singer has also written for Bryan Adams, Etta James and even the “Jewish Elvis” himself, Neil Diamond. While recent years have seen country bend towards big pop hooks and commercial viability, Peters’ songwriting has remained heartfelt and mature, focusing on the dusty magic of life’s small moments. MIKE HUGUENOR

7:30 p.m. Michael’s On Main, 2591 Main St., Soquel. $17 adv/$20 door. 479-9777. 

COUNTRY

THE BOXMASTERS

Since getting back together in 2015, the Boxmasters has reigned in some of its historic hillbilly-country leanings and focused more on an affable, rockabilly vibe with large doses of ‘60s British-pop hooks. Billy Bob Thornton, aka “Bud,” delivers an earnest performance as the frontman of a touring band. His voice is like a wheezy Tom Petty, and he charms as he sings about the loves, desires and troubles of the average person. His cohorts J.D. (guitar) and Teddy (keyboard) hold it together in the back, playing sidekick to Bud’s winsome country-guy antics with steady, understated poise. AMY BEE

8 p.m. Felton Music Hall, 6275 Hwy. 9, Felton. $38 adv/$44 door. 704-7113.

 

THURSDAY 8/8

JAM

HERE COMES SUNSHINE

Grateful Dead tribute bands are their own unique genre of music. These musicians love the Dead so much that paying tribute to the almightiest of jam bands means capturing the band’s essence, not playing note for note. Here Comes Sunshine is Scott Guberman’s project. He plays with Phil Lesh and has jammed with other Dead members. He gets the Dead. The rest of the band is made up of the member’s of Jerry’s Middle Finger, one of the top L.A. Dead bands around. AC

8:30 p.m. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $10 adv/$15 door. 479-1854. 

FOLK-PUNK

LOST DOG STREET BAND

Break out the hobo satchel and dust off your cap, because the Lost Dog Street Band returns for a night of traveling tunes. Fresh off the release of their fifth album Weight of a Trigger, this year finds the bluesy, folk-punk group a trio, with the addition of Jeff Loops to founders Ashley Mae and Benjamin Tod. This year also finds the band digging deeper and darker, investigating the violence of human nature. Despite the demons driving the music, the Lost Dog Street Band keeps things upbeat and whimsical with fiddles and banjos. MAT WEIR

9 p.m. Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $15. 423-1338. 

 

FRIDAY 8/9

SOUL

TOKEN GIRL

What exactly is progressive soul? For Oakland’s Token Girl, it’s both a genre and a philosophy. While soul music has moved people for generations, even modern soul acts like Sharon Jones (RIP) and the Soft White Sixties tend to lean back towards the genre’s roots. Token Girl, on the other hand, aims to push the genre forward, incorporating buzzing synths and experimental elements into songs. This February, the three-piece dropped Two Fold, a solid two-song EP with their most snaky, sinuous songs to date. Stretch that soul. MH

9 p.m. Blue Lagoon, 923 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz. $10. 423-7117. 

COMEDY

MIKE E. WINFIELD

Mike E. Winfield disarms the crowd with a giant grin, and 10 minutes later, they’re laughing at stuff they probably shouldn’t. This talent of his to flow from benign to inappropriate and back again is probably why people refer to him as “almost family-friendly.” Winefield often explores his family and marriage on stage. His stepson is almost Winefield’s age, and his wife sometimes treats Winfield like a child in public. Obviously, troubles and misunderstandings abound. This thematic goldmine, plus Winefield’s high energy and willing candor, always keeps the audience on his side. AB

7 & 9:30 p.m. DNA’s Comedy Lab, 155 S River St., Santa Cruz. $20 adv/$25 door. 900-5123.

 

SATURDAY 8/10

ALTERNATIVE

KATASTRO

What exactly were 311? Hip-hop? Rock? Alternative? If your answer is, “Shut up, man, they were awesome! Quit categorizing everything!” then Tempe, Arizona, band Katastro is the band for you. It’s sort of rap, but also an alt-rock band with funk and a bit of blues. It’s all of these genres, but really it’s a whole vibe predicated on danceable grooves. Is that your thing? If it’s not, you got a seriously negative attitude that needs to be addressed, bro! Grab a spliff and chill out to the million genres of Katastro. AC

8 p.m. Felton Music Hall, 6275 Hwy. 9, Felton. $12 adv/$14 door. 704-7113. 

PUNK

MDC

For anyone keeping score, the ’80’s and early ’90s are here again. Neon colors. Stranger Things. An old white guy in the Oval Office with a campaign slogan ripped from the KKK. It’s no wonder there has been an onslaught of O.G. punk-rock reunions. Thankfully, Dave Dictor and MDC won’t have any of that money-grabbing crap. They’re back at the Blue Lagoon with a little help from fellow Texan punk pioneers Verbal Abuse, Bay Area originals Fang and new local degenerates Kemper’s Temper and Monty Montgomery & His Band of Kooks. MW

9 p.m. The Blue Lagoon, 923 Pacific Ave. $15 adv/$20 door. 423-7117.

 

MONDAY 8/12

EMMET COHEN TRIO

Emmet Cohen’s ascendance as jazz’s most celebrated pianist under 30 was capped off in April, when he won the American Pianists Association’s rigorous Cole Porter Fellowship and the accompanying $50,000 prize and recording contract with Mack Avenue Records. In many ways, the competition confirmed Cohen’s accomplishments, as he’s doggedly sought out veteran masters like drum legend Jimmy Cobb and bass maestro Ron Carter for his Masters Legacy Series albums. Along with Benny Green, he’s been a steady accompanist for the sensational 25-year-old vocalist Veronica Swift. With his own trio, he’s a jaw-dropping improviser with fluent command of nearly a century of piano jazz idioms. ANDREW GILBERT

7 p.m. Kuumbwa Jazz, 320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. $26.25 adv/$31.50 door. 427-2227.

Perla Batalla’s Ode to Leonard Cohen

Watch closely when Perla Batalla sings Leonard Cohen’s “Famous Blue Raincoat” and you might notice something unusual: she’s smiling.

Cohen’s iconic song about a devastating love triangle—which features lines like “And you treated my woman to a flake of your life/And when she came back, she was nobody’s wife”is famous for its moody melancholy. But Batalla thinks it’s rather misunderstood, as is Cohen himself.

“It’s also very positive, and it’s so funny,” she says of the song. “That’s one of the major misconceptions about Cohen, that he’s gloomy. He was one of the funniest people I’ve ever known in my life.”

And Batalla knew him well, beginning with her stint singing on his legendary 1988 European tour, during which he was riding high on the success of his comeback record I’m Your Man. On that tour, she was introduced to the lighter side of the man who had been defined in the public consciousness by his haunting vocals and intense lyrics.

“When he introduced ‘Chelsea Hotel,’ he was like a stand-up comic,” she remembers. “He got laugh after laugh. And it was always different—every time he told the story, it would be different.”

That’s why she wants House of Cohen—the project she’ll bring to Kuumbwa on Friday, Aug. 9—to do more than just keep the songs of her late friend alive.

“My mission is to get people to know this man, and how complex he was—including the qualities that you probably never heard about,” she says. “So I do try to share some of his stories, and some of the things that he found delight in, that just make me laugh whenever I think about them.”

The project’s name symbolizes that same intimacy. For many years, Batalla—who also performed on Cohen’s 1993 tour—lived near Cohen, and would drop by his house to sit and chat over a cup of coffee at his kitchen table.

“I started doing these concerts of Leonard Cohen songbook years before he passed, because I loved the work so much. And then after he passed away, I really felt a strong connection to being with him in his kitchen,” she says. “That’s when it all came to me. It was about being in his house. It’s almost like a church to me, the house of Leonard Cohen.”

Certain songs like “Take This Waltz” and “Anthem” are constants in her set because they relate directly to her relationship with Cohen in ways that she explains when she performs them live. Others cycle in and out depending on the tour, or even the particular night. But the most recent addition surprised even her.

“I didn’t even want to listen to his very last recordings, because I thought it would be too hard for me emotionally. I thought I couldn’t take it,” says Batalla. “But someone in Germany asked me if I would sing ‘You Want It Darker.’ So I was sort of forced to listen to it to see if it would resonate with me. And it’s incredible. The song is so amazing and deep and profound that I did it, and I have been singing it. It’s a very strong and healing experience.”

It seems especially fitting, considering that Batalla first worked with Cohen while he was releasing his mid-career songs like “I’m Your Man,” “First We Take Manhattan,” “The Future” and “Waiting for the Miracle,” all of which came from a middle-aged perspective that was in some ways very different from the sly-but-bold romanticism of his popular early songs like “Suzanne” and “Bird on a Wire.” You Want It Darker—his final album, released just three weeks before his death in 2016 at age 82—brought everything full circle.

“That last record is more like, ‘No, I’m not your man anymore,’” says Batalla. “He has a higher power. There’s a lot of God in that last one. There’s a lot of that higher whatever force that you’re about to face. It’s super intense.”

Just as she has tried to reveal a different side of Leonard Cohen to the world, so have his songs opened up a new perspective for her.

“What I’ve been experiencing with these concerts, very openly, is just the idea of what grief is and what it is to deal with and experience. That it’s not a bad thing,” says Batalla. “It’s a very complex thing. I’ve been taking grief and sort of recognizing it as a friend, as something that brings up memories that are very comforting to me. It’s seen as a negative thing so often, and I no longer see it that way.”

Perla Batalla performs at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9, at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. $25/$40 gold circle. snazzyproductions.com.

‘Comedy of Errors’ Goes ’80s Camp

As a producer or director, do you need a good reason to choose a particular era for your play? I’d say no.

Purists may get annoyed if the setting seems too random or wacky, but having seen a few of Danny Scheie’s Shakespeare Santa Cruz plays back in the day—some of which “wacky” doesn’t begin to describe—I can honestly say I’ve never been bothered by even the most anachronistic tweaking of Shakespeare convention. I’m there for your trailer park Two Gentlemen of Verona! Temporal displacement is fun, people!

In the program notes for Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s new production of The Comedy of Errors, director Kirsten Brandt says she chose to set it in the “identity-searching ’80s” because, “The play compels us to consider ideas of family, marriage, gender, and identity.” Uh, no. This production doesn’t uncover layers of meaning in what has got to be Shakespeare’s most ridiculous farce, because there are no layers.

The plot, such as it is, requires us to believe that characters with no outward signs of brain damage would not be able to tell the difference between two sets of twins with entirely different personalities and ways of speaking, not to mention that these long-lost twins have to have the same exact names (wait, did their parents give them those names, ’cause that really makes no sense) and for some reason be dressed exactly the same for the entire day or so over which the story takes place. It’s just plain silly.

My point is that there doesn’t need to be a fancy, schmancy reason to set this absurdist craziness in the ’80s. It just works. The neon and pastels of designer Dipu Gupta’s set is the perfect cross between Miami Vice and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” (both the song and the movie). The Fast Times at Ridgemont High daze that the cast maintains as they sway and bob through every scene is just right for the material, but more importantly, they understand (as does director Brandt, clearly) that the laughs for a 2019 audience are not really going to come from the story. Heck, maybe this was true in 1619, as well. After all, does anyone remember the plot to Harold Lloyd or Buster Keaton movies? Of course not. We remember the gags.

The cast here, from Jennifer Erdmann and Patty Gallagher—both doing double duty as the separated twin sisters and their twin servants, respectively—to Mike Ryan, Madeline Wall, Uche Elueze and others in very funny supporting roles, recognize this as setup for some old-school physical comedy, and they go all out. I’m talking spontaneous dance parties, wet willies, slow-motion pro-wrestling moves, Three-Stooges-type eye pokes, and extended crotch-kick routines.

If you’re thinking that sounds pretty lowbrow … well, yeah! This is Shakespeare comedy, baby! The only thing that’s really thought-provoking at all is that the decision to gender-swap the two sets of twins (all four characters are men in Shakespeare’s original) leads to an interesting queer-romance angle between Erdmann as the visiting Antiphola of Syracuse and Wall as Luciana, sister-in-law of Antiphola of Ephesus, where the action is set. The actors tease out some interesting lines in the dialogue that make this choice seem pretty natural. But again, I don’t think it even needs a rationale—it’s fun.

A decade of ’80s revival, and especially the last few years of Stranger Things fever, have set us up to enjoy this take on The Comedy of Errors. Kudos to whoever put together the soundtrack of era-appropriate songs that float through the show, from Wang Chung to Tears for Fears to Depeche Mode. If, like me, you’re not always a fan of Shakespeare’s goofier comedies, you’ll appreciate how far this cast and crew are willing to go for laughs.

‘The Comedy of Errors’ runs through Sept. 1 at the Grove in DeLaveaga Park, 501 Upper Park Rd., Santa Cruz. $35-$60. santacruzshakespeare.org.

Love Your Local Band: Brad Sanzenbacher

Sadness is a running theme in local singer-songwriter Brad Sanzenbacher’s music. But the songs he’s written the past few years were on a whole new level—full of “crippling despair” and “sardonic self-awareness,” he says.

As Sanzenbacher observed the tone of his new material, he decided it was time to pick some songs that really vibed and put together a new EP.

“I probably could have not articulated these things about myself without a guitar in my hands. It’s like a therapy session,” Sanzenbacher says. “I’m a stream-of-consciousness kind of writer. I don’t sit down and say, ‘I want to write a song about this or that.’”

He recorded with former local engineer Kenny Schick, now located in Nashville. Schick played all the backing instruments on the album, aside from a fiddle. The result is a gorgeous, melancholy country record with lush vocal harmonies. The EP, Dying Old Flower, was released on July 15.

This is also the first studio recording Sanzenbacher has done in a decade. He made a homemade, bootleg-style live album a few years ago. His first record, released in 2011, was called Fear and Drought. Part of what inspired his new batch of songs was that he could envision them as fully flushed-out songs, not just on his acoustic guitar. At the same time, he’s been looking for material to highlight where he is now. 

“The goal of the record is to reintroduce myself, and show people what I can do,” Sanzenbacher says. “I’m hoping this new record will help me get new shows and help me find a new audience by showing them how I sound now. I think maturity is the key word there.” 

bradsanzmusic.bandcamp.com.

Discretion’s Santos Majano Elevates Brewery Food

So worth looking for, the Kitchen at Discretion. My friend Beverly called it “off the beaten track.” And it might be, unless you live or work in and around the 41st Avenue corridor. 

Tucked behind an industrial labyrinth of automotive, furniture and repair shops a few clicks from Café Cruz, the Kitchen is run by talented chef Santos Majano, who creates a steady stream of irresistible dishes, plates and ideas that play cultures, culinary styles and spices off one another. All of it seems perfectly designed to go with Discretion’s fresh brews. 

Seated outdoors under an arbor of honeysuckle, bordered by strawberries ripening on a hanging garden, we struggled to decide on lunch orders. “There’s nothing on this menu I wouldn’t want!” Ellen confessed before succumbing to snack platters of sweet-and-spicy chicken wings ($16) and a dish of killer tempura eggplant ($12). Betty and Bev split a knock-out salad of melon and peaches ($11) and two beer-battered local rockfish tacos ($16). I went for a serious main course of beer-braised pork shoulder with black rice and marinated cherry tomatoes ($21). A half-pint of IPA for Bev ($3), and a San Pellegrino Limonata ($3.50) for me. There was a lot of food, and in the interests of total transparency, we demolished it all (except for some of the pork and two chicken wings that I took home for the resident guy.)

Majano is a wizard at using contrasting flavors to heighten the dishes he creates. As exciting to the eye as they are to the tastebuds, each bite produced a shameless chorus of oohs and aahs from the four of us. In a deep, round bowl, a salad of thinly sliced peaches and squares of melon arrived bathed in fresh basil and olive oil, topped with ricotta salata cheese and a fistful of sunflower sprouts. Plump, piquant chicken wings came with various kinds of fresh pickles—pale yellow, green and pink—and a bowl of buttermilk dressing. Everything sprinkled with spicy togarashi. The tacos were spectacular, again inventively topped by cabbage slaw, cilantro and sriracha aioli, plus fat wedges of lime. Betty went for the slivered jalapeños (“I like it spicy!”) 

My massive plate of braised pork offered tender flesh under a succulent layer of fat. Marinated cherry tomatoes were outstanding, and the sweet-and-sour plum sauce knocked us out. The menu offers an alluring array of fish and meat—including a heavyweight charcuterie and cheese board—but it was that plate of tempura eggplant, with a soy-citrus reduction and aioli, all dusted with red pepper togarashi, that had us well and truly enchanted. I would drive from the Westside, even during rush hour, for this dish. 

Open daily 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. The Kitchen at Discretion Brewing, 2703 41st Ave. Ste. A, Soquel. discretionbrewing.com.

Open and Shut

Nick the Greek has opened for gyros and other Mediterranean specialties at the Pacific and Lincoln slot once devoted to Sitar. Nearby, Barceloneta looks poised for lift-off downtown.

Shen’s Gallery has closed its Mission Street headquarters of so many years, only to pop up again in a sweet spot at the top of Pacific Avenue, next to the aforementioned Barceloneta.

Jaguar has closed on Soquel Avenue, and Surfrider Cafe has closed its Front Street spot after so many years, says proprietor Stephen Wyman. Local start-up Kind Brewery will open in that spot. Flynn’s is now the Felton Music Hall on Highway 9.

Film Review: ‘Sword of Trust’

He’s just past the expiration date to qualify as a hipster. At 54, rumpled, technology-challenged Mel has seen his rock dreams fade away in New York City, only to wind up improbably running a low-rent pawn shop in Birmingham, Alabama. Although he’s not especially political, he has reason to be wary when he’s thrust into the dark heart of Southern redneck culture in Lynn Shelton’s very funny comedy Sword Of Trust.

Mel is played by Marc Maron, better known as a stand-up comedy performer and podcaster. Filmmaker Shelton conceived the part of Mel as a showcase for Maron’s dry wit and scruffy sarcasm beneath a facade of rational cool—all on full display here, since so much of the movie’s dialogue was improvised. And Maron is up to the task; funny on a dime, yet just as persuasive in the character’s more serious and revealing moments. He provides the grounding for the rest of the excellent cast to build on. (An accomplished guitarist, he also composed and plays the bluesy guitar riffs on the soundtrack.)

Mel is the proprietor of Delta Pawn, a business he inherited from an uncle. His only employee, Nathaniel (Jon Bass), is kind of a good-natured dimbulb, and not much use around the shop, but he knows how to use the phone and do research online. Mel has an easygoing friendship with Jimmy (a terrific Al Elliott), the African-American owner of the diner next door who pops in periodically to trade jokes.

Into the shop one day walks Mary (Michaela Watkins), a no-nonsense outlier with an urban vibe, and her more pliant girlfriend Cynthia (Jillian Bell), whose Southern roots are still slightly traceable in her accent. They’ve just come from the estate of Cynthia’s deceased granddaddy, and while she didn’t inherit the house itself, Cynthia brings in the one item that was left to her—a Civil War sword.

But not just any sword. Enclosed documentation claims it “proves” that the South won the war. Mel is ready to laugh them out of the shop—until Nathaniel discovers an entire subculture of “provers” online. Convinced that the truth about the South actually winning the war has been “buried by the Deep State,” these folks are dedicated to collecting evidence that proves otherwise—and ready to pay big bucks for it. (Watching one online video post exhorting viewers to search their attics, Mel cracks, “Is this Antiques Roadshow for racists?”)

When a potential buyer makes a sizeable offer, and Mel and Mary agree they should join forces and split the profit, their journey down the rabbit hole begins. The shop is visited by a fellow called Hog Jaws (Toby Huss) for a preliminary look at the merchandise. A couple of junior-league bigots try to menace Mel for being an “East Coaster” (i.e., Jewish)—although he’s actually from New Mexico.

Finally, it’s time for Hog Jaws to escort the four uneasy business partners—Mel, Nathaniel, Mary, and Cynthia—along with the sword, out to meet “the boss.” It’s a long journey into the woods, shut up in a van without windows or seats but with an entirely carpeted interior. “This is how people die,” they remind each other, as they realize they’re entering into “the brain” of redneck craziness. “Apparently, it’s carpeted.” Irony won’t be much of a weapon if things get dire, but it’s all they’ve got.

More than this I won’t reveal, story-wise—the little twists and turns of the plot are way more delicious to discover along the way. The conversations are sharp and funny, with a few poignant moments sprinkled in. The actors are perfectly cast, including Dan Bakkedahl as the fearsome boss of the provers, and director Shelton herself in a key scene as Deirdre, Mel’s outwardly perky but fragile ex, who just can’t get herself clean. It’s a well-crafted movie of many small pleasures that add up to big fun.

 

SWORD OF TRUST ***1/2 (out of four) With Marc Maron, Jillian Bell, Michaela Watkins, and Jon Bass. Written by Lynn Shelton and Mike O’Brien. Directed by Lynn Shelton. Rated R. 89 minutes.

Santa Cruz’s First (Legal) Weed-Friendly Music Festival

When Colin Disheroon was planning Santa Cruz County’s first ever public, cannabis-friendly event and music festival, he didn’t know the logistics would spill over into his European honeymoon, too.

“It was a nine-hour time difference, and I was dealing with the bureaucracy from California trying to get a license for the event,” says Disheroon, the CEO of Aptos-based dispensary Santa Cruz Naturals. “The Bureau of Cannabis Control is overwhelmed right now.” 

The Power of Flower event is first and foremost a music festival, with Ozomatli and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band headlining, but it’s also a public marijuana consumption event (no alcohol allowed). There will be 30-plus vendors selling joints, edibles and more for attendees 21 and over to enjoy on-site. 

Planning began in April after the idea surfaced during a Santa Cruz Naturals team meeting. The county fairgrounds only had one open date that would work, so Disheroon and his team hit the ground running.

“Frankly, it’s a pretty substantial undertaking to put an event like this together,” Disheroon says. “You have to get three different types of licences to do it, plus the large amount of money and the team dedicated to producing it. There are some big factors. That’s probably why there hasn’t been an event like this.” 

Typically, large-scale cannabis events include a separate area for consumption, like a lounge, that restricts use to one area, he says. There hasn’t been a music event with open consumption in the state, or even in the country, as far as Disheroon knows. 

“The ordinance that was developed around cannabis events happened in August 2018. That was in response to an unregulated sales event that happened at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds,” he says. “Part of the reason why there haven’t been any consumption events at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds until now is because the regulations around cannabis events have been evolving.”

This is Disheroon’s first time managing a major music event, let alone one that includes public consumption. Although he didn’t disclose a total budget, he says that between normal event expenses, fees and insurance, “It has not been cheap.” 

The amount of bureaucracy involved was also surprising.

“It was above and beyond what I think is reasonable,” Disheroon says. “It’s the first legal, licensed cannabis consumption event in the whole region. With that came a lot of interesting political stuff.” 

Many other local dispensaries, including West Cliff Wellness and KindPeoples, would also like to see on-site consumption allowed, but permitting has lagged demand. Public consumption at events is allowed if organizers have the time and funding to jump through hoops on the state level. 

The Power of Flower event is one of only four consumption events that could be allowed annually at the County Fairgrounds under a 2018 resolution passed by the Board of Supervisors. Another cannabis event is scheduled for October, but similar events are not allowed elsewhere in the county.  

“While the Fairgrounds has hosted cannabis-related events before, this is the first to allow on-site consumption,” Santa Cruz County spokesman Jason Hoppin told GT in an email. “In this case, the operator has a state license and the county granted a temporary use permit.”

Event organizers are also ramping up security after the Gilroy Garlic Festival shooting on July 28, when three people were killed. “We are going to be the next local music event after the Gilroy tragedy happened,” Disheroon says. “Though the likelihood of something like that happening again in close proximity is extremely low, we want to make sure we are ensuring the safety of attendees.”

All proceeds from the festival will be donated to local charities, including one that supports those affected by the Gilroy shooting. The other is a Watsonville-based organization that focuses on job development. The names of both beneficiaries will not be released since they receive federal funding, and federal law still prohibits cannabis use.

“It’s a passion for me to be able to have music and cannabis together, legally,” Disheroon says. “When you go back to New Orleans jazz history, all of those jazz guys were smoking joints.’” 

Power of Flower will take place noon-10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. powerofflower.org. $30 adv/$40 door. 

Music Picks: July 31-Aug. 6

Santa Cruz County live entertainment picks for the week of July 24

WEDNESDAY 7/31

COUNTRY

NICHOLAS MERZ

Nicholas Merz is a storyteller at heart, so it makes sense that his debut solo album The Limits of Men has a literary bent. Each song is a vignette exploring different aspects of toxic masculinity. Merz uses dialogue and character to grapple with the consequences of a hyper-sexist society. He uses his small town, working-class roots and love of country music to reckon with the topic. Songs range from hazy-country daydreams to tumbleweed westerns. Merz’s deep baritone keeps the tales moving, as confident as any reliable narrator promising a hopeful end. AMY BEE

9 p.m. Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. 429-6994  

 

THURSDAY 8/1

PSYCHEDELIC

JERRY JOSEPH

Jerry Joseph is no stranger to the road less traveled. As a psychedelic dub-grunge guitarist working largely outside the music industry, he’s charted a unique path from mountain reggae originator to freewheeling Stratocaster pyrotechnician. Joseph’s songwriting is a kaleidoscopic mix of grunge, jam, psych, and dub, all led along by his sizzling fretwork and distinctive voice. An influential voice in jam music, Widespread Panic has covered no less than seven of his songs. Recent years found the California native teaching music in Iraq and Afghanistan, experiences which fueled his 2018 album Full Metal Burqa. MIKE HUGUENOR

8 p.m. Felton Music Hall, 6275 Hwy. 9, Felton. $13 adv/$15 door. 704-7113.

CUBAN-JAZZ

LOS HERMANOS ARANGO

An ensemble drawn from an illustrious Cuban musical clan, Los Hermanos Arango hail from the eastern town of Guanabacoa, a hotbed of Afro-Cuban culture. Launched in 2003 by bassist Feliciano Arango, a central figure in Cuban jazz and timba circles through his work with NG La Banda, Maraca, Chucho Valdés, and Emiliano Salvador, the group features his brothers Ignacio and Eugenio on guitar and percussion, respectively, and his sister, Cristina, as vocalist and folk dancer. Joined by pianist Julio Valdes and percussionist Victor Tapia, the sextet delivers sumptuously polyrhythmic Afro-Cuban chants and surging Cuban jazz. ANDREW GILBERT

7 p.m. Kuumbwa Jazz, 320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. $26.25 adv/$31.50 door. 427-2227.

FRIDAY 8/2

INDIE

GRIZFOLK

Just because it’s nice and smooth doesn’t mean it’s yacht rock, so put your skipper hat down. Sometimes good alt-music just sounds untroubled and effortless. Grizfolk plays such songs: light, jangly, folksy rock tinged with electronic quips and danceable beats. Its kinda like getting that glitter eyeshadow on your lids without pouring it down your chest. No, wait, it’s more like a delicious, predictable coffee with an unexpected dollop of whipped cream. I’m saying Grizfolk has the perfect amount of sparkle in its sweetly mellow alt-rock tunes. AB

9 p.m. Catalyst Club, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $13. 423-1338. 

SATURDAY 8/3

COMEDY

JACKIE KASHIAN

It’s barely worth mentioning these days that a comedian has a podcast because, well, they all do. But Jackie Kashian has been doing hers, The Dork Forest, since 2006, so that seems worth a few accolades. On it, she dorks out with fellow comedians on whatever subject they’re obsessed with. It works really well because she is an actual dork. She’s so socially awkward she that the only reason she got married is because of online dating, or as she said in a 2017 appearance on Conan, “I am not good with men, but I am good with computers. So I am married.” AC

7 and 9:30 p.m. DNA’S Comedy Lab, 155 S River St., Santa Cruz. $20 adv/$25 door. 900-5123. 

REGGAE

NATTALI RIZE

Raised in Australia, based in Jamaica, Nattali Rize hit the reggae scene in 2017 with her critically acclaimed solo debut Rebel Frequency. Rize and her ragtag crew have been recognized as part of ushering in the new era style of reggae, combining traditional island sounds with modern dancehall beats and a unifying message of peace, love and oneness. MAT WEIR

9 p.m. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $15 adv/$20 door. 479-1854.

 

SUNDAY 8/4

BLUES

GARY HOEY

Some musicians get all the fun, and Gary Hoey is one of those guys. With 11 albums under his belt, it doesn’t come as a surprise that rockin’ blues guitarist Hoey has worked with greats like Brian May of Queen, Jeff Beck and the Doobie Brothers. In his spare guitar-slingin’ time, Hoey has performed the national anthem for major sports teams across the country. Everybody needs a hobby! MW

4 p.m. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $20 adv/$25 door. 479-1854.

MONDAY 8/5

ROCK

DYLAN MCDONALD

Twenty years ago, Michael McDonald was the antithesis of cool. But things have taken an interesting turn as a new generation develops a taste for yacht rock. By the time Dylan McDonald started gigging, it was a point of pride to be the singer’s son. His band the Avians steer clear of smooth soft rock, focusing instead on more of an early-’70s Neil Young style sound. And Dylan’s voice sounds a bit like the famous ’60s folk singer he was most likely named after. AC

9 p.m. Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $7. 429-6994. 

Lester Family Vineyards’ Event-Ready Rosé

Looking for some celebratory bubbly that will knock your socks off? Look no further than Lester Family Vineyards Rosé of Syrah (about $30). Sparkling-pink excellence encapsulated in a bottle just about sums it up. With its enticing ruby color and bold, delicious flavors, this dry sparkling wine is delectable pleasure—perfect to crack open for any special occasion.

My husband and I met with friends at Cantine Winepub recently, and the four of us shared a bottle of Lester’s Rosé of Syrah. Refreshing and clean, with brisk acidity and subtle minerality, we all loved its bright red fruit up front, raspberry being the dominant note. Winemaker John Benedetti has produced this impressive sparkler, and recommends pairing it with Korean pork, salmon and grilled shrimp. I recommend pouring a glass and just kicking back.

Lester Family Vineyards is open for tasting from 1-5 p.m. on the first two Saturdays of the month. A tasting includes five wines for $20, and you can also reserve a gourmet picnic to go along with it. The winery is now doing a safari wine adventure in a restored 1981 Land Rover Defender. For $75 you get to tour the bucolic 210-acre property, enjoy a delicious gourmet picnic and taste “The Big 6” Lester estate wines. Check the website for more information and reservations.

Lester Family Vineyards, 1950 Pleasant Valley Rd., Aptos. 728-3793, lesterestatewines.com.

British Wine and Spirits

Although most of the wine consumed in the U.K. is imported, there is now quite a thriving market for locally made wines. I was in England (the land of my birth) recently for a couple of weeks visiting friends and family—and enjoyed quite a few glasses of British-made wines. Although the weather is very unpredictable (to put it mildly), warmer counties in the south of England, such as Sussex, are producing some excellent wine, especially sparkling. I also downed some British gin with a dash of elderflower at the Hurlingham Club in Central London, where my husband and I were invited guests.

Inner Revolution—Uranus Retrograde: Risa’s Stars August 7-13

risa's stars
Esoteric Astrology as news for week of August 7, 2019

Music Picks: August 7-13

Token Girl
Santa Cruz County live entertainment picks for the week of Aug. 7

Perla Batalla’s Ode to Leonard Cohen

Perla Batalla
Former collaborator of folk icon brings ‘House of Cohen’ to Kuumbwa

‘Comedy of Errors’ Goes ’80s Camp

The Comedy of Errors
Santa Cruz Shakespeare leans into physical comedy

Love Your Local Band: Brad Sanzenbacher

Brad Sanzenbacher
Why 'crippling despair' suits local songwriter's new EP

Discretion’s Santos Majano Elevates Brewery Food

Santos Majano
Plus a guide to Santa Cruz summer restaurant openings and closings

Film Review: ‘Sword of Trust’

Sword of Trust
Dry wit sharpens culture clash in new film starring Marc Maron

Santa Cruz’s First (Legal) Weed-Friendly Music Festival

Power of Flower cannabis consumption
Power of Flower takes over the fairgrounds on Saturday, Aug. 10

Music Picks: July 31-Aug. 6

Nattali Rize
Santa Cruz County live entertainment picks for the week of July 31

Lester Family Vineyards’ Event-Ready Rosé

Lester Family Vineyards
A Rosé worth uncorking for the next special occasion
17,623FansLike
8,845FollowersFollow