Music Picks: December 26-January 1

Live music highlights for the week of Dec. 26, 2018

WEDNESDAY 12/26

ACOUSTIC

PEPPINO D’AGOSTINO

The self-taught Sicilian guitarist is a wonder to behold on the acoustic guitar, composing pieces that stretch the possibility of the instrument. An orchestra all by himself, D’Agostino mixes classic European fingerpicking style with American pyrotechnics and a worldly flair, a style that landed him on Guitar Player’s list of 50 Transcendent Acoustic Guitarists. Live, it’s hard to believe everything you’re hearing comes from one man playing one instrument, but believe it. And keep your eye on his hands. MIKE HUGUENOR

INFO: 7:30 p.m. Michael’s On Main, 2591 Main St., Soquel. $15 adv/$17 door. 479-9777.

 

THURSDAY 12/27

FUNK

DUMPSTAPHUNK

Dumpstaphunk embodies some of the deepest pools of New Orleans talent. A wicked funk outfit that’s not afraid to stretch a groove to epic dimensions, the quintet have gained power in recent years with the addition of drummer Alvin Ford Jr., a prodigious young player whose father is a revered gospel drummer. Family ties run through the band, which was famously founded by organist Ivan Neville back in 2003. With his cousin Ian Neville’s sinewy guitar and the double-barreled bottom courtesy of Tony Hall and Nick Daniels III, Dumpstaphunk lives up to the percussive bounce of its moniker. ANDREW GILBERT

INFO: 9 p.m. Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $28 adv/$33 door. 479-1854.

 

FRIDAY 12/28

HIP HOP

CUT CHEMIST & CHALI 2NA

The self-proclaimed “verbal Herman Munster,” Chali 2na was far and away the standout voice of ’90s hip hop crew Jurassic 5. While many of their contemporaries went for gangster realism or pop superstardom, J5 was always about hip-hop’s early party culture. And with his cavernous baritone and his playful linguistics, 2na often stole the show. But it was Cut Chemist’s beats and turntablism that set the tone for the group. Seeing the two reunite should be on any hip-hop head’s to-do list this week. MH

INFO: 9 p.m. The Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $16 adv/$20 door. 423-1338.

 

SATURDAY 12/29

ROCK

CHEAP HORSE

Garage-rockers Cheap Horse fell in love with arty, musical snippets, a la Guided By Voices. They slip in and out of genre so fast—as fast as inspiration permits—leaving only finger trails of catchy riffs and vague imprints of lyrics, which may or may not be deep and weighty: “Free us from your group/A nightmare TV loop/We made it in time for this/We made it home for breakfast.” AMY BEE

INFO: 9 p.m. Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $8. 429-6994.

FUNK

CON BRIO

With the release of their second album, The Explorer, in July, Con Brio proved they have a lot to give back to the world. Written over two years, the release is an honest love letter about the problems humanity currently faces as a whole, and the bonds we share as a species. While that might sound heavy, Con Brio’s upbeat, funk-infused soul keeps the air light and the feet moving. MAT WEIR

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

 

SATURDAY 12/29 – SUNDAY 12/30

ROCK

WHITE ALBUM ENSEMBLE

There are several holiday musical traditions in Santa Cruz, but none more prominent than the White Album Ensemble. For 15 years, this group of local musicians have performed the songs the Beatles never played live. To celebrate their Crystal Anniversary, the WAE are going way back to their roots to perform the White Album, which just so happens to be celebrating its 50th anniversary. But on Sunday, they will join up with Beggars Banquet, Santa Cruz’s premiere Rolling Stones tribute group, for a “player’s choice” of their favorite tunes from each group’s expansive repertoire. MW

INFO: 8 p.m. Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $25 gen/$45 gold. 423-8209.

 

SUNDAY 12/30

POP

ANTHONY ARYA & EMILY HOUGH

Anthony Arya and Emily Hough met on the current season of The Voice. Both did well and had some phenomenal performances on TV that thoroughly wowed the judges, but ultimately neither of them won. They did, however, meet each other and become fast friends. They shared a love for the soft rock sounds of the ’60s and ’70s, and are now touring together, bringing their music to stages all over the country, including here in Santa Cruz. AARON CARNES

INFO: 2 p.m. Michael’s on Main, 2591 Main St., Soquel. $10. 479-9777.

 

MONDAY 12/31

JAM

CHINA CATS

Weed is legal now, and we don’t have to dance around the topic with clever euphemisms. So let’s just say that this New Year’s Eve, you’re probably looking for that perfect show to “visit Mr. Green.” Here in Santa Cruz, if you want to “blow some trees” and watch some amazing jam tunes for your last night of 2018, there’s only one place to be: Flynn’s, to watch local Grateful Dead darlings China Cats, whose credo is to give you the 2018 (or 2019?) version of the Dead experience. AC

INFO: 9 p.m. Flynn’s Cabaret & Steakhouse, 6275 Hwy. 9, Felton. $30 adv/$35 door. 335-2800.

GARAGE-ROCK

EAGLES OF DEATH METAL

From tongue-in-cheek Robert Palmer allusions to straight up sleazy-punk rockabilly anthems, Eagles of Death Metal have the magical fluff that makes people wanna dance and hook up and get high. They’ve got hard-driving hooks as catchy as HPV, guitar riffs that make rock clichés like throwing panties on the stage a sexy, achievable goal, and a bad-boy frontman with the fevered genius and questionable politics to make the whole thing even more confusingly hot. AB

INFO: 9 p.m. Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $59.50-$74.50. 423-1338.

Rob Brezny’s Astrology Dec. 26-Jan. 1

Free will astrology for the week of Dec. 26, 2018

ARIES (March 21-April 19): I suspect that in 2019 you’ll be able to blend a knack for creating more stability with an urge to explore and seek greater freedom. How might this unusual confluence be expressed in practical ways? Maybe you’ll travel to reconnect with your ancestral roots. Or perhaps a faraway ally or influence will help you feel more at home in the world. It’s possible you’ll establish a stronger foundation, which will in turn bolster your courage and inspire you to break free of a limitation. What do you think?

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): On average, a total eclipse of the sun happens every 18 months. And how often is a total solar eclipse visible from a specific location on the planet? Typically, once every 375 years. In 2019, the magic moment will occur on July 2 for people living in Chile and Argentina. But I believe that throughout the coming year, Tauruses all over the world will experience other kinds of rare and wonderful events at a higher rate than usual. Not eclipses, but rather divine interventions, mysterious miracles, catalytic epiphanies, unexpected breakthroughs, and amazing graces. Expect more of the marvelous than you’re accustomed to.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “The world’s full of people who have stopped listening to themselves,” wrote mythologist Joseph Campbell. It’s imperative that you NOT be one of those folks. Rather, 2019 should be the Year of Listening Deeply to Yourself. That means being on high alert for your inner inklings, your unconscious longings and the still, small voice at the heart of your destiny. If you do that, you’ll discover I’m right when I say that you’re smarter than you realize.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Jackson Pollock is regarded as a pioneer in the technique of drip painting, which involves drizzling and splashing paint on canvases that lie on the floor. It made him famous. But the truth is, Pollock got inspired to pursue what became known as his signature style only after he saw an exhibit by the artist Janet Sobel, who was the real pioneer. I bring this to your attention, because I see 2019 as a year when the Janet Sobel-like aspects of your life will get their due. Overdue appreciation will arrive. Credit you have deserved but haven’t fully garnered will finally come your way. You’ll be acknowledged and recognized in surprising ways.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): As the crow flies, Wyoming is almost a thousand miles from the Pacific Ocean and more than a thousand miles from the Gulf of Mexico, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean. Now here’s a surprise: in the northwest corner of Wyoming, the North Two Ocean Creek divides into two tributaries, one of which ultimately flows to the Pacific and one that reaches the Gulf. So an enterprising fish could conceivably swim from one ocean to the other via this waterway. I propose that we make North Two Ocean Creek your official metaphor for 2019. It will symbolize the turning point you’ll be at in your life; it will remind you that you’ll have the power to launch an epic journey in one of two directions.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): I have come to the conclusion that softening your relationship with perfectionism will be a key assignment in 2019. With this in mind, I offer you observations from wise people who have studied the subject. 1. “The perfect is the enemy of the good,” (Voltaire) 2. “Perfection is a stick with which to beat the possible,” (Rebecca Solnit) 3. Perfectionism is “the high-end version of fear,” (Elizabeth Gilbert) 4. “Nothing is less efficient than perfectionism,” (Elizabeth Gilbert) 4. “It’s better to live your own life imperfectly than to imitate someone else’s perfectly” (Elizabeth Gilbert).

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In 1682, Peter Alexeyevich became co-Tsar of Russia. He was 10 years old. His 24-year-old half-sister Sophia had a hole cut in the back of his side of the dual throne. That way she could sit behind him, out of sight, and whisper guidance as he discussed political matters with allies. I’d love it if you could wangle a comparable arrangement for yourself in 2019. Are there wise confidants or mentors or helpers from whom you could draw continuous counsel? Seek them out.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The body of the violin has two f-shaped holes on either side of the strings. They enable the sound that resonates inside the instrument to be projected outwardly.  A thousand years ago, the earliest ancestor of the modern violin had round holes. Later they became half-moons, then c-shaped, and finally evolved into the f-shape. Why the change? Scientific analysis reveals that the modern form allows more air to be pushed out from inside the instrument, thereby producing a more powerful sound. My analysis of your life in 2019 suggests it will be a time to make an upgrade from your metaphorical equivalent of the c-shaped holes to the f-shaped holes. A small shift like that will enable you to generate more power and resonance.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sagittarian singer-songwriter Sia has achieved great success, garnering nine Grammy nominations and amassing a $20 million fortune. Among the superstars for whom she has composed hit tunes are Beyoncé, Rihanna and Flo Rida. But she has also had failures. Top recording artists like Adele and Shakira have commissioned her to write songs for them, only to subsequently turn down what she created. In 2016, Sia got sweet revenge. She released an album in which she herself sang many of those rejected songs. It has sold more than two million copies. Do you, too, know what it’s like to have your gifts and skills ignored or unused or rebuffed, Sagittarius? If so, the coming months will be an excellent time to express them for your own benefit, as Sia did.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A typical, fluffy white cumulus cloud weighs 216,000 pounds. A dark cumulonimbus storm cloud is 106 million pounds, almost 490 times heavier. Why? Because it’s filled with far more water than the white cloud. So which is better, the fluffy cumulus or the stormy cumulonimbus? Neither, of course. We might sometimes prefer the former over the latter because it doesn’t darken the sky as much or cause the inconvenience of rain. But the truth is, the cumulonimbus is a blessing—a substantial source of moisture, a gift to growing things. I mention this because I suspect that for you, 2019 will have more metaphorical resemblances to the cumulonimbus than the cumulus.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): A hundred years ago, most astronomers thought there was just one galaxy in the universe: our Milky Way. Other models for the structure of the universe were virtually heretical. But in the 1920s, astronomer Edwin Hubble produced research that proved the existence of many more galaxies. Today the estimate is that there are at least 400 billion. I wonder what currently unimaginable possibilities will be obvious to our ancestors 100 years from now. Likewise, I wonder what currently unforeseen truths will be fully available to you by the end of 2019. My guess: more than in any other previous year of your life.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Author Elizabeth Gilbert offers advice for those who long for a closer relationship with the Supreme Being: “Look for God like a man with his head on fire looks for water.” I’ll expand that approach so it applies to you when you’re in quest of any crucial life-enhancing experience. If you genuinely believe that a particular adventure or relationship or transformation is key to your central purpose, it’s not enough to be mildly enthusiastic about it. You really do need to seek your heart’s desire in the way people with their heads on fire look for water. This year will be prime time for you to embody this understanding.

Homework: Forget what Time magazine thinks. Who is your “Person of the Year?” Tell me at Freewillastrology.sparkns.com; click on “Email Rob.”

The Bird Chirps of the Future: Risa’s Star’s Dec. 26- Jan. 1

In sacred liturgy, Dec. 26–Jan. 8 is referred to as the “12 days of Christmas,” a time in which we walk with the three astrologer kings carrying gifts to the holy child (soul). Each of the days also represents one of the upcoming astrological signs, from Aries to Pisces, and on each we contemplate upon the characteristics, talents, gifts, abilities and tasks of a different sign. As we do, the signs begin to communicate with us. From beginning to end, from the Alpha to the Omega, in the silence of winter, in the quietness of the Earth, the signs tell us new life and new livingness is to come.

Each sign also signifies a different light, like the new light of winter solstice. So we consider Aries, the light of beginnings. Taurus, the light of illumination. Gemini, the light of duality. Cancer, the light of life hidden in the womb of matter. Leo, the light of our creative self. Virgo, the hidden light. And Libra, the Light of “I and Thou” (relationships).

During these 12 days and into the new year, we stand with five words: recreation, regeneration, reorientation, renunciation, and recapitulation. Each year, we begin anew. And the rod of justice rules. The Ark reaches the shore. The past reaches the future in each of us. And, direction, sign by sign, is given.

ARIES: A new phase of reality begins. Great aspirations push you forward into dedication and hard work. Your self-identity, sense of family and home, intimate relationships and professional career will change and expand. Work with others cooperatively. All that you aspire to do will come forth only if cooperation is foremost. Tend carefully to moods. Use them imaginatively to create all things new.

TAURUS: Your religion and spirituality, your mind (thinking, study, ideas), daily life, health, teaching and travel are all divinely influenced. Life will seem to be rather dreamy. You might not like this much as it feels impractical. However, it’s a time of rest and healing. Dreams help manifest long-held visions. Be in the Sun as much as possible. Write down plans and ideas. A new phase of life begins. Try not to be too distant with those you love.

GEMINI: We work in between incarnations. Each lifetime, we attempt to discover our place in the Sun. When we die, it’s our last thought that determines where we go. In this lifetime, we are to train our minds in all ways. Planning and strategy are important in the coming year. We can also plan consciously for when we die. This is only an exercise of preparation—begin training your mind on what you will think about at the time of death.

CANCER: The New Year brings great promise of happiness. You won’t feel distracted. Your mind will be clear, harmonious and challenged to move toward what you’ve always wanted. You will be creative. When there are differences you will step aside (like the crab you are) circumventing disharmony. See each day as an opportunity to do your very best.

LEO: The New Year is golden for you in terms of work, confidence and growth, both subtle and steady. You want will to make changes concerning health and healing. Become a member of a spa, begin an exercise and diet regime with yoga, tai chi, biking, swimming, etc. Continued focus on health is most important. You will seek the Diamond Light. Compassion and altruism become your newest psychological orientations.

VIRGO: Allow constancy of effort into your life, not turning back when difficulties arise. Stand at the middle point. You may feel your life is not moving forward. However, many things are occurring within. New realities, resources, and things social rise to the surface offering satisfaction and intimacy. Tend to partners and those who love you with care and nourishment. Let your mind be at ease.

LIBRA: You will work very hard this coming year. When in doubt, call upon your angels to flood your life with light, information and assistance. It will happen immediately. You felt challenged this past year. The upcoming year offers greater progress and power. Avoid controversial decisions. Allow time for Right Decisions leading to Right Action. Don’t show dissatisfaction in relationships. Love is not a feeling. It’s a willingness to love more.

SCORPIO: You will look back on the past year and see that it was good. There was (and will be) exceptional growth, support, gains and progress with creativity rewarded. You might be too impulsive, leading to expectations that are unreasonable to others. Provide affection and attention to everyone, especially friends and loved ones. You will be busy socially for a while. Then your temperament becomes serious and internal. Spending time alone is part of your destiny.

SAGITTARIUS: You will feel quite dynamic as the New Year unfolds. There will be a fire within burning brighter and fuller. You may need to control that fire a bit lest conflicts with others are created. Use that inner fire for creativity, achieving greater goals, greater focus and direction. You will rise in stature through new ways of thinking. This has already begun. You’re more positive, bright like the Sun eliminating obstacles and hurdles. Do not compete. Share instead.

CAPRICORN: Saturn is your ruler, the planet helping you in all endeavors, especially climbing the mountain, which means the ladder of success. Success in whatever way you see success for yourself. Saturn helps you choose good shoes, too. I wish you a happy birthday for your new year. Remember to speak with your angels. They stand by waiting for instructions. They are to help you with all that you need and want in the coming year. Make your list. Check it twice, three times.

AQUARIUS: The New Year focuses upon relationships, love, friendship and romance. Avoid any major changes at the first half of the year. Instead focus on building a firmer foundation of security and creativity. New realities can emerge in the last half of the year. Travel when you can. It brings you pleasure, excitement, friendships and relaxation. Have pride in your accomplishments, in yourself, and in the important social role you play in the world.

PISCES: Rest more in the coming year. Focus, stamina and vitality return gradually. Remain conscious of fluctuating finances. You want Right Use of money and resources. Past friends and lovers continue to occupy your mind. Send them on their way with love and blessings. Or invite them along the Path. Not many will be able to absorb the fiery field of the Path. You will be called to leadership. Step into this with confidence. The many years of the past struggles have prepared you.

Our Top 10 Films of 2018

We may crave escapism more than ever these days, but some of the most effective movies of 2018 were documentaries—four of which made my list of top 10 favorites. I can’t claim these are the year’s best movies, but they’re the ones I found most arresting, admirable, and/or entertaining!

BLINDSPOTTING

Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal write themselves terrific roles in this love letter to the diverse culture and community of Oakland, turning in virtuoso performances as buds confronting issues of race, class, identity, and their own volatile, longtime friendship. Rookie director Carlos López Estrada makes bold, stylistic choices, and while the story can be intense, it’s told with plenty of sharp humor.

RBG

The superhero movie of the year, this documentary by Julie Cohen and Betsy West celebrates legendary Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. As cunning as Loki, she wields her opinion with the precision of Thor’s hammer, and achieves actual change, fighting for gender equality under the law as she has for five decades of groundbreaking decisions.

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

This Queen biopic, directed by Bryan Singer (later replaced by Dexter Fletcher) is a nonstop joyride for Queen fans. Central is the dynamic performance of Rami Malek, unorthodox enough to embody Freddie Mercury’s outsider persona, yet soulful enough to engage us in the singer’s lifelong quest to become himself.

TEA WITH THE DAMES

In Roger Michell’s irresistible documentary, four great British actresses (Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Joan Plowright, and Eileen Atkins, each of them honored with the title of Dame and all longtime friends) get together for an afternoon of tea and conversation—always trenchant, often hilarious—about life, love, friendship, and the craft of acting.

THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS

Tim Wardle’s engrossing documentary follows the true story of three young men who met by chance and discovered they were triplets, separated from each other and their birth mother as infants. None of them had any idea that the other two existed. How this happened—and the darker question of why—makes Wardle’s movie as gripping as any thriller.

THE HAPPY PRINCE

Rupert Everett wrote, directed and stars in this remarkable portrait of ruined nobility, disturbing in its intensity as it digs beneath both the surface glitz of Oscar Wilde’s fizzy celebrity as a dramatist, and his blackened reputation as an infamous sodomite, to explore the complex personality within.

HEARTS BEAT LOUD

Nick Offerman and  Kiersey Clemons are wholly engaging in Brett Haley’s gently-calibrated story about a middle-aged father and his teenage daughter who bond over a shared love of songwriting and playing music together. A simple scenario brought to life by nuanced performances and a light and easy directorial touch.

EIGHTH GRADE

The excruciating angst of being 13 is captured to poignant comic perfection in this first feature film from Bo Burnham. Most remarkable is Burnham’s insight into young female psychology, and the eggshell-strewn minefield of parent-child relationships. Elsie Fisher is galvanizing as an eighth-grader enduring her last week of middle school.

JULIET, NAKED

Based on an acerbic Nick Hornby novel, this story of a middle-aged music fan obsessed with a has-been rocker is a wry divertimento for three voices: the obsessed fan (Chris O’Dowd), his neglected, fed-up girlfriend (Rose Byrne), and the reclusive rocker himself (Ethan Hawke), the fantasy figure whose unexpected appearance in real life throws all of their worlds into comic turmoil.

WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?

Filmmaker Morgan Neville shows us the radical side of Fred Rogers (of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood), not only in the way he tapped into the darkest parts of the cultural zeitgeist to help kids cope with them, but also insisting that every child is unique, valid and deserving of respect.

Honorable Mention: Monsters and Men, Isle Of Dogs, Black Panther, Leaning Into the Wind, We the Animals.

Full Spektrum: The Best Local Art of 2018

This seems to be a year that everyone is happy to forget, thanks to Brett Kavanaugh’s weird flexes, crazy Kanye and an Ambien-induced Elon Musk. So long Yanny…or is it Laurel?

But saying goodbye to a year of arts is more bittersweet. I’m not sure how many times I announced to our entire office that, “Oh my god, you have to go see this” in the last 12 months—the most recent being the Radius Gallery’s “Imagine Peace Now” show centered around gun violence.

When thinking about the Santa Cruz arts scene this year, what stood out was not only the magnitude of local events, artists and creators, but the determination for progress and optimism in spite of this year’s madness. There was the Introducing the Super Stoked Surf Mamas of Pleasure Point film debut, featuring five local mamas hangin’ ten in all of their preggo glory.

Profiles of local artists like Dana Richardson, Sarah Zentz, FJ Anderson and the Wenger family proved everyone has a story worth telling, especially those who almost got swept off of a Big Sur cliff. There were several of down-and-dirty stories, like when I went fishing for the first time (okay, not technically arts) or my intimate encounter with local wildlife while plein air painting. My backpack is clean now, thanks for asking.

The year began with a Resource Center for Nonviolence exhibit on black experiences and stories in Santa Cruz, which led to not only one of our most popular cover stories of the year, but more importantly, conversations about representation on a larger scale. Next was Tom Killion’s exhibit, “California’s Wild Edge,” at the Museum of Art and History (MAH), which celebrated the best landscapes of the California coast.

Alongside the Killion exhibit was the countywide, 11-venue Spoken/Unspoken series.

The first countywide collaboration was a testament to the strength of the arts community, but also the originality that each arts space adds to the mix. The theme of Spoken/Unspoken was open to interpretation, and with such a vague topic, it’s no surprise that the exhibits varied wildly. While the MAH hosted discussions around death and reflection, the Cabrillo Gallery interpreted the theme more ambiguously with their surreal “Cyphers” exhibit that forced people to slow down and interpret artistic encrypted messages.

As the year went on, we celebrated identity with the Louden Nelson’s new mural about queer-youth history and visibility, then covered some pretty great parties, including Motion Pacific’s new dance and drag show. We honored longtime legacies like UCSC’s Rainbow Theatre’s 25th anniversary and the public library’s 150th birthday, and said a few too-early goodbyes to Cabrillo Stage Founder Lile Cruse and renowned local artist James Aschbacher.

There were shows that made me think (sometimes more than I wanted to) like lille æske’s “Spektrum” show, which prompted our staff, and seemingly half of Santa Cruz, to head up to Boulder Creek and see what all the hubbub was about. The exhibit was capped at 12 people a night (it was in a little wooden box, after all), and although the show was extended due to popular demand, there were many people that couldn’t get in—despite begging. But a little bird told us that there’s more in store for 2019 based on the Spektrum experience, so be on the lookout for that.

Santa Cruz did a fantastic job with holiday madness—between the Nutcracker, Tandy Beal’s Joy! and Mountain Community Theater’s Miracle on 34th Street, I’ve seen enough poinsettias and holiday lights to last until the cows come home.

On a personal note, I crossed off a few bucket list items this year, like throwing a fiery flaming Skee-Ball, thoroughly embarrassing myself in an interview with Michael Pollan, and simultaneously eating pizza and deep fried oreos in a kind of pizza-oreo taco. I also stupidly revealed my favorite diet-breaking New Leaf snack. No I won’t tell you what it is since New Leaf is always out of it now, you fiends!

On the horizon, we are looking to a new season of Santa Cruz Baroque and UCSC’s new Hunter S. Thompson collection, plus the unveiling of a new mural in Watsonville. But for now, farewell to another successful, vibrant year of local arts and cheers to the new year.

Preview: Ring In 2019 With the Mother Hips

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While humanity trudges ever-westward through the rise and fall of empires—cloaked in bearskins, then togas, then Birkenstocks—a small group of modern troubadours have spent their time penning songs for the ages: the Mother Hips.

Their story can be found in documentaries like Patrick Murphree’s Stories We Could Tell and Bill DeBlonk’s This is the Sound, plus a coffee table book by Jay Blakesberg, as well as thousands of articles and interviews. In essence, it goes like this: in 1990, Chico State students Tim Bluhm and Greg Loiacono met, partied and found their voices to be two sides of a precious coin. Their landmark freshman album, 1993’s Back to the Grotto—which also featured bassist Isaac Parsons and drummer Mike Wofchuck—combined with their electrifying live performances, bound them heart and soul to the Chico scene.

The Mother Hips were adamantly not a hippie band, and not a jam band. They were searching for something new to be heard. The band’s look and attitude shaped the image, but it was their craftsmanship and dedication to songs that got the Mother Hips the attention of American Records, which released Part-Timer Goes Full (1995) and Shootout (1996).

In the last 27 years, the Mother Hips have not only released 10 must-hear albums that have redefined the contours of the American Dream, they’ve also carved a path allowing in their wake a wave of bands who see them as the pioneers of a sound dubbed California Soul. From the Dead Winter Carpenters to the Infamous Stringdusters, there is a legion of bands trekking the road the Mother Hips carved.

This year has found the band revolving their extensive catalogue into ever-changing set lists to appease old and new fans alike. Their latest album Chorus fits perfectly in line with their past releases; in fact, it is a representation of everything that has come before. It is also their most stripped-down effort, a straightforward exploration of the decade’s worth of sounds the band has mined, harvested and tumbled. This album is the work of rugged individualists—something John Muir might have listened to if he had an iPod with him as he traversed the redwoods, jagged coastline and snowy peaks of Northern California.

These days, co-founders Bluhm and Loiacono are the core of the band, along with longtime drummer (since 1997) John Hofer. Bassist Scott Thunes, who brought a spark of energy to the band over the last few years, is gone. While the band emulates a version of Spinal Tap Lite, the position of bass guitar is now in the hands of Brian Rashap.

Rashap has been one of the house bassists at Terrapin Crossroads in Marin since 2013. From his early work in a Southern California Grateful Dead cover band called Station EXP to becoming Phil Lesh’s production manager and bass tech on tour, it’s been nothing short of a long, strange trip.

Steely-eyed Loiacono is philosophical when it comes to the changes the band has been through. “I enjoy playing with different configurations and seeing what new people bring to our songs,” he says.

For the Mother Hips, the journey is ever forward, further and beyond.

The Mother Hips perform at 9 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 30 and Monday, Dec. 31 at Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. Tickets $28 adv/$30 door on Sunday, and $50 adv/$55 door on Monday.

Burgers to Thai, Santa Cruz’s Best Meals of 2018

My top meal of the year is one that I have enjoyed more than once at Pizzeria Avanti. Sharing the dinner menu with those great house pizzas is a truly righteous lamb burger, served on a brioche bun with sauteed mushrooms and a side of roast potatoes almost too good to be true. Crisp, comforting, loaded with flavor. A small salad, and of course, a glass of Chianti Classico completes this delicious, simple and always-satisfying meal. It just never disappoints. Kudos, Hugo!

This year, Jozseph Schultz outdid himself with a gorgeous spread of dish after delicious dish prepared for a sit-down dinner honoring top music organizations. From pappadams and salmon flatbread to feta Greek salad and Spanish-marinated mushrooms, the India Joze founder and chef wok’d up a feast of his all-star recipes. My favorites included paper-thin spiced baby kale crisps, arugula-cheese tortillas, squid in Greek seasonings, outrageous browned brussel sprouts, quince chutney, eggs with sumac and Egyptian dukka spices, and a fiery fennel and tomato salad.

La Posta provided another top meal this year, starting with an astonishing salad of rose-tinted chicories, burrata, nectarines and a dusting of toasted pistachios. With our salad, we consumed vast quantities of the spectacular house breads, especially the addictive walnut variety. An entree of Fogline Farms chicken breast came stuffed with spinach and ricotta, sliced into plump cylinders on a bed of leeks and crispy roast brussel sprouts. Another star entree was the evening’s special chitarra pasta. Piled high in a bowl, the spaghetti had been well-tossed with housemade Italian fennel sausage, Early Girl tomatoes and spicy red chilis. Dessert was a rustic apple cornmeal cake on a pool of fennel crema, topped with quince mousse. Outrageous.

Oswald delivered on several fronts. One was a major burger topped with melted cheese, aioli and sliced late-harvest tomatoes. Incredible french fries and a butter lettuce salad completed the wonderful lunch. But equally stunning was Oswald’s seared ahi and avocado crostini appetizer, which I like to pair with either a bone-dry Venus No. 1 martini or a Campari and soda.

From Sabieng Thai Cuisine came one of the year’s top meals, starting with spicy green curry. A salad of bean thread noodles laced with fat prawns, ground pork, lime juice, cilantro, red peppers and whole cashews—bite for bite, I’d have to say that this is my all-time favorite Thai specialty. A third dish of roast duck nestled on a very crunchy bed of wok’d cabbage and spinach added plenty of textural excitement. A container of memorable pickled peppers in a haunting black bean vinegar accompanied the roast duck. Everything soared with a crisp, white wine and Sabieng’s outrageous brown rice, which has to be the chewiest, most appealing rice on the planet.

Gabriella delivered a sensational gnocchi in eggplant ragu, perfectly paired with Prosecco. And on another occasion, a lunch of rainbow trout over creamy polenta, followed by a classic version of affogato. Espresso, vanilla ice cream and a big, chewy chocolate cookie. Lunch the way it was intended to be.

Beyond Santa Cruz, the Modern in NYC gave me its full two-star Michelin treatment. I’ll never forget a prix-fixe dinner that began with seared prawns and toasted pistachios, along with one of three distinctive breads. The first entreé of tender lobster with shelling beans in fennel sauce was perfection. But so was the second main course of rare duck breast with tiny chanterelles and glazed cherries. Dessert of strawberry bavarian cream ornamented with sorrel cream and nasturtium ice cream completed this terrific meal, accompanied by a racy French Burgundy and some exceptionally well-dressed Manhattanites.

Here’s to a 2019 filled with vibrant culinary experiences. Salut!

A Pinot Primed For a Christmas Feast

The Summit Store on Summit Road in Los Gatos carries an abundance of local wines.

It’s close to some of the best wineries in that area–including Burrell School, Wrights Station, Loma Prieta, Villa del Monte, MJA Vineyards, Silver Mountain, and Regale–all terrific places to visit, and just a stone’s throw from one another.

And consider yourself fortunate if Curtis Cooke is on hand at the Summit Store to help with your purchase. Cooke is wine, spirits and craft beer buyer and is always more than happy to talk about the fermented grape!

Summit Store often has good sale prices and great deals on wine. I found a Sante Arcangeli 2016 Integrato Pinot Noir for $25, which I have seen for way more in other places.

John Benedetti, winemaker and owner of Sante Arcangeli Family Wines, says of his Integrato, “The idea was to create a party in a bottle that showcases the complexity, variety and nuance of our appellation. This is an all-star barrel selection from our single-vineyard lots that focuses on food-friendliness, structure and that elusive term, ‘pinosity.’ It’s a barrel selection that’s chosen to showcase minerality, structure and vivid red fruit. This wine is built for food.” Sounds ideal for your Christmas table!

Sante Arcangeli Family Wines, 216-A Stage Rd., Pescadero. 406-1262, santewinery.com

Roudon-Smith Winery at Artisans Gallery

Al Drewke will be pouring his Roudon-Smith wines from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 23 at Artisans Gallery in downtown Santa Cruz—a wonderful opportunity to sip and shop as you look for last-minute Christmas gifts, and maybe buy a bottle of wine for a stocking stuffer.

Visit roudonsmith.com for more info.

Lokahi Juices

Lokahi Juices is a local company based in Santa Cruz. They make delicious, organic, GMO-free, vegan-friendly juices and cleansers. The Golden-Milk Elixir with turmeric, black pepper, blackstrap molasses, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and coconut oil is terrific. And the Energizing Superfood Latte with coconut milk tastes very nourishing.  

Available in Aptos Natural Foods and other health-driven food stores. Visit LokahiSantaCruz.com for more information.

5 Great Last-Minute Gifts From The Grocery Store

Whether the result of a full schedule or procrastination, we’ve all felt that panic at the eleventh hour of holiday shopping when we still have multiple gifts to buy and time has run out.

Instead of relaxing with friends and family, we’re frantically scanning shops, praying we find a passable gift before the time on our parking meter runs out.

Reader, allow me to take some of that stress off of your shoulders with this lifehack: you can buy plenty of great gifts at the grocery store. There are delicious treats hiding in plain sight on the shelves that anyone in your life would love to receive, whether they’re a foodie or just someone who likes to eat, and they don’t require visiting a specialty shop or paying out the nose for overnight delivery.

Here are a few gifts from local producers available at your preferred local market. Don’t forget to pick up a bottle of wine for yourself—you’ve earned it.

Pinot Cherries by Friend in Cheeses Jam Co.: These dried cherries soaked in Pinot Noir and spices make the perfect festive cocktail garnish for your friend who loves a great Manhattan. ($10 for 8 oz.)

Belle Farms Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Made from five Tuscan olive varieties harvested in Santa Cruz County, this EVOO is delicate and well-balanced, with a peppery finish. ($14 for 250 ml.)

Burn Hot Sauce: The colors of this probiotic, Santa Cruz-produced hot sauce pop out of the refrigerated section. Made with single-variety heirloom peppers, grab a single sauce for a stocking stuffer or several to taste the rainbow. ($9 for 4 fl. oz.)

CaCoco Drinking Chocolate: Who doesn’t love cozying up with a cup of delicious, creamy hot chocolate? Now imagine that it’s dairy-free, low in sugar, made with fair-trade cocoa and boosted with natural ingredients like turmeric, maca and reishi mushrooms. Oh, and it comes in a package shaped like a Mayan temple. ($13 for 7 oz.)

Meeks California Buckwheat Honey: This dark, malty honey is delicious on its own, and will certainly come in handy when the inevitable seasonal cold necessitates many, many cups of tea. (Prices vary)

5 Things to Do in Santa Cruz: Dec. 19-25

A weekly guide to what’s happening.

Green Fix

Photo Hike for Beginners

Anyone can take a selfie, but this guided photography class is more about capturing nature than double-chinned angles. The class is four hours long and focuses on capturing different lighting, camera skills and becoming more familiar with the park. Make sure to bring your camera, water and comfortable recreational shoes.

INFO: 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22. Henry Cowell Redwood State Park, 101 N Big Trees Park Rd., Felton. 335-7077. Free.

Art Seen

Transport of Delight

There’s something about the holidays and trains. Maybe it’s Roaring Camp’s train rides, or the perennial demand for new train sets under the tree, but trains and Christmas go hand in hand. With this in mind, the folks at the San Lorenzo Valley Museum have put together an exhibit of transportation through the ages featuring 50 transportation models. From trains and cars to balloons and ships, anything and everything that goes from A to B will be there. Many of the models shown belong to local residents. There’s also an interactive play area for younger visitors.

INFO: Show runs through Sunday, Jan. 6. Museum open Wednesday-Sunday, noon-4 p.m. San Lorenzo Valley Museum, 12547 Hwy. 9, Boulder Creek. 338-8382, slvmuseum.com. Free, donations accepted.

Saturday 12/22

‘Oberufer Shepherds Play’

The shepherds from the nativity story never get any credit. No one ever asks what they thought about going to see the birth of Jesus, or of an angel sporadically appearing out of thin air. Plus, the trip to Bethlehem couldn’t have been easy without lights, cars or GPS. At least now we can all know and appreciate how they felt, thanks to the Oberufer Shepherds Play. The sweet, heartwarming play tells Christmas stories from the perspective of shepherds. The cast and crew are all local, with professional and amateur actors and musicians from the Santa Cruz Waldorf School, Anthroposophical Branch and Camphill Communities California.  

INFO: 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22. Louden Nelson Community Center, 301 Center St., Santa Cruz. 301-325-1566. Adults $15/Children $8.

Friday 12/21

An ABBA-Solutely Christmas Show

Even people who don’t think they know ABBA know ABBA. From “Dancing Queen,” “Waterloo,” “SOS” and “Take a Chance on Me” to “Voulez-Vous,” “Super Trouper” and “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight),” these songs are some of the most ubiquitous in pop music history. In an intermingling of ABBA’s greatest hits with some holiday music, the ABBA-Solutely Christmas Show guarantees some—probably many—smiles.

INFO: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21. Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. 423-8209, riotheatre.com. $40-$60.

Wednesday 12/19- Sunday 12/23

Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train

Can’t get a ride on Santa’s sleigh? Don’t worry, get a lift to the North Pole the next best way. And by “North Pole,” we mean the amazing Santa Cruz Mountains. It’s the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train, with spiced cider and holiday carols to spark up the cheer. Kids, neighbors, grandmas, friends, friends we haven’t met yet—all aboard!

INFO: 5 and 6:30 p.m. Roaring Camp. 5401 Graham Hill Rd., Felton. roaringcamp.com. Adults $33 general/Children $27.

Music Picks: December 26-January 1

Dumpstaphunk
Live music highlights for the week of Dec. 26, 2018

Rob Brezny’s Astrology Dec. 26-Jan. 1

Astrology, Horoscope, Stars, Zodiac Signs
Free will astrology for the week of Dec. 26, 2018

The Bird Chirps of the Future: Risa’s Star’s Dec. 26- Jan. 1

risa's stars
Esoteric Astrology as news for week of Dec. 26, 2018.

Our Top 10 Films of 2018

Blindspotting
Critic picks, from ‘Blindspotting’ to ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’

Full Spektrum: The Best Local Art of 2018

spektrum
If nothing else, at least 2018 was a great year for the arts

Preview: Ring In 2019 With the Mother Hips

Mother Hips
California soul pioneers play Dec. 30 and 31 at Moe’s Alley

Burgers to Thai, Santa Cruz’s Best Meals of 2018

Avanti lamb burger
A righteous lamb burger, a gorgeous green curry and more

A Pinot Primed For a Christmas Feast

Sante Arcangeli Family Wines
Sante Arcangeli Family Wines pours up a ‘party in a bottle’

5 Great Last-Minute Gifts From The Grocery Store

Meeks California Buckwheat Honey
Local delicacies hidden on the grocery store shelf

5 Things to Do in Santa Cruz: Dec. 19-25

Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train
Holiday lights, an An ABBA-Solutely Christmas Show and more
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