THURSDAY 6/19
ROCK
RACECOURSE
Racecourse isn’t a typical rock band. Just give 95 S 58-61 a spin. This new EP—lo-fi recording, mixed with their soft, folky sounds atop a layer of ambient white noise—gives the listener the impression of being right there at an intimate house show rather than listening through a pair of earbuds. Thursday’s show is presented by Redwood Records, who, for several years now, have been teaming up with local establishments to provide some of the best in California indie rock. Joining Racecourse are local punk-inspired indie rockers Trixie, San Francisco’s Brother M, and DJs Braincandy and Ilios. MAT WEIR
INFO: 8pm, Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. $10. 429-6994.
FRIDAY 6/20
ELECTRONIC
KONCEPTUALIZER
Bay Area electronic group Konceptualizer just released an amazing collaborative record, Think for Yourself. Spoken word and intermixed field recordings keep the listener on their toes while melodic riffs and vibraphone bring an intimate feeling to songs like “Trippin the Light” and “Wasteland.” As they present this record, which weaves in the styles and sounds of 11 different artists across the world, Konceptualizer invites musicians, singers and beatmakers to join in at this interactive Santa Cruz event. Featuring a variety of samples and synthesizers, and incorporating theremin and electric guitar, Konceptualizer celebrates a free-flowing creation of music. SHELLY NOVO
INFO: 6pm, Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, 705 Front St., Santa Cruz. Free. 429-1964.
SATURDAY 6/21
PUNK
AGENT ORANGE
The hard-hitting surf rock–informed punk of Agent Orange exploded onto the punk, skate and surf scenes of the early ’80s. Clean, sharp and fierce with lyrics that explored teenage suburban angst, the Reagan era’s unique brand of nihilism, and a strong dose of youthful defiance. Their cover of instrumental “Miserlou” predated the ’90s surf rock revival by a good ten years. Mike Palm has led many lineups of this power trio through 45 years of touring and recording as the frontman and the only consistent member. The show is all ages. KEITH LOWELL JENSEN
INFO: 6pm, SC Veterans Hall, 846 Front St., Santa Cruz. $24-$36. 454-0478
ROCK
DIZGO
Dizgo delivers a redefined live experience while maintaining technical prowess. They blend Jamtronica, funk, deep-groove and psychedelic rock—guitar flourishes and soulful vocals, intermixed with analog synth to create an experience that is both kinetic and contemplative. With previous performances at Peach Music Festival, Summer Camp Music Festival, and Resonance Music Festival, DIZGO knows how to create the perfect dance party. They have honed a tight show, while making room for free-flowing spontaneity that their fans adore. As they describe it, “We’ve found the perfect orbit.” SN
INFO: 8pm, Felton Music Hall, 6275 Hwy 9, Felton, $17, 704-7113.
SUNDAY 6/22
PET ADOPTION
ANIMAL FRIENDS RESCUE MEET & GREET
Thinking of adopting a new cat or dog, or thinking about getting involved in local animal rescues? And enjoy beer? If the answer is yes to those questions, then visit Discretion Brewing. There will be a meet & greet with cats and dogs available for adoption from the Animal Friends Rescue Project. Grab a beer and say hello to a potential new best friend. For those who aren’t ready to bring home a new pet, that’s okay! Take the time to learn about what the Animal Friends Rescue Project is doing to support local animals and local shelters. A good beer and petting a cute animal can be the perfect way to distract yourself from the Sunday scaries. Besides, beer! ISABELLA MARIE SANGALINE
INFO: Noon, Discretion Brewing, 2703 41st Ave., Suite A, Soquel. Free. 316-0662.
MONDAY 6/23
JAZZ
MELISSA ALDANA QUARTET
Chilean-born composer and tenor saxophonist Melissa Aldana is a leading figure on the present-day jazz landscape. As a young child, she started on alto sax but switched to tenor after being inspired by the work of Sonny Rollins. Studying at Berklee, she was guided in part by major jazz figures Joe Lovano and George Garzone. Aldana debuted with 2009’s Free Fall. The first woman to win the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition in 2013, Aldana earned a Grammy nomination for 2019’s Frida Kahlo-inspired album, Visions. Her instrumental work explores her journey as a human and artist, focusing on self-acceptance. BK
INFO: 7pm, Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. $52. 427-2227.
TUESDAY 6/24
ROCK
WAVVES
For 17 years, Wavves have brought the people a sound that ranges from indie rock to surf, psych, alternative and even a touch of the ’90s, never getting stuck in one lane. Their first three albums are iconic and were at the forefront of the mid-2000s beach-goth movement. On June 27, they will release their ninth studio album, Spun, for which several singles have already been released. The first, “So Long,” released this past February, also came with the announcement of Wavves’ very own cannabis company, Wavvy Supply Co., which all the band members co-own and describe as a place where “cannabis is not just a product but an art.” MW
INFO: 8pm, Catalyst, 1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. $29. 713-5492.
WEDNESDAY 6/25
PUNK
NIIS
Los Angeles-born foursome Niis (pronounced “Nice”) have been called punk, hardcore, garage and grunge. Whatever one wants to label them it’s undeniable that they are loud, abrasive, in your face and not about to put up with anyone’s crap. While calling out the male-dominated scene, railing against capitalism, misogyny and everything else looking to keep us down, vocalist Mimi has the best growling, screaming, stalking and exploding stage presence since Wendy O Williams fronted the Plasmatics. If there were an annual Wendy O Williams Award (and there totally should be), Niis would be a shoo-in. KLJ
INFO: 8pm, Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz. $15-$20. 479-1854.
