Get Out in Santa Cruz

Not quite sure what to do with the weekend coming up? We've been doing some thinking for you and have five suggestions for you here.In fact, we think you don't even have to wait for the weekend! This week you can get started Thursday night. And because it's a long weekend, enjoy Monday, too!

JAZZ ARTISTS BOB JAMES AND HOWARD PAUL

Where/When: Kuumbwa Jazz, 320-2 Cedar St.; Monday, 7 p.m.

Why Go: Grammy-awarded pianist/keyboardist Bob James has traveled the long, winding road of jazz and earned a remarkably diverse fan-base along the way. His seminal 1970s work endures as a fixture on the DJ and hip-hop circuit. Every now and then, James returns to the bop that first inspired him; take, for instance, this pairing with seven-string guitarist Howard Paul. This meeting of minds should make for an intriguing conversation of bop and beyond.

Pricing: $22 in advance, $25 at the door

Where/When: At various AMC theaters in San Jose, Cupertino, Milpitas and Mountain View for one night only; special premier showing at 8 p.m. at all theaters.

Why Go: RISE celebrates American figure skating while commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1961 tragedy in which the entire U.S. figure skating team was killed. Peggy Fleming is one of the storytellers (along with Dorothy Hamill, Scott Hamilton, Michelle Kwan and Brian Boitano) for this inspirational movie about the power of the human spirit as it honors a group of individuals who, through their loss, inspired the hopes, dreams and success for generations of skaters to follow.For details about RISE and the accompanying live event in New York City to be hosted by Matt Lauer, go to rise1961.com.

Pricing: $15

Where/When: 1627 S. Seventh St., San Jose; Saturday, noon-5 p.m.

Why Go: Need you ask? Trying out beer from microbreweries from Santa Cruz, Campbell and Mountain View, complemented by gourmet food trucks, makes this a fun, outdoor event for foodies and beer connoisseurs. Unlimited tastings from participating breweries.

Pricing: $25 in advance, $30 at the door

VIETNAMESE SPRING FESTIVAL PARADE

Where/When: Downtown San Jose at Market Street; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Why Go:  For the Vietnamese, this is the Year of the Cat. The event features arts and crafts, live music, cultural performances, martial arts and children’s games, along with Vietnamese food and drinks.

Pricing:  Free

NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEE HOUR WITH ASSEMBLYMAN BILL MONNING

Where/When: Java Junction Coffee Roasting (next door to the Seabright Brewery), 519 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz, Saturday, 11 a.m. to noon

Why Go:  To meet with your state assemblyman and share your concerns.

Pricing:  Free