Arts & Entertainment
Get Out: Lighted Boat Parade, Risqué Plays, and Artisan Holiday Sales Galore
It might rain on our parades, but that will only make them more fun.
It is going to pour this weekend, but that doesn't mean you have to spend all of your time curled up on the couch watching TV and cooking soup.
There's tons going on, including two rain-or-shine parades on Saturday. So get up and get out! Here's a look at this weekend's highlights:
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**FRIDAY, NOV. 30:
THE HEDONISTS
Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
WHAT: A play by Manuel Montez, the Chicano Theatreworks presents this four-character drama which explores the indulgence and hibernation of pleasure, incest, narcissism, the power dynamic between men and women, and the art making process.
IS THERE NUDITY? "Close to it!" says actress Angie Espinosa.
WHERE: The Broadway Playhouse, 526 Broadway in Santa Cruz
WHEN: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8 p.m. This is the last weekend to catch the show!
TICKETS: Available at the door. $ amount TBA.
MAPLE STREET FIVE and FAROUCHE!
WHAT: Maple Street Five is traditional bluegrass, gypsy jazz, folk and blues! Farouche is a hot jazz ensemble out of UC Santa Cruz. Local heartthrob and talented musician Kendra McKinley will join them on Friday.
DON'T KNOW THEM? Check out the band websites for some preview tracks! THE MAPLE STREET FIVE / FAROUCHE
WHAT: Santa Claus, marching bands and tons of fun floats will parade down Pacific Avenue, rain or shine!
WHERE: Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz.
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1 at 10 a.m.
SMART SOLUTIONS CONFERENCE ON HOMELESSNESS
WHAT: Concerned citizens are invited to the this Countywide Community Engagement Summit which aims to improve understanding of the realities of homelessness in Santa Cruz County, develop a shared vision for change and facilitate communication.
WHERE: Cabrillo College in Aptos.
WHEN: Sat, Dec. 1.
HOW TO ATTEND: Register on the Smart Solutions to Homelessness Santa Cruz County website or email info@smartsolutionstohomelessness.org for more information.
27th ANNUAL LIGHTED BOAT PARADE!
WHAT: Rain or shine, come watch dozens of boats draped in holiday lights, it's a sight to behold! This year's theme is "Twas the Lights Before Christmas."
Check out photos from two year's ago when the theme was "Starry Nights." It rained that year, and it was awesome!
WHERE: Santa Cruz Harbor
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1 beginning at 5:30 p.m.
COST: Absolutely FREE!
ARTISAN HOLIDAY HANDMADE GIFT SALE
WHAT: All items are $25 or less at the 5th Annual Art Gift Sale. Support local artists and find wonderful handmade treasures at reasonable prices. Roberta Lee Woods will be there, along with several other talented artisans!
CHECK OUT: THE FACEBOOK EVENT INVITATION!
WHERE: Center Street Grill, 1001 Center St, Ste 1, in downtown Santa Cruz.
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1 starting at 10 a.m.
ART IN THE CELLARS
WHAT: It's Bargetto Winery's annual Holiday art sale featuring 27 local fine artists, food for purchase, and of course: wine tasting!
TIP: Try the hot Mead!
WHEN: Sat. Dec 1. AND Sun., Dec 2, from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
WHERE: In the historic wine cellar at Bargetto Winery, 3535 North Main Street, Soquel.
RISING INTERNATIONAL HOLIDAY STORE SALE
WHAT: Rising International promotes ownership of craft-based businesses by women in impovershed regions of the world, with a focus on women in high risk environments. The organization is turning its Santa Cruz headquarters into a store on Saturday, with Fair Trade holiday gifts on sale as well as champagne! Give a gift that gives back this year!
WHERE: 200 Potrero Street in Santa Cruz, behind the Farmer's Exchange.
WHEN: Sat, Dec. 1 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Watsky! SLOPPY SECONDS TOUR with A-1 and ELIQUATE!
WHAT: Rising San Francisco hip hop artist, George Watsky plays with local favorite Eliquate, described by local folk singer and fan Cate Havstad as "mind blowing, face-melting, baby making" music. What's not to love?
WHERE: At the Catalyst Club in downtown Santa Cruz.
WHEN: Sat, Dec 1. Eliquate opens at 8 p.m.
TIX: $12/door, $15/adv.
**SUNDAY, DEC 2:
KENDRA MCKINLEY PLAYS THE KUUMBWA
WHAT: It's a CD release concert for this young and talented singer and songwriter out of Santa Cruz. Her album Chesnut Street was recorded independently in collaboration with the North Pacific Company, and features all original work. McKinley's vocals are arresting, and she's become a master of using a loop pedal to sing off layers of her own melodies. She's also a talented guitarist—don't miss this one-of-a-kind talent!
Check out KENDRA MCKINLEY'S WEBSITE for a preview.
WHERE: Kuumbwa Jazz Center
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
TICKETS: $10/general, $8/student. Get them HERE.
Don't see your event? Post it in the comments!
