11 minute read
» ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
by Weeklys
Comedy Comeback
In Santa Cruz, the laughter has returned— here’s where to find it BY DNA
After spending the day on the beach, picking sand out from between your toes, or screaming on the rides on the Boardwalk, it’s time for some laughter. From breweries to bars and hotels to parks, you have multiple chances to catch some of the best national, regional and local comedians from California and beyond.
Stand-up comedy has a long history in Santa Cruz. UCSC students include SNL greats Adam Samberg and Maya Rudolph. Recent Banana Slug graduate Emily Catalano had a blisteringly funny set on Conan and has over 7 million views on TikTok. (Check out her hilarious comedy podcast, Hesby Street.)
Weekly comedy shows are still finding a foothold as venues reopen and normal hours resume. Every Friday night, catch the best of the Bay Area comedy world at Greater Purpose Brewery, located at 21517 East Cliff Drive. Tasty, locally crafted brews and pub food are available, and admission is $10. The shows are 7-9pm, and advance tickets are advised.
Underground comedy is alive and well in Santa Cruz with the drive-in shows on top of the Church Street parking lot every Friday at 8pm. Motor up there and enjoy some renegade comedy shows.
Every Sunday, the longest running weekly show in California returns to the Crow’s Nest at 2218 East Cliff Drive. It started in the 1980s and is still run by comedy producer and legend Jon Fox. The show starts at 9pm, costs $8 and features a mix of California comics and comedians traveling through the area.
New comedy rooms are popping up all the time. If you’re a local looking for a night of laughter or a visitor who wants to check out the local flavor, look no further than every fourth Saturday where you can see (and do) comedy at the Rush Inn at 113 Knight St. with host Ryne Watkins. Sign-ups are at 6:30pm, and everyone is welcome.
Monthly shows are happening all over Santa Cruz. Up in the mountains, it’s the historically haunted Brookdale Lodge, featuring mostly music, but their monthly comedy is not to be missed at 7pm, for $5. Bring a date, but don’t get ghosted.
The newest, coolest venue is the Felton Music Hall, at 6275 Highway 9 in Felton. On Sept. 21, you can see the homeless guy from the Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin, Creed Bratton. The show starts at 8pm and is $25. Expect more comedy from this new upstart.
Spend a Sunday afternoon at the beautiful Skov Winery on 2364 Bean Creek Road in Scotts Valley. Nestled among the vineyards, see the best of Los Angeles and San Francisco comics at 4pm for $40, which includes a glass of wine or beer. And if wine is your game, check out the monthly comedy shows at Vino by the Sea, 55 Municipal Wharf, upstairs with the best view in Santa Cruz. Shows are free, take place on one Friday each month and are from 7-9pm.
Coming Aug. 14-28, it’s the 8th annual Santa Cruz Comedy Festival with Saturday afternoon shows in Laurel Park behind the Louden Nelson Community Center in downtown Santa Cruz. National headliners like the fabulous Jackie Kashian, Kellen Erskine and Chris Estrada mingle with the best of the Bay Area comedy scene. Each Saturday features a new show with plenty of room to spread out your blanket and chairs and build community through laughter. Shows are at 4pm for $25. The festival will also hold special evening events throughout town at venues like Moe’s Alley at 1535 Commercial Way, The Crepe Place at 1134 Soquel Ave., Humble Sea Brewery at 820 Swift St., Urbani Cellar at 140 Encinal St., and more. Check out dnascomedylab.com for up-to-date information on the festival.
RISING STARS Santa Cruz is still a top spot for comedy talent, with UCSC grad Emily Catalano (performing here at Skov Winery in Scotts Valley) recently going viral after her set on ‘Conan.’ PHOTO: EMILY CATALANO
A&E
Tandy Beal & Company
tandybeal.com They put on original shows spanning dance, theatre, circus and music.
THEATER/ DANCE
Art League Broadway Playhouse
526 Broadway St, Santa Cruz, 831.426.5787, scal.org There’s an impressive art gallery on one end and a small black-box theater on the other. Overall, it manages to deliver some wonderful artistic splendor on both sides from creative locals.
Cabrillo Stage
6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831.479.6154, cabrillostage.com A live orchestra with high quality sets and production values enhance the performances of this acclaimed musical theater.
Henry J. Mello Center
215 E. Beach St, Watsonville, 831.763.4047, mellocenter.org The lavish setting of South County’s premier performing arts center features a luxurious stage where concerts and performances are presented, including the Santa Cruz Symphony’s full season. (Each symphony performance is also at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium.)
Jewel Theatre Company
JTC performs at the Colligan Theater, located in the Tannery’s former hide house. The highly respected company produces an eclectic season each year that includes drama, comedy and one musical.
Louden Nelson Community Center
301 Center St, Santa Cruz, 831.420.6177
The famed local center often attracts quirky and diverse offerings on the theater front, but take note of its other events—everything from senior yoga to dance. The hallway doubles as an art gallery.
Motion Pacific
131 Front St, Santa Cruz, 831.457.1616, motionpacific.com Dance culture in Santa Cruz County is mushrooming and evolving, and Motion Pacific is an important hub of education and performance. Take a class or catch a show, from burlesque to hip-hop.
Mountain Community Theater
9400 Mill St, Ben Lomond, 831.336.4777, mctshows.org Still thriving in its third decade, MCT produces several ambitious shows a year, thanks to an engaged community’s support in the charming mountain town of Ben Lomond.
ABBOTT SQUARE AT THE MAH
TARMO HANNULA
Santa Cruz Actors’ Theatre
santacruzactorstheatre.org Known for productions of contemporary, cutting-edge plays along with new plays, this group produced one of the first short play festivals in the country: the renowned 8 Tens @ 8, which celebrated 25 years in 2020.
Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
307 Church St, Santa Cruz, 831.420.5240
The renowned Civic has hosted festivals, symphony concerts and an abundance of famous artists, including Tony Bennett, Bob Dylan and Ray Charles. Call or check local listings for events.
Santa Cruz Shakespeare
501 Upper Park Rd, Santa Cruz, 831.460.6399, santacruzshakespeare.org The nationally recognized Santa Cruz Shakespeare has a new home after many years on the UCSC campus. Set in an outdoor forest theater in DeLaveaga Park, the Audrey Stanley Grove promises to host the same topquality performances that have made this theater company beloved.
ART
Artisans and Agency
1368 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, 831423-8183, artisanssantacruz.com This showcase for local talent offers a slice of everything, from woodwork and ceramics to jewelry, prints and glass art.
Felix Kulpa
107 Elm St, Santa Cruz, 408.373.2854 Specializing in offbeat, sometimes quirky but always inventive, art shows.
First Friday
Multiple locations, firstfridaysantacruz.com Galleries and pop-up galleries countywide are at their most festive on the evening of the first Friday of every month, when dozens of venues display, for your pleasure, the unique visual feast that is the Santa Cruz arts scene.
Lille Aeske Arthouse
13160 Hwy. 9, Boulder Creek, 831.703.4183, lilleaeske.com Art gallery, intimate performance venue, community gathering site and space-forhire in the San Lorenzo Valley.
Made in Santa Cruz
57 Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, 831.426.2257, madeinsantacruz.com Expect a large selection of original paintings, blown glass, ceramics, and sculptures from local artists.
Mary Porter Sesnon Art Gallery
Porter College, UCSC, 831.459.3606 A wide variety of art covering all genres. Closed on university holidays and during summer.
MichaelAngelo Gallery
«Located across the street from the Tannery Arts Center, MichaelAngelo offers everything from art openings to fundraisers.
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front St, Santa Cruz, 831.429.1964, santacruzmah.org In addition to its ongoing exhibits and special events, the museum hosts interactive events.
R. Blitzer Gallery
2801 Mission St, Santa Cruz, 831.458.1217, rblitzergallery.com Renovated warehouse gallery on the Westside that features local and regional artists.
Santa Cruz Art League
526 Broadway St, Santa Cruz, 831.426.5787, scal.org A charming creative hub and hotbed of activity, especially in October, when the annual Open Studios tour is underway.
Shen’s Gallery
2404 Mission St, Santa Cruz 831.457.4424, shensgallery.com A huge selection of Chinese antiques not easily found elsewhere. Offers local delivery and worldwide shipping.
Tannery Arts Center
1010 River St, Santa Cruz, 831.621.6226, tanneryartscenter.org This live-work arts campus is the home of many arts events, galleries, two dance studios, live theater space, a cafe/bar, and more. Check the website for a calendar.
Open Studios Santa Cruz County
santacruzopenstudios.com The Open Studios Art Tour offers an opportunity to explore creativity throughout Santa Cruz County, connecting art lovers with local artists during the first three weeks of October every year.
ENTERTAINMENT
831.425.5051, 515santacruz.com Often voted one of the best places to indulge in a signature cocktail, the popular hangout in downtown Santa Cruz offers a wide variety of inspired cocktails and a drink menu that changes regularly. Take note of the impressive Mediterranean food menu, too. A fantastic enclave for both students and professionals, 515 has it all.
Aptos St. BBQ
8059 Aptos St, Aptos, 831.662.1721, aptosstbbq.com You can swing by Aptos St. BBQ for its succulent ribs, sausages, sandwiches, and vast selection of beer.
The Blue Lagoon
923 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, 831.423.7117, thebluelagoon.com Dark, moody and with great drink specials, the Blue is infamous for its low-priced, epic punk and metal shows.
Brady’s Yacht Club
413 Seabright Ave, Santa Cruz, 831.425.9854
The second living room for many Seabright residents, Brady’s is a perfect place to throw back a pint after work.
Britannia Arms
110 Monterey Ave, Capitola, 831.464.2583
This authentic British pub offers a taste of Dear Old Blighty. Imported beer plus a full menu.
Callahan’s Pub
507 Water St, Santa Cruz, 831.427.3119
Everything you want from a neighborhood bar. Come in for a quick drink or stay a while to watch a game, play some pool and enjoy the friendly bartenders serving 15 beers on tap. Plenty of parking!
Castaways
3623 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz, 831.465.8200, thecastawaysbar.com A great neighborhood bar—festive, sporty, fun. This is a just-be-yourselfand-hang place. Good service and nice interior lounging options.
515 Kitchen & Cocktails The Catalyst
831.429.4135, catalystclub.com Santa Cruz’s landmark nightclub and social hub features live music on its main stage and atrium, plus pool tables and a bar upstairs.
The Crepe Place
1134 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, 831.429.6994, thecrepeplace.com Often overflowing, this is a locale to find touring up-and-coming indie bands. Doubling as a restaurant and a music venue, the Crepe Place houses an eclectic blend of concerts in a comfortable, intimate setting, plus late night dining.
The Crow’s Nest
2218 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, 831.476.4560, crowsnest-santacruz.com
Offers a wide variety of live entertainment and dancing in the upstairs lounge. Add that to the full bar with ocean views and some appetizers from the Breakwater Grill, and you’ve got a classic night out in Santa Cruz. Full restaurant downstairs.
Felton Music Hall
6275 Hwy. 9, Felton, 510.350.8896, feltonmusichall.com
Nestled in bucolic downtown Felton, this live music venue will showcase local talent and touring musicians, as well as fresh craft food and drinks.
Henflings Tavern
9450 Hwy. 9, Ben Lomond, 831.336.9318, henflingsbar.com This mountain bar and grill offers some of the county’s best in free rock music several nights a week. Plus, it has one of the county’s more colorful open mics.
Kuumbwa Jazz
320-2 Cedar St, Santa Cruz, 427.2227, kuumbwajazz.org The nonprofit Kuumbwa attracts legendary jazz icons in addition to world and local music. Food and drink are available.
Michael’s on Main
2591 S Main St, Soquel, 831.479.9777, michaelsonmain.net This is a good place to hear some fun tunes while you enjoy their famous comfort food and visit their new taproom.
Moe’s Alley
1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, 831.479.1854, moesalley.com Offering a dependably diverse and talented lineup each week—with blues, funk and Afro-Latin beats often stirring up the dance floor. A great bar, heated patio and music attract all age groups.
Motiv
1209 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, 831.429.8070, motivsc.com Motiv has racked up a number of awards over the years, including Best Dance Club, Best DJ and Best Bartender. It is no wonder some call it the best party in town.
The Parish Publick House
841 Almar Ave, Santa Cruz, 831.421.0507; 8017 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 831.708.2036, parishpublickhouse.com Rotating taps, full bar, delicious pub fare, full-on atmosphere. The Aptos location has patio seating.
The Rio Theatre
1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, 831.423.8209, riotheatre.com This classy and streamlined setting draws big names of all genres from around the world. It offers a dance floor as well as plush, comfortable seating.
The Red/The Red Room
200 Locust St, Santa Cruz, 831.425.1913
One of the town’s best hotspots. The upstairs Red boasts a memorable menu—a great dinner lounge. The street-level Red Room is a funky throwback bar, completely original and distinct.
Zelda’s on the Beach
203 Esplanade, Capitola, 831.475.4900, zeldasonthebeach.com Just a seashell’s throw from the ocean waves, Zelda’s is not the biggest bar in town, but it does pull in some of Santa Cruz’s top-notch talent for concerts.
