12 minute read
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Bring the Noise
UCSC’s Quarry Amphitheater joins forces with Noise Pop for summer concerts
BY ADAM JOSEPH
KEEP ON ROCKIN’ IN THE ROCK YARD Before the pandemic, UCSC’s Quarry Amphitheater hosted many large concerts. The 2000+-capacity venue returns to live-music events with a concert series this summer. PHOTO: COURTESY OF UCSC
In the early ’60s, modernist landscape architect Robert Royston took on an ambitious project:
designing what’s now the Quarry Amphitheater on the UC Santa Cruz campus. Like Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado, Royston’s approach to creating the venue centers around environmental preservation. After all, the Quarry is located in a majestic setting cuddled by a canopy 52 »
of towering redwoods, and the space’s limestone provides natural acoustics far superior to most indoor concert halls.
Royston used the elements of nature, carving the venue out of the former lime quarry. The layout is unique and asymmetrical, but there isn’t a bad seat in the joint.
Since its construction, the Quarry has hosted experimental theater and Shakespeare. Students have held Bollywood tributes and political rallies; renowned cultural figures, including Angela Davis, Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez, have spoken, and notable musicians, from Ravi Shankar to Joan Baez, have performed. The Quarry also made an ideal spot for topless sunbathing in the ’70s.
Following an $8 million renovation that includes upgrades to the stage, electrical infrastructure and capacity expansion—the amphitheater now seats 2,700, making it Santa Cruz’s largest outdoor venue—the Quarry reopened in 2017 after lying dormant for more than a decade.
Fast forward another five years: Last April, Quarry general manager Jose Reyes-Olivias announced a collaboration between the venue and Noise Pop.
“Noise Pop’s connection to independent music and culture felt like a perfect fit to find some great artists to play here,” he said.
Noise Pop Industries founder Kevin Arnold delivered an initial statement that resonated with the same excitement: “We’re fortunate to have forged a partnership built on a shared vision and passion for the potential of the Quarry with the UCSC community.”
In addition to founding the Noise Pop Festival and co-founding Treasure Island Musical Festival and Another Planet, the San Francisco-based Noise Pop Industries has produced hundreds of shows throughout the Bay Area and beyond. As champions of up-andcoming indie artists, the organization’s impressive resume features the Flaming Lips, Modest Mouse and early White Stripes shows.
Mexican singer-songwriter Carla Morrison kicked off the QuarryNoise Pop alliance on June 24—she’s touring for the first time in six years. Morrison’s international following is impressive—multiple platinum records, 3.2 billion streams, stadium sellouts— but her courage in writing about her mental health struggles has proven more captivating. Especially since her music breaks through language barriers—most of Morrison’s songs are sung in Spanish—and touches listeners deeply.
Morrison’s acclaimed 2022 release El Renacimiento (The Rebirth) is just that—a return, a “rebirth,” after an extended hiatus.
Morrison told Billboard. “Now that I think back on it, I was really depressed. But at that time, I didn’t know I was.”
El Renacimiento is a deep emotional dive. The 12 carefully crafted tracks exude love, forgiveness, mourning, anxiety, healing and hope through acoustic compositions, electronica, indie rock and straightforward pop. “Te Perdi” (“I Lost You”) is a stripped-down, heart-on-her-sleeve ballad with a gentle percussive backbeat. Morrison’s delicate alto vocals build up to a poignant eruption about letting herself let go.
Meanwhile, the Quarry-Noise Pop 2022 Summer Concert Series continues Aug. 12-13 with two nights of very different music. For 20 years, STS9 (Sound Tribe Sector 9) has branded itself as being undefinable. Eventually, the jam band community embraced the five-piece instrumental outfit for their live improvisational musical expanses that can go on—and on. STS9’s fully immersive live shows also include mindbending light shows in sync with the music. A STS9 show might be what Ken Kesey envisioned acid tests could look like in the future.
STS9 plays Friday, Aug. 12 and Saturday, Aug. 13, 7pm. $47.50/$54.50; $77.50/premium; $37.50/students plus fees. Two nights $95; $155/premium; $77.50/students plus fees. Quarry Amphitheater at UC Santa Cruz, 1156 High St., Santa Cruz. quarry.ucsc.edu.
“We’re fortunate to have forged a partnership built on a shared vision and passion for the potential of the Quarry with the UCSC community.” — KEVIN ARNOLD A&E
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.
Capitola Bar & Grill
231 Esplanade, Capitola, 831-854-2888, capitolabarandgrill.com Live Music Friday-Wednesday
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.) »
A&E
« Jewel Theatre Company
1010 River St., Santa Cruz, 831-4257506, jeweltheatre.net 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.
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, 831460-6399, 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.
Tandy Beal & Company
tandybeal.com They put on original shows spanning dance, theatre, circus and music.
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, 831703-4183, lilleaeske.com Art gallery, intimate performance venue, community gathering site and space-for-hire in the San Lorenzo Valley.
Made in Santa Cruz
57 Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, 831426-2257, 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
1111 River St., Santa Cruz, 831-4265500, michaelangelogallery.net Located across the street from the Tannery Arts Center, MichaelAngelo offers everything from art openings to fundraisers.
R. Blitzer Gallery
2801 Mission St., Santa Cruz, 831458-1217, rblitzergallery.com
Renovated warehouse gallery on the Westside that features local and regional artists.
RREVV Gallery
1349 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 415-851-5114, rrevv.com RREVV Gallery features locally made leather handbags and accessories, custom furniture, bespoke lighting, jewelry, painting and mixed media art.
Santa Cruz Art League
526 Broadway St., Santa Cruz, 831426-5787, scal.org A charming creative hub and hotbed of activity, especially in October, when the annual Open Studios tour is underway.
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front St., Santa Cruz, 831-4291964, santacruzmah.org In addition to its ongoing exhibits and special events, the museum hosts interactive events.
Santa Cruz Sea Glass & Ocean Art Festival
facebook.com/ SantaCruzSeaGlassFestival
The 14th annual festival will be held Nov. 5-6, 2022.
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 515 Kitchen & Cocktails
515 Cedar St., Santa Cruz, 831-4255051, 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, 831465-8200, thecastawaysbar.com A great neighborhood bar—festive, sporty, fun. This is a just-be-yourselfand-hang place. Good service and nice interior lounging options.
The Catalyst
1011 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, 831429-4135, 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, 831476-4560, 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, 831-4754900, 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.
