Santa Cruz Parent

Shadows Across Our Eyes
2025-04-26 18:00 - 19:30, 2025-04-27 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Satori, 815 Almar Avenue, Santa Cruz, 95060, United States
Shadows Across Our Eyes
Friday April 25 & Saturday 26, 7pm; Sunday, April 27, 2pm
“Thought-provoking . . . mysterious . . . fascinating . . . you couldn’t look away, what happened on stage was too authentic-looking and authoritative” Jennifer Dunning, New York Times
Shadows Across Our Eyes is bodies limited and constrained; aggressive and audacious; independent trajectories between movers that intertwine and entangle. Neon lines in tension cut the space, iconic narrative stand offs back away and move into active self-bindings, and outwardly focused mind states morph into inward unknowable personas. Shadows Across Our Eyes presents a series of narrative fragments unblended and open and deriving meaning from what we think we know refusing to consider what we shutter to create a story and a history.
Kranicke’s work Shadows Across Our Eyes, performed with Zephyr member Molly Fe Strom, is highly abstract, yet open to myriad images and ideas. Neon lines in tension cut the space, iconic stand-offs back away and move into active self-bindings, outwardly focused mind states morph into inward unknowable personas. The dancers both acknowledge and lose track of each other through a variety of narrative fragments, bodies squatting, lunging, suspended, assessing, confused, and fragile. The work creates an atmosphere of tension as Kranicke and Strom move through the piece balancing their task of executing movement while encumbered and restrained, hands bound and wearing heels. Shadows Across Our Eyes continues Kranicke’s interest in aesthetic investigations of the interaction between dance and architecture. Enhancing the choreography is lighting by Richard Norwood and costumes by Amanda Lee Franck.
PRE SHOW PERFORMANCES
ERR SHIRLEY: Err is a recent University of California, Santa Cruz graduate, gaining their degree in Theatre Arts and Western Art Music with an emphasis in Vocal Performance.
DEE KOHANNA DAVIS: Dee is a poet, lyricist, vocalist and voice and writing coach. She won the SuRaa award for short fiction for her story Green Dolphy and her poetry has been published in Porter Gulch Review and the Network. Her lyrics have been recorded by various artists, among them Janis Siegal of Manhattan Transfer.
Suggested Donation: $ 20.00

¡Vive Oaxaca! Guelaguetza 20th Anniversary
2025-04-27 10:00 - 16:00 | Branciforte Small Schools Campus, 840 Branciforte A, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
¡Vive Oaxaca! Guelaguetza 20th Anniversary
Sunday, April 27, 10am – 4pm
Join us for the 20th Annual celebration of Vive Oaxaca Guelaguetza.
This cultural festival brings together food, music, dance, crafts, and community to celebrate the wonderful traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico.
Local dancers from Senderos’ own Centeotl Danza y Baile, different indigenous dance groups throughout the state of California and visiting musicians and dancers will be performing.
We will also be hosting cocineras (chefs) from Oaxaca who will be selling traditional Oaxacan food and beverage specialties.
Admission is $10; free for children 5 and under.
Bring blankets and lawn chairs and be transported to the sights and sounds of Oaxaca!

Vive Oaxaca Guelaguetza
2025-04-27 10:00 - 16:00 | Branciforte Small Schools Campus, 840 Branciforte A, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Vive Oaxaca Guelaguetza
Sunday, April 27, 10am -4pm

The 20th Anniversary of Vive Oaxaca Guelaguetza is just around the corner.
We’re so excited for the 20th Guelaguetza – the all-day Oaxacan cultural festival put on by our friends at Senderos will be bringing music, dance, food and celebration to the Branciforte Small Schools on Sunday, April 27th!

Learn more at https://scsenderos.org/vive-oaxaca-guelaguetza/

The Vive Oaxaca Guelaguetza is an authentic cultural festival with food, dance, music, and crafts presented each spring by Senderos. This local festival is like the traditional fiestas celebrated each summer in Oaxaca, Mexico. Guelaguetza is a Zapotec word that means “a commitment of sharing and cooperation.”
Guelaguetza is a celebration that honors the gods for sufficient rainfall and a bountiful harvest.

Contra Dancing at Live Oak Grange
2025-05-11 14:30 - 17:30, 2025-06-08 14:30 - 17:30 | Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Contra Dancing at Live Oak Grange
2nd Sundays: Newcomers’ intro 2:30pm, dance 3 – 5:30pm
4th Fridays: Newcomers’ intro: 6:30pm, dance 7 – 10pm
Come kick your heels up contra dancing at Live Oak Grange with some amazing local talent and fun and friendly dancers!

Caller: Tanya MerchantBand: Corwin & Grace!
Event by Dakota Hult, Klaus Krull and Contra Dancing in Santa Cruz County
Note: There will be no pot luck going forward. Feel free to bring snacks to share!
Overflow parking: If you can’t find room at the Grange, try the Harbor Light Church, at 2008 17th Ave., less than a block up the street (towards Hwy. Ignore the “your car will be towed” signs – they have a deal with the Grange for extra parking

Check out our website at: https://www.santacruzcontra.com/
Signing in at the desk indicates your agreement with these policies:

The dance is an alcohol-free, drug-free, and smoke-free environment.
The dance is a scent-free event. In order to protect those with chemical sensitivities, please refrain from using scented products on your body, clothes, and belongings.
We want everyone to feel safe and comfortable at our dance and we value and expect consent, communication, community mindedness, and safety.
Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated. If someone’s behavior is offensive or harassing during the dance, you should endeavor to speak up for yourself. If you need help, talk with one of the managers, sound tech or caller.
You should not come to the dance if you have health concerns for yourself or a close contact, test positive for COVID 19, have symptoms of illness, or do not feel well.
We each understand and accept the inherent risks of contracting COVID-19 or any other illness at this dance.By participating in this event, you take full responsibility for your health and well-being.
We appreciate and rely on your generous donations to pay for our dance hall and the excellent staff. We suggest $15 to $30 per person, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Only the caller, musicians, and sound tech will be paid. All other staff and helpers will be volunteering their time. Please bring cash to the dance hall. BUT: it is *pay as you can* – we need you dancing more than we need your money, so please come, even if you feel like you need to put in less than $15. If you can put in over $30, that would be great, too! In a pinch, we can take Venmo or Paypal.
Please help out wherever you can (setting up chairs, cleaning up the kitchen or the dance hall, sitting out one dance at the door, etc.).
Please bring friends and tell them to wear light, comfortable clothing and bring comfortable shoes with clean, non-marking soles

Upcoming dances every second Sunday and fourth Friday!Sunday, Feb. 9 Caller: Zack; Band: Slick’s Picks No. 6 – Mike “Slick” Lewinski (fiddle), Jordan Prieto, Olive Mathison, Mathew HarmonFriday, Feb. 21 – Caller: Kelsey Hartman, Band: Mike Lewinski (fiddle), Daniel Steinberg (piano, flute), Ezra Warren Steinberg (percussion)Sunday, Mar. 9 – Caller: Tanya Merchant; Band: Lucas Lawson & FriendsFriday, Mar. 28: Caller: Sarah Trop; Band: Corwin & GraceSunday, April 13 – Caller: Alan Winston; Band: Rodney Miller (fiddle), Daniel Steinberg (piano, flute), Ezra Warren Steinberg (percussion)

Friends Who Scrap: Social Paper-crafting
2025-05-13 12:00 - 16:00, 2025-06-10 12:00 - 16:00 | Branciforte Library, 250 Gault St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Friends Who Scrap: Social Paper-crafting
2nd Saturdays, April 8 – July 12, 12 – 4pm
Join us every 2nd Saturday of the month for paper-crafting and community with Friends Who Scrap. This social paper-crafting group provides a friendly and supportive environment for all levels of experience. Bring your own project and materials or just come and see what is possible. Some materials are always on hand for the scrap-curious!

Friday Contra Dancing at Live Oak Grange
2025-05-23 18:30 - 22:00 | Live Oak Grange, 1900 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States

GroovaRoo Dance
2025-05-24 13:30 - 14:30 | RC Fam Center, 1205 Freedom Bl #B3, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
GroovaRoo Dance
2nd and 4th Saturdays, 1:30 – 2:30pm
Hey, Mamas! Have you heard of GroovaRoo Dance? It’s been a few years since these classes have been around in our county, but we’re back and if you’re looking for something fun to do with your little one (under 2yo) come dance with us! GroovaRoo Dance is fun for mamas, dadas, babies, grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles and family friends, too! You’ll find us at RC Fam on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month!

Dancing Tales for Ages 2-5
2025-05-27 10:15 - 11:00 | Capitola Branch Library, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
Dancing Tales
Fourth Tuesdays 10 – 11am through May 27
Join us for a fun and interactive dance tales program for children ages 2-5!
The library has partnered with local dance studio International Academy of Dance (IAD) to explore movement, rhythm, and creativity through stories and music. Each session blends storytelling with dance, helping children develop coordination, self-expression, and a love for books and movement. No dance experience is needed—just bring your imagination and energy!
Participants will need their parent or guardian to read and sign a Waiver of Liability, Release, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement in order to participate.

Santa Cruz Midtown Fridays Summer Block Party
2025-05-30 17:00 - 20:30, 2025-06-06 17:00 - 20:30, 2025-06-13 17:00 - 20:30, 2025-06-20 17:00 - 20:30 | The Lot, 1111 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, 95062
Santa Cruz Midtown Fridays Summer Block Party
Fridays, May 30 – August 29, 5:00 to 8:30ish
The Santa Cruz Midtown Fridays Summer Block Party is back for its 5th year—every Friday from May 30th to August 29th.
We’re re-imagining the event, and we can’t wait to share the details with you!
In the meantime, we’re calling for vendors and sponsors to join us. No need to RSVP, just show up! Apply to be a Vendor at Midtown Fridays,
Bands
May 30 Santa Cruz Super Group
June 6 Santa Cruz Latin Collective
June 13 James Durbin and The Lost Boys
June 20 Santa Cruda
June 27 Ribsys Nickel
July 11 DJ Monk Earl of Afrobeats Nite
July 25 Ripatti Rose Band
August 1 Alwa Gordon / Silvandgold & Friends
August 8 Alex Lucero Band
August 15 Ancestree & Friends
August 22 Jive Machine
August 29 Streetlight Records 5oth Anniversary Party with Slow Gherkin, Opening with Voluntary Hazing
Contact Event Santa Cruz to be a Sponsor

PDCR’s 4th Annual Baila y Brunch Heart Centered Fundraiser
2025-05-31 11:00 - 14:00 | Pinto Lake City Park, 451 Green Valley Rd., Watsonville, 95076, United States
PDCR’s 4th Annual Baila y Brunch Heart Centered Fundraiser
Saturday, May 31, 11am – 2pm
Join our joyous community celebration, a heart centered friend-raiser and fund-raiser, rooted in joy, connection and mutual-respect as liberatory super powers! Support our small but mighty non-profit that is up to some serious good.
This event will raise much needed funds to sustain a 100% free-for-families trilingual program.
You can expect an impactful brief program, dynamic dance segments, delicious brunch spread, exciting auction and raffle and good energy as you network with a purpose with like minded champions for children, youth, and families from across Santa Cruz and Monterey counties uplifting this important work in their hearts, homes, schools and communities at large.
Volunteers Welcome!
We have volunteer opportunities available!
Spread the word; from students to retired professionals and everyone in between, your special skills and creativity are most gratefully appreciated. (Volunteer credit available!) email: Stephanie@pdcrcc.org

Fun, family friendly, inspiring, delicious, inclusive and engaging — are all words used to describe our Baila y Brunch community celebration.
This is THE must attend event to kick off summer!
BAILA is Spanish for dancing. BRUNCH is English for the best meal of the day right between breakfast and lunch.
3 key things you can expect*
#1: Fun, engaging and diverse array of dance segments and auction/raffle where you can participate or simply cheer us on. No donation too big or too small!
#2: Delicious brunch spread with sweet, salty, and savory items to share in community with old and new friends. Our picnic baskets are nothing short of legendary!
#3: Brief inspiring program with thoughtful speakers who are champions for children, youth and families. Network differently at this purposeful event and make lasting community connections!
Support our small but mighty non-profit that is up to some serious good. This event will raise much needed funds to sustain a 100% free-for-families trilingual program.

Volunteer at Redwood Mountain Faire 2025
2025-05-31 11:00 - 20:00, 2025-06-01 11:00 - 20:00 | Roaring Camp, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Redwood Mountain Faire
May 31 and June 1
Dance the day away to live music with your friends and family while enjoying tasty locally made food, cold beer, cider, and wine in an open field surrounded by redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Volunteer for the Redwood Mountain Fair

We are excited to announce our first round of performers for the 2025 Redwood Mountain Faire at Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton CA on May 31st and June 1st, 2025.

2025 First Tier Lineup:

Jesse Daniel
Keith Greeninger and Band
Boot Juice
Laurie Lewis with Bean Creek
The Sam Chase & The Untraditional
Strung Over
Ripatti Rose Band

More bands coming soon!!!!

Tickets on sale now at Redwoodmountainfaire.com

At Roaring Camp 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA 95018
Rain or Shine. No Pets. No Coolers.
Gates Open at 10:30am
Pre-Paid Parking Pass $20 or Parking $25 Day of pricing

Senderos Summer Dance Classes
2025-06-01, 2025-06-08, 2025-06-15, 2025-06-22 | Branciforte Small Schools Campus, 840 Branciforte A, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Senderos Summer Dance Classes

June and July -See website for specific dates/times

Senderos Summer dance classes are here! Ready to move, have fun and learn?

Registration for our summer classes is now OPEN! All levels – from beginner to advanced, Classes for Children, Youth and Adults.
Rehearsal dates and times available very soon
Don’t miss out – come dance with us this summer! Sign up today!
Las practicas serán en la Cafeteria de Branciforte Small Schools, 840 N. Branciforte Ave., Santa Cruz, y/o la escuela de adultos de Santa Cruz 319 La Fonda Ave, Santa Cruz.

This form is to enroll in our 2025 Summer classes. Classes will be for June and July 2025
Practice will be held at Branciforte Small Schools, 840 N.Branciforte Ave Sta Cruz, CA) and/or at Santa Cruz Adult Education (319 La Fonda Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062)
Clases/ Classes:
FOLK 1 – AGE/EDAD: 5-7
FOLK 2 – BEGINNERS/PRINCIPIANTES – AGE/EDAD: 8-11
FOLK 2 – AGE/EDAD: 8-11
FOLK 3 – BEGINNERS/PRINCIPIANTES – AGE/EDAD: 12-17
ACADEMIA/ACADEMY (Intermedio/Intermediate) – AGE/EDAD: 14-17
FOLK 4 – BEGINNERS/PRINCIPIANTES – AGE/EDAD: 18 +
COMPAÑÍA/COMPANY (Avanzados/Advanced)
** DANZA DE LA PLUMA
Los horarios estarán disponibles próximamente en nuestro sitio web. | Times will soon be listed on our website

Register

Email: info@scsenderos.org
Phone: (831) 854-7740

Moonlight Madness at Henry Cowell
2025-06-06 18:00 - 22:00 | Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, 101 N Big Trees Park Road, Felton, CA, 95018, United States
Moonlight Madness at Henry Cowell
Friday, June 6, 6 – 10pm (ish)

This is your sign to get excited about the moon!

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park will host their annual Moonlight Madness event on June 6th, 2025 in front of the Visitor Center.

Join us for Moonlight Madness from 6:00-10:00(ish) for a night full of live music, crafts, games, guided evening strolls, a guest presentation, and telescope viewing.

We hope you can make it!

#HenryCowellRedwoods #HenryCowell #MoonlightMadness #SummerEvent #CAStateParks #StateParks #moon #astronomy

Capitola Twilight Concerts
2025-06-11 18:00, 2025-06-18 18:00 | Capitola Esplanade, 100 Monterey Ave., Capitola, CA, 95010
Capitola Twilight Concerts
Wednesdays 6pm, June 11 – August 27
Join us for the Capitola Twilight Concerts are hosted on Wednesday evenings during the summer months. All concerts begin at 6 p.m.and take place at the Esplanade bandstand in Capitola Village. These free events are made possible by the generousity of our sponsors.
June 11 The Digbeats Classic Rock Oldies
June 18 Broken English Caribbean Dance Music
June 25 Joy & Madness Funk and Soul
July 2 The B-Movie Kings Fun, Dance & Classic Rock
July 9 Xtra Large Positive Vibes! (Mostly Originals)
July 16 Sweet Voodoo Classic Rock, Soul Funk
July 23 The Joint Chiefs Soul
July 30 Tin Man Classic Rock Done Right!
August 6 The Delta Wires Rockin’ Big Band Blues
August 13 Pacific Roots Reggae Rock
August 20 Keep on Truckin’ Rock, Blues, Funk & R & B
August 27 The Peelers Top 40 Dance 80’s/90’s Hits

Crow’s Nest 2025 Thursday Beach Barbeques
2025-06-12 17:30 - 20:30 | Crow’s Nest, 2218 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Crow’s Nest Thursday Beach Barbeques
Thursdays, 5:30 – 8:30pm, May 22 through August 12

Join the Crow’s Nest Summer Beach Party series with fun and funky live entertainment, right on the beach.
The party starts at 5:30 pm each week and goes until sunset.
With live entertainment on the outdoor beach stage beach parties are a unique and popular event. Crow’s Nest’s famous BBQ is available to purchase.
Families are welcome, and there is no admission charge!
Pay parking is available in the Upper Harbor, and the Water Taxi will ferry your party right down to the Crow’s Nest Dock. Thank you!
2025 Lineup:
May 22, James Durbin & The Lost Boys
May 29, Soulwise
June 5, The Cruzers
June 12, Wolf Jett
June 19, Harry & The Hitmen
June 26, Cake by the Ocean
July 3, Ripatti Rose Band
July 10, Jive Machine
July 17, Fishook
July 24, Extra Large
July 31, Matt Masih & The Messengers
August 7, The Houserockers
August 14, The Joint Chiefs
August 21, Sambada
August 28, Alex Lucero Band

Music in the Plaza
2025-06-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Watsonville Civic Plaza, 350 Main St, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
Music in the Plaza

6 – 8pm, June 20, July 18, August , August 15, September 5, September 19

Join us at the City Plaza for the return of our popular Music in the Plaza concert series, featuring free live outdoor performances.

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, or a picnic dinner and enjoy a fun, relaxing evening filled with music and community vibes. Concerts run from 6PM to 8PM on the first and third Fridays of each month. Come early and grab dinner from one of our downtown restaurants or stop by the Watsonville Farmers Market before the show starts.

2025 Music Lineup:
June 20 – La Fiera Norteña
July 18 – Edwin y su Grupo Elite
August 1 – New Wave Band
August 15 – Selena Music Tribute
September 5 – Banda, Banda, Banda
September 19 – Sixth Street Alternative

Come early and grab dinner from one of our downtown restaurants or stop by the Watsonville Farmers Market before the show starts.

𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗔Ñ𝗢𝗟
¡Música en la Plaza comienza mañana!
6-8pm
Acompáñanos en la Plaza de la Ciudad, 350 Main Street, para el regreso de nuestra popular serie de conciertos Música en la Plaza, con presentaciones gratuitas al aire libre.

Trae tus cobijas, sillas o una cena tipo picnic y disfruta de una noche divertida y relajante llena de música y buen ambiente comunitario. Los conciertos se llevan a cabo de 6PM a 8PM el primer y tercer viernes de cada mes.

Programa musical 2025:
20 de junio – La Fiera Norteña
18 de julio – Edwin y su Grupo Elite
1 de agosto – New Wave Band
15 de agosto – Tributo a Selena
5 de septiembre – Banda, Banda, Banda
19 de septiembre – Sixth Street Alternative

Llega temprano para cenar en uno de los restaurantes del centro o visita el Mercado de Agricultores de Watsonville antes de que comience el espectáculo.

See translation

Cinderella Ballet
2025-06-21 09:00, 2025-06-22 18:00 | CA
Cinderella Ballet
Saturday June 21, 10am and Sunday, June 22, 7pm
Santa Cruz Dance Theater brings the classic tale of Cinderella to life with this beautiful ballet with all the sparkle and drama ballet has to offer on a stage filled with the delight of the majestic castle, pumpkin carriage and the clock striking midnight. Royalty and mice all adorn the theater dancing to the delight families and friends of all ages. Don’t miss this magical ballet with enchanting music score from Prokofiev’s ballet, Cinderella.
“A dream is a wish your heart makes when you’re fast asleep”. -Cinderella
General Admission: $20.00
Civic Auditorium, 307 Church Street, Santa Cruz, California, 95060, United States

Square Dance & Honky-tonk
2025-06-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Park Hall, 9400 Mill St, Ben Lomond, CA, 95005, United States
Square Dance & Honky-tonk
Sunday, June 22, 7 – 9-pm

Join us for square dancing and honky-tonk at Park Hall. Get ready to dance! Summoning Circle will be playing a square dance with a caller for the first hour, followed by members of Bois Rouge playing honky-tonk so you can two-step the rest of the evening away. There will be beer and wine as well as other beverages and snacks available for purchase.
About the Bands
Located down in the Monterey Bayou, the Bois Rouge Cajun Band brings life to the party. With roots in ‘Old Time’ traditional Americana music, Bois Rouge has adapted their musical flavor to the acadian sounds of Louisiana. Inspired by the music of the Balfa Brothers, Canray Fontenot, Dennis McGee, and Amédé Ardoin, Bois Rouge Cajun Band brings an up beat and dance-able set to the Bay area.
Tickets are $10. Get yours HERE.
