Arts:
First Friday – Fine art purveyors set up camp to stake their claims on the monthly exhibition map. Traverse the “landscape of change” at the Santa Cruz Institute of Contemporary Art’s new display “Alter Eco” or cruise over to the Felix Kulpa Gallery for poetry and fine artisan chocolate in its parking lot. More edible art will be available at Art du Jour with a buzzworthy glimpse at the art of beekeeping and other foodie media.
Feb. 1, most events begin at 5 p.m., locales include downtown, Harvey West, the Westside and the Tannery Arts Center
Entertainment:
Marco Benevento – If you find yourself snapping between the frenetic cartoon-pop outbursts of Animal Collective’s early jams and the propulsive alt arrangements of Phantogram, fear not for your auditory amenities. Benevento’s avant-jazz jive hives will elevate and defibrillate your constitution, leaving you to wash in the balmy afternoon sun of acid-tinged atmospherics. $12 in advance, $15 at door.
Feb. 1, show at 9 p.m., Don Quixote’s International Music Hall, 21+
The Wailers – An obvious choice for fans of the Marley suit. Golden era reggae heavyweights The Wailers harken back to their Rasta roots for a one-drop stop in Santa Cruz with Koolant Brown on lead vocals and original bassist Aston “Family Man” Barrett. $25 in advance, $30 at door.
Feb. 4, doors at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m., Moe’s Alley, 21+
Del the Funky Homosapien – Hieroglyphics’ leading lyrical scribe and indie hip-hop mixmaster unveils the best stimulus package to boost the rap community since Death Grips’ blown-speakers static steez NO LOVE DEEP WEB (2012). If sunshine’s your bag, funk man Del’s already casting his prolific rays into the new year with the reincarnation of supergroup Deltron 3030 for “Event II,” a much anticipated full-length album slated to be released in the next few months. $14 in advance, $18 at door.
Feb. 8, doors at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m., the Catalyst
Events:
Bye Bye Birdie – “Honestly sincere” singer Conrad Birdie is all bravado and gilded riffs in this saccharine satire of steady Broadway success since the ’60s. American draft-duckin’ superstar Birdie doles out a coveted “one last kiss” to a lucky teenager from Sweet Apple, Ohio, but not before sparking a small town uproar fanned by the pompadour-capped rebellion of classic rock n’ roll. $13 for students.
Feb. 8, show at 7 p.m., Louden Nelson Community Theater
