Someone once told me that the ocean floor is humanity’s next great scene of exploration. But here at SantaCruz.com we like to focus on the uncharted landscape between your couch and the dance floor, so leave science to the scientists and come see a show with us.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16
This three-piece rock ensemble from the eclectic musical spawning ground of Los Angeles produces a sound reminiscent of early Pixies recorded with a country twang and dipped in a vat of heavy reverb with haunting Junior Kimbrough-esque vocals thrown into the mix. The ladies headline The Crepe Place as part of their West Coast Winter Tour with Feels. 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $10.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17
Scott Cooper and The Barrel Makers at Moe’s Alley
Get your jam band fix with Scott Cooper and The Barrelmakers as they celebrate their latest album and first release in seven years, Batik in Blue. Having toured with blues legend Johnny Shines and performed with The Grateful Dead, Scott Cooper’s musical resume is pretty savage. Check out one of the best jam bands in the genre, with special guest, Edge of The West. 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $7/$10.
Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers at Kuumbwa Jazz Center
You may be forgiven in thinking you stepped inside a time machine when watching Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers. A favorite Bay Area group since the Lindy Hoppers took over the nightclubs of San Francisco and turned them into jitterbug dens during the retro swing era of the 1990s, Lavay Smith and her band recreate the swinging big band sounds of the 40s and 50s, a sound the Boston Globe calls “as tight as the legendary musicians they choose to emulate.” 7 p.m. Tickets: $25/$30.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18
Dance Gavin Dance at The Catalyst Atrium
After creating quite the ruckus in 2005 with the release of their debut EP Whatever I Say is Royal Ocean, Dance Gavin Dance has spent the last decade playing sold out shows, inciting mosh pits at Warped Tour, and achieving cult fame status in the post hardcore scene. After ten years and a few line-up changes, Gavin is still dancing, so come see them do their thing this Friday at The Cat, with Slaves, A lot Like Birds and Dayshell. 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $20/$22.
Leave your trap and dub step at home this Friday, because The Blue is hosting a night of nothing but pure, raw, and unfiltered House. The original party music spun by some of Santa Cruz’s finest deejays, including Numerous, BEARHUGS, and Necronomijohn. Sure, things are going to get sweaty. Get ready for the “untz, untz, untz.” 9 p.m. Tickets: $5 at the door.
Email the author at sam@eliquate. Pictured: Numerous via Facebook.
