Backyard ‘Pinocchio’ Production Launched Theater Careers

Isabella Negrete and Tom McKoy in 'Pinocchio & Carlo Collodi' (photo by Chip Scheuer)

A 20-foot blue whale comes floating down Soquel Creek when suddenly a rowboat carrying two passengers emerges from the mouth of the leviathan. The astonished onlookers gathered on the banks gasp at the sight, then gasp again as the boat and its passengers are sucked back into the giant maw. This drama repeats several times as the boaters paddle madly, only to be consumed again and again, until at last they free themselves from the watery beast to the delighted cheers of the people on the shore.

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Yo La Tengo Freewheels It To Santa Cruz

The original indie trio plays the Rio Theatre this Friday, May 4.

“It’s kind of an acoustic show, but mostly it’s a question-and-answer show,” says McNew by phone from Brooklyn. “The only thing we plan is what song we’ll open with.” Freedom and spontaneity take over after that, with the band fielding questions from the audience. “We’ll just sit there and stare at you until somebody asks a question,” says McNew.

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Bassnectar’s UCSC Connection

Sorry, kids. Bassnectar's May 3 show at the Civic is sold out. (Joshua Brott)

When Lorin Ashton, better known by his stage name Bassnectar, performs at the Catalyst this Sunday and Monday, May 6-7, it will be a sort of homecoming. Since graduating, the UCSC alum has since gone on to become one of the biggest names in the electronic and digital music scene, but he remembers the city fondly as the place that nurtured his creative spirit.

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Ayurvedic Treatment Soothes Weary Eyes

A raw whole wheat bagel keeps the ghee from spilling all over the client's face. Photo by Chip Scheuer.

The ancient ayurvedic treatment called “netra basti” concentrates on the deep relaxation of the ocular muscles while cleansing and lubricating the eyeball and socket with castor oil (said to prevent cataracts), rose water or, most commonly, ghee (clarified butter). Local ayurvedic practitioner Heather Nagel recommends the treatment for anyone who spends long hours gazing into a computer screen.

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La Posta Springs Eternal

Chef Katherine Stern shows chickens some tender loving care and picks up an egg too. Photo by Chip Scheuer.

The chickens are happy and squawking in their backyard territory. The kitchen herb garden is loaded with fragrance. And chef Katherine Stern’s seasonal menu sprouts beautiful plates of agnolotti with fava leaves and sugar snap peas, shaved asparagus salad with green garlic, and my new favorite—tender potato gnocchi laced with fava beans, green shallots and wild nettles.

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