Monday, September 3, 2012

The Redlight District, Callow, & Ant Lion @ The Blue Lagoon Friday 9/7/12

Friday 9/7/12

Psychedelic Rock and Roll
Santa Cruz
Sex on acid

Indie Rock
San Francisco

A commanding amalgam of ambient indie art rock, driven by emotive vocals, haunting atmospheres, and gritty, poignant guitar.  Red's raw contralto is reminiscent of Vic Chestnutt while Sami creates a dark, primordial landscape with the simultaneous use of keyboard, percussion, and vocals. 
The two met at a house party in San Francisco in the fall of 2006, but didn't begin playing music together until 2009.  Red, who was playing in a jagged rock band at the time, wanted to strip back his approach to song-writing to emphasize the vocals, as he had done when composing score for college theater.  Sami, while dancing in a modern dance company and studying Haitian dance, gradually became more involved in the song-writing process and started playing drums.
Catapulted by a crashing economy, their philosophical and artistic perspectives came together, and a musical project was born.  They've been writing music and touring around the western US ever since.  Their musical influences include Built to Spill, Pink Floyd, The Black Heart Procession, and PJ Harvey.
Their debut album, Orb Weaver, was released in May, 2012 on NxNW Records.
"A raw contralto will get you far in the indie world, particularly if you specialize in songs about heartbreak, death, and the fallout after a bad relationship. Singer Red Moses has it. Whoever did him wrong paved the way for some forceful emo-folk, buoyed by heavy chords and portentous lyrics. Don't let the name fool you." - Rachel Swan, East Bay Express

Ant Lion

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Island Of Black And White, The Honeypot, & The Sea People @ The Blue Lagoon Wednesday 9/5/12

Wednesday 9/5/12

Acoustic rock, Funky reggae, Soulful Blues, Folk
El Dorado Hills, CA

Islandofblackandwhite.com
Island of Black and White first appeared on the music scene in CA in 2004. Their music is a sweet, humble yet raw blend of acoustic rock, funky reggae, and soulful blues. It is a mixture like no other. The “duet, sometimes quartet” exerts high energy performances while frequenting local and out of town venues, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, music festivals and various events. The unique sound of Island of Black and White today captures the attention of those young and old: with Chris Haislet on guitar, keyboard, accordion, melodica, flute and vocals, Nawal Alwareeth on drums and vocals. It is apparent for anyone watching, that the band shares an immense love for music. Not only does the band enjoy playing, but their incredible performances engage all who listen; and the energy is shared with the entire crowd.
“Every once in a while a band transcends time because they redefine music and remain relevant throughout the generations. The Island of Black and White (IBW), a Sacramento rock/reggae/funk/folk/blues band, is on their way - destined for greatness. Chris Haislet (vocals, guitar, keyboard, flute, accordion, talk box, melodica . . . etc.) and Nawal Al Wareeth (drums) have such raw sincerity and technical expertise that you must submit to the moment and let their music run through your veins. IBW keeps their fans coming back for more with their improvisational solos and poetic originals. With lyrics like, "We are stronger than we know" and "We must hold on," IBW writes about embracing life and empowers its audience to "Rise above." Do not hesitate to watch this band perform live . . . it will be like hearing The Beatles for the first time.” –Matthew Jaoudi, 2012
“a lifetime of stories crammed into a couple years of experience create the perfect formula that makes up the Caribbean-drenched, edgy and folky sounds of Island of Black and White, El Dorado Hills’ own slice of pure musical originality.”
-Andy Laughlin, Village Life, El Dorado Hills NewsPaper 2011

Crunchy Delicious
Santa Cruz, CA

Socially-Conscious Disco, Indie Erotica
Bay Area, CA

With a sound that could be described as socially conscious disco, or perhaps indie erotica, the Sea People's gritty, punchy, crunchy, and wavy funk-folk-dance-rock soundscapes electrify the limbs of listeners with colorful soul vibes. 
The band was formed at Stanford University in late September 2009 by keyboardist Chris Beachy and guitarist Charlie Glick; very soon the lineup included Dan Bardenstein bangin' at them drums and Ella Cooley up front on the lead vocals. In late January of '09, David Kettler, one of Charlie's friends from Delaware, began to slap basses with Sea People.
The People are people who enjoy playing music, eating cereal and taking medium-length walks on the beach; they are people who enjoy making people dance; they are people who want to see people. They are The Sea People.

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Candlelight Tent Vigil Protesting Homeless Sweeps Friday 9/7/12


Please join us in community as we express our sadness and outrage at this campaign of harassment of those who're the most vulnerable.

We will gather at City Hall at 7pm, Friday Sept. 7th

After a brief circle there will be a slow march through town carrying candles and lofting tents above our heads. We'll traverse Pacific Ave, then visit the river levee and then back to City Hall.

There will be dixie cup hooded candles but please bring flashlights and tents if you have them.

This is the first step in a new multi-tiered campaign to address the city's criminalization of outside night sleep.
We welcome you to join us.

The City of Santa Cruz has been using the SCPD & the City Parks Dept. to attack homeless camps.

We are in the 7th week of this campaign that has seen more than 300 citations given, more than 100 camps destroyed and personal belongings trashed and more than 150 arrests.

While the Santa Cruz has closed the Paul Lee Loft shelter it has offered no other solutions to people who are survival camping in the woods, river levee and downtown.

It is illegal to sleep outside in Santa Cruz btwn 11pm - 8am and it is illegal to lay under a blanket... EVEN IF ONE IS AWAKE!!

Where are these folks supposed to sleep safely and legally?

This situation refuses basic human rights and dignity and in many cases, is patently against the law.











Sunday, September 2, 2012

A Thousand Shall Fall, Section 5150, & Grimpire @ The Catalyst Atrium Sunday 9/30/12

Sunday 9/30/12

Metal
Santa Cruz, Ca

Emerging as a duo in the Summer of 2010 with the musical engineering prowess of Kevin Loftus and the guitar styling's of Dhruva Noel, A Thousand Shall Fall was a metal-based recording group with hopes of gaining a few more members and turning it into the real thing. In late August the duo became a formidable trio with the addition of Daniel Johnston, a highly skilled guitarist previously part of various local bands such as Descending Forth and others. With the addition of Dan A.T.S.F. found a direction for their music and added an important piece to their onslaught. In late 2010 Jesse Williams joined on vocals, and in early 2011 Gena Krupa joined the band to finalize the A.T.S.F. lineup. Currently in the process of composing, booking, and recording the band's sound is strongly melodic while simultaneously staying true to the heavy hitting rhythms they've all grown fond of. Keep your eyes and ears open for some upcoming tracks on Myspace other sites and look out for A Thousand Shall Fall coming to a city near you in 2012.

Thrash Metal
San Jose, Ca

5150 formed in 2009 with Dave and Chris coming from the same company both working as mechanical engineers. In 2010 Yakamz was added and we began playing shows throughout San Jose and Santa Cruz. After a brief hiatus recording our demo in May and June of 2010 we thrashed out the bay.
2011 halfway gone in a haze of hangovers 5150 Adopted the name Section 5150 and produced our 1st full length album "Bide Your Time."
Currently planning a West Coast tour. Stay tuned kids and check out our website for tour dates!!!

Death Metal Hobbyists
Santa Cruz


Santa Cruz, CA
Doors: 8:30 pm / Show: 9:00 pm
$8
Tickets Available at the Door
This event is 16 and over

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Todd Morgan Memorial Scholarship Recipients

Rachel Keynton, Andrew Newcomb and Isabel Moss

Thanks again to all of you who donated to the scholarship! The kids camp at Community Music School of Santa Cruz just finished and this photo shows the three that received the scholarship. 

Thanks for your contribution to music education and your dedication to Todd's memory.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Sunday, August 12, 2012

SOS Needle Exchange Benefit Party w/ Tetherhorse, The Backup Razor, Shiny Mountains, & The Redlight District @ The Church House Saturday 8/18/12

Saturday 8/18/12

Tetherhorse
Indie, Folk, Rock, Acoustic, Pop
Santa Cruz

The Backup Razor
Punk Rock
Santa Cruz

Shiny Mountains
Indie, Garage, Rock
Santa Cruz

The Redlight District
Psychedelic Rock and Roll
Santa Cruz

RSVP ON FACEBOOK

Hey boys and girls, it's time for you all to squeeze your feet into your party shoes like a pair of baby kangaroos groping their way into a mothers pouch and skip on down to ye ol' church house. We, the denizens of this fine and wondrous establishment have decided it is time, HIGH TIME!!! for us to throw another rip roaring fiesta extravaganza. This time, however, you'll all be running wild and insane through our halls like a pack of wild boars whilst simultaneously supporting a good cause! Needle exchange! Yay! Fun Fun Fun!

Our Narcan/Naloxone program:
We do overdose prevention trainings for drug users, their families and friends. We teach people how to recognize and respond to an opiate overdose situation. We teach them about rescue breathing and Narcan (also called naloxone). We distribute take-home overdose rescue kits that contain injectible Narcan – a drug that, if used quickly enough, can reverse an opiate overdose and save a life. It has been used by paramedics and emergency rooms for over thirty years. Our Narcan is prescribed by Dr. Bill Morris (of the Janus Clinic). The intent is to have the Narcan immediately available in an overdose situation, to be administered by a trained friend or family member."

Each rescue kit costs about $30 - pretty cheap to save a life, but we're low on cash.

ShootClean.org's OD Prevention page

Our SOS Narcan flier

What is Needle Exchange? Glad you asked! SOS needle Exchange is an organization dedicated to helping prevent the spread of transmittable viral infections contracted through intravenous drug usage. Confused? Read this!

http://www.shootclean.org

So come one, come, all, to our Benefit party! Entrance fee is $6, which goes 100% to doing good things. You don't like Hep C do you? Then come to our party! This $6 buys you $6 in beer tokens which you can spend at your leisure! In our backyard.

Kegs include:
PBR
Penthouse Ale by Squabble Hollow Brewery (5%)- A hoppy California Pale Ale
Siamese Twin Ale by Uncommon Brewers (8.5%) - An organic double Belgian Ale


Scientists can now block heroin, morphine addiction

Wednesday, 15 August 2012
In a major breakthrough, an international team of scientists has proven that addiction to morphine and heroin can be blocked, while at the same time increasing pain relief.

The team from the University of Adelaide and University of Colorado has discovered the key mechanism in the body's immune system that amplifies addiction to opioid drugs.

Laboratory studies have shown that the drug (+)-naloxone will selectively block the immune-addiction response.

The results - which could eventually lead to new co-formulated drugs that assist patients with severe pain, as well as helping heroin users to kick the habit - will be published tomorrow in the Journal of Neuroscience.

"Our studies have shown conclusively that we can block addiction via the immune system of the brain, without targeting the brain's wiring," says the lead author of the study, Dr Mark Hutchinson, ARC Research Fellow in the University of Adelaide's School of Medical Sciences.

"Both the central nervous system and the immune system play important roles in creating addiction, but our studies have shown we only need to block the immune response in the brain to prevent cravings for opioid drugs."

The team has focused its research efforts on the immune receptor known as Toll-Like receptor 4 (TLR4).

"Opioid drugs such as morphine and heroin bind to TLR4 in a similar way to the normal immune response to bacteria. The problem is that TLR4 then acts as an amplifier for addiction," Dr Hutchinson says.

"The drug (+)-naloxone automatically shuts down the addiction. It shuts down the need to take opioids, it cuts out behaviours associated with addiction, and the neurochemistry in the brain changes - dopamine, which is the chemical important for providing that sense of 'reward' from the drug, is no longer produced."

Senior author Professor Linda Watkins, from the Center for Neuroscience at the University of Colorado Boulder, says: "This work fundamentally changes what we understand about opioids, reward and addiction. We've suspected for some years that TLR4 may be the key to blocking opioid addiction, but now we have the proof.

"The drug that we've used to block addiction, (+)-naloxone, is a non-opioid mirror image drug that was created by Dr Kenner Rice in the 1970s. We believe this will prove extremely useful as a co-formulated drug with morphine, so that patients who require relief for severe pain will not become addicted but still receive pain relief . This has the potential to lead to major advances in patient and palliative care," Professor Watkins says.

The researchers say clinical trials may be possible within the next 18 months.

This study has been funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in the United States and the Australian Research Council (ARC).

http://www.adelaide.edu.au/news/news55261.html

Sunday, August 5, 2012

*SLEEP CRIME VIGIL* Tuesday August 7th 6pm - Wednesday August 8th 9am @ Courthouse Steps on Water St. Santa Cruz

SLEEP CRIME VIGIL

Tuesday August 7th 6pm - Wednesday August 8th 9am
Courthouse Steps on Water St. Santa Cruz.
Protest the incarceration of respected Santa Cruz attorney
ED FREY
Ed Frey has been challenging laws criminalizing the basic human right of SLEEP.
He has been facing 6 months in JAIL and has now been sentenced. 
He will be submitting to the Sheriff's Dept. on Wednesday morning. 
We are gathering to show our solidarity and to protest this compassionless law.

SLEEP CRIME: CA PEN CODE 647E - 6 MONTHS IN JAIL.

RSVP ON FACEBOOK

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Culo A Boca, Burning Monk, & Thrash Compacter @ The Blue Lagoon Friday 9/28/12

Friday 9/28/12

Culo A Boca
Horor Punk Rock n Roll
Sunnyvale, San Francsico, Santa Cruz

Burning Monk
Punk, Hardcore, Stoner Metal
Oakland

Thrash Punk
Santa Cruz

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Phalgeron, Eviscerate, Fiends At Feast, & Parasitic Ejaculation @ The Blue Lagoon Monday 9/17/12

Monday 9/17/12

Phalgeron
Epic Brutal Black Metal
Seattle, Washington

Eviscerate
Death Metal
Santa Cruz
Blackened Death Metal
Santa Cruz

Brutal Death Slam
Santa Cruz

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Drakes Hotel, Little Ghost, DJ Tom LG, & DJ Tripp @ The Blue Lagoon Friday 8/17/12


Friday 8/17/12

Drakes Hotel
Post-Punk , Alt. Rock , shoegaze , new wave revival
Midwest USA

Little Ghost
Post Punk / Post Wave / Post Rock
Santa Cruz

DJ Tom LG
Mash-Ups, Top 40, 80's
Santa Cruz

DJ Tripp
Mash-Ups, Top 40, 80's
Santa Cruz

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Stash Brownstone, Hello Echo, & Peter Cardilla @ The Blue Lagoon Wednesday 8/29/12

Wednesday 8/29/12

Stash Brownstone
Folk / Rock
Santa Cruz

Hello Echo
Indie Rock
Santa Monica, CA

Peter Cardilla
Acoustic / Alternative / Americana
Capitola

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Liftoff, LA Velvet, The Cliches, & Noct Tide @ The Blue Lagoon Monday 8/20/12

Monday 8/20/12

Liftoff
Indie Rock
Vancouver

LA Velvet
Rock
Los Angeles

Rock and Roll from your shitty garage
Santa Cruz

Noct Tide
Rock
Santa Cruz

923 Pacific Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95060