Rio Theatre Events
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Saturday, Jan 23rd, 2010
The RESIDENTS
The Cryptic Corporation has announced that The Residents will perform a series of shows in 2010. The show is being considered by the group to be an experiment in new directions deviating from the more "band" productions of Wormwood through The Bunny Boy.
The "song" Talking Light was first released here by RSD in late Spring 2009. It was the positive response to the song that encouraged The Residents to start work on bringing the idea to the stage.
Show time: 8:00 pm
Tickets: $26.25 advance
Tickets Available at: Streetlight Records 421-9200 www.ticketweb.com
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Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
14th Annual Gail Rich Awards
Free and open to the public
The Cultural Council Associates and the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County, in cooperation with the Rio Theatre and the Santa Cruz Sentinel, proudly present the 14th Annual Gail Rich Awards.
The award, named for the vibrant Santa Cruz arts administrator and volunteer Gail Rich (1951-1996), recognizes members of our community who are active in making and/or supporting art in Santa Cruz County.
Show Time: 7:30 PM (doors 7:00)
Ticket Prices: FREE
Artist's Web site: www.gailawards.com
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Thursday, January 28th, 2010
NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS
The North Mississippi Allstars were founded in 1996; a product of a special time for modern Mississippi country blues. RL Burnside, Jr. Kimbrough, Otha Turner and their musical families were at their peak; making classic records and touring the world. Brothers Luther and Cody Dickinson soaked up the music of their father, Jim Dickinson, and absorbed the North Mississippi Blues legacy while playing and shaking it down at the juke joints with their blues ancestors. Luther (guitar and vocals) and Cody (drums and vocals) joined up with bassist Chris Chew to form the core of their own band, The North Mississippi Allstars. Through the filter of generations of Mississippi Blues men, the Allstars pioneered their own blues-infused rock and roll.
After touring as an opening act for a variety of artists and honing their chops as a unit, the North Mississippi Allstars issued their debut album, Shake Hands With Shorty in the spring of 2000. Their debut proved to be a success and earned them a Grammy nomination for "Best Contemporary Blues Album". Bringing their hill country bluesinfused rock & roll to stages all over the country and the world (including multiple tours in Europe and Asia), the Allstars quickly gained a loyal fan base. The band gained additional popularity for their work in the Gospel-Blues band The Word, which also featured John Medeski and Pedal Steel player Robert Randolph. By 2005 the North Mississippi Allstars' had released 4 studio records, 3 of which were Grammy nominated and earned the reputation as one of the most intriguing acts to emerge from the loam of Southern blues and roots rock.
Show time: 8:00 PM
Tickets: $21.50 advance tickets
Advance Tickets: Streetlight Records 831-421-9200 • www.ticketweb.com
Artists Web site: www.nmallstars.com
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Saturday, January 30th, 2010
Desert Journey into Wild Namibia
A Frans Lanting Presentation
Join Frans Lanting and Christine Eckstrom on a wild desert journey through a faraway corner of southwest Africa—Namibia, a little-known country that is making a big statement to the rest of the world. The first nation to incorporate protection of the environment into its constitution, Namibia recently proclaimed its entire coastline as a national park, yet another first. This year’s show at the Rio Theatre features new images and video from the towering red dunes of the Namib Desert to the lashing South Atlantic seas that batter the “Skeleton Coast.” It will introduce you to unusual animals from the fabled desert elephant to the seldom-glimpsed brown hyena, and it will bring you eye-to-eye with eland, kudu, and the rare black rhino.
Show times: 3 PM and 7 PM
Tickets: $20 General Admission, $15 Seymour Center members
Tickets and information: Seymour Center (831) 459-3800 • Frans Lanting Studio (831) 429-1331 • Logos Books & Records downtown Santa Cruz
For more information call the Seymour Center at (831) 459-3800 or visit our website at: www.seymourcenter.ucsc.edu
This presentation is a benefit for the Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab
Sponsored by Fred and Jo Lynne Jones
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Sunday, January 31st, 2010
Greg Brown
Brown's songwriting has been lauded by many, and his songs have been performed by Willie Nelson, Carlos Santana, Michael Johnson, Shawn Colvin, and Mary Chapin Carpenter. He has also recorded more than a dozen albums, including his 1986 release, Songs of Innocence and of Experience, when he put aside his own songwriting to set poems of William Blake to music.
Show time: 7:30 PM
Tickets: $22.00 Advance.There will also be 100 seats in the Gold Circle at $40.00.
Advance
Tickets: snazzyproductions.com
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Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010
For the Next 7 Generations
13 Indigenous Grandmothers Weaving a World That Works
Opening: Local Native American Drummers, Gentle Thunder
FOR THE NEXT 7 GENERATIONS documents the momentous journey of thirteen indigenous grandmothers. Originating from all four corners of the world, these thirteen wise women elders, shamans and medicine women first came together in 2004 at a historic gathering. Moved by their concern for our planet, they formed an alliance: The International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers. Through their teachings, they are lighting a way to a peaceful, sustainable planet. For the Next 7 Generations is directed and produced by Emmy and Peabody Award winning filmmaker, Carole Hart, narrated by renowned actress and activist, Ashley Judd, and includes a moving musical score by Emmy Award-winning composer Peter Buffett.
Artist's Bio: www.grandmotherscouncil.com, www.1gentlethunder.com
Show Time: 7:00 pm
Tickets: $15.00
Advance Tickets: $10.00 plus fee
Ticket Physical Point of Sale Location: Gateways Book Store, 1126 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz
Online Ticket Point of Sale: www.brownpapertickets.com
Event/Artist's Website: www.samadhilife.com, www.forthenext7generations.com
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Saturday, February 6th, 2010
LUNAFEST® UC Santa Cruz Women's Center 2010
Supporting WomenCARE and ABC/African-American Community Health Group
LUNAFEST was established in 2000 by LUNA, the makers of the Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, to simultaneously promote women filmmakers, raise awareness for women’s issues, and support worthy women’s nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada. 100 percent of all film festival proceeds are donated to charity – 15 percent to the Breast Cancer Fund and the remaining 85 percent of proceeds go directly back to hosting community organizations. This year, the ABC/African-American Community Health Group of Santa Cruz and WomenCARE are the local recipients.
Show Time: 7:00 pm
Tickets: $13 Gen/$7 Srs & Stud
Advance Tickets: $13 Gen/$7 Srs & Stud
Ticket Physical Point of Sale Location: UCSC Box Office
Online Ticket Point of Sale: www.santacruztickets.com
Event/Artist's Web site: www.lunafest.org
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Sunday, February 7th, 2010
Wild Cat Adventure
Our Wild Cat Adventure presentation features 5 live wild cats. The program is sponsored by the Wild Cat Education and Conservation Fund which is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization (68-0481714). The goal of the Wild Cat Education and Conservation Fund is to educate the public about the decreasing population of wild cat species around the world, to provide funding for worldwide wild cat conservation projects and to provide safe refuge for captive born wild cats.
You may see a cougar, king cheetah, Canada lynx, serval, Geoffroy’s cat or caracal.
Each cat is shown on the stage as information about its habits, habitat and survival issues is shared with the audience. Individuals will learn what they can do to help save these magnificent animals from extinction.
Rob and Barbara Dicely are educators with over 25 years of teaching experience. They have been presenting wild cat educational programs throughout the Bay Area for over 19 years, with over 600,000 guests in attendance.
Show time: 3:00 pm
Admission: adults - $10 • children under 12 - $5
To reserve tickets call 707.874.3176 or email leopards@leopardsetc.com
Space permitting, tickets will be available at the door
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Monday, February 8th, 2010
Nouvelle Vague
Nouvelle Vague, the French band that conquered the world with bossa nova covers of punk and new wave classics, return in time for summer with their third album, NV3.
Led by producer/arrangers Marc Collin and Olivier Libaux and sung by a revolving cast of chanteuses, the group's first two albums, Nouvelle Vague (2004) and Bande A Part (2006) have sold well over half-a-million copies. Not wishing to tinker with this winning formula, but evolving all the same, NV3 picks up where Bande A Part left off, and this time they're joined by some famous names.
Show Time: 8:00 PM
Tickets: $18.90 advance
Advance Tickets: Streetlight Records 421-9200 and www.ticketweb.com
Artist Web Site
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Thursday, February 11th, 2010
2nd Annual 3 Cups of Tea Santa Cruz
3 Cups of Tea Santa Cruz is a fundraiser for the Central Asia Institute. It was founded by Greg Mortenson to promote and support community based education and literacy programs, especially for girls, in remote regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. “When you educate a girl through the 5th grade you reduce infant mortality, reduce the population explosion and improve the basic qualities of life.”
Over 50 artists from Santa Cruz County have created a theme-related art piece, which will be auctioned both online and at the event. Check the website to see a list of participating artists: www.3-cups-of-tea-santacruz.com. View the artwork starting December 15th, 2009. The online auction will begin January 25th, 2010.
Guest Speakers: Julia Bergman, President of the Board of the Central Asia Institute and
Lou Renner, International Mountain Guide/Instructor
Show Time: 5:30pm – 6:45pm Art Preview
7:00pm – 8:30pm Speakers Program
8:30pm – 9:00pm Conclude Silent Auction
Tickets: $10 advance, $15 at door
Advance Tickets: Book Shop Santa Cruz, Capitola Book Café, and online at: www.ticketweb.com
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Friday, February 12th, 2010
Huun Huur Tu
Performing with Carmen Rizzo
Huun Huur Tu with Carmen Rizzo: The songs that echo in boreal forests and bounce off primordial peaks have a blind date in the Hollywood hills. There, carefully crafted electronica meets the horse-hair spike fiddle, and stone images of the ancestors are praised to the sound of lush strings. This is no remix - it is a sonic meeting of minds between musicians on two continents.
This is the new sound of the world's best loved re-inventors of Tuva's musical treasures, Huun Huur Tu, and their latest album, Eternal. Hungry for a fresh approach, the group recruited electronic musician/producer Carmen Rizzo (Niyaz, Seal, Paul Oakenfold) and composer/arranger Mark Governor, who has scored dozens of major films.
What began as a blind date has become a real-life collaboration: Huun Huur Tu with Carmen Rizzo and Mark Governor in live performance, beginning September 2009.
Huun Huur Tu was nominated for a 2008 BBC World Music Award. They continue to be available alone as well as in collaboration.
Show time: 8:00 PM
Tickets: $21 advance
Advance Tickets: Streetlight Records 831-421-9200 • www.ticketweb.com
Artist's Web Site: www.huunhuurtu.com
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Saturday, February 13th, 2010
A Memorial to Phil Matthews
Everyone is invited to join family and friends in a memorial tribute to local surfer, photographer and community activist Phil Matthews. Phil’s photographs include many local surfers, surf events, sunrises and sunsets. His never ending passion and love for Santa Cruz and the ocean made him a familiar figure in the community. Slides of Phil and his works will be displayed, stories will be told and the Santa of Santa Cruz will be fondly remembered.
Event Time: 9:30 am - 12 noon
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Sunday, February 14th, 2010
Valentines day show with Rickie Lee Jones
From the moment she first appeared in front of us on Saturday Night Live in 1979, Rickie Lee Jones has challenged her listeners and the establishment with an absorbing musical vision that defies border and classification. She rocked the culture of singer-song writerdom with her refusal to conform to the stayed and careful eloquence of the folk rock generation that came before her. Neither punk nor pop, she tottered on a thread of her own devise, jazz - the old musical kind, and R&B - the Motown thread that permeates her work. Her sense of humor, musical dexterity and song craft is all evident on her exquisite new album Balm in Gilead. Celebrating her 30th anniversary making music, Rickie Lee returns to Santa Cruz for this special valentines day show
Door Ticket Prices: $32
Advance Ticket Prices: $28
Ticket Physical Point of Sale Location: Streetlight records
Online Ticket Point of Sale: www.pulseproductions.net
Artist's Web site: www.rickieleejones.com
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Friday, February 19th, 2010
Yard Dogs Road Show
The Yard Dogs Road Show is a hobo cabaret, a living patchwork of vaudeville and rock and roll. In the enchanting land of stage show entertainment theirs is both pleasant and formidable terrain. They require a sensitivity to the subtle and the absurd. They lead the modern hobohemian on a visual and sonic journey through part of history that may or may not have existed – followed by an ambitious return to the emotional challenges of our punch-drunk contemporary world. It’s a true story on stage: sword swallowers, dancing dolls, fire eaters and sunset hobo poetry - all animated by the live sounds of the Yard Dogs cartoon heavy band. Yard Dogs Road Show is pure visual and sonic voodoo.
Show time: 8 pm
Tidkets: $20 advance at Streetlight Records 831-421-9200
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Saturday, February 20th, 2010
Medeski Martin and Wood
Somewhere, someplace, someone is debating the future of live and recorded music, speaking in somber tones of changes that have made it difficult to reach consumers, of technologies that have changed society, and of the lack of creativity found in the arts. But in a small but impressive microcosm of the universe known as Medeski Martin & Wood, creativity is alive, flourishing, and filled with outlets for growth and expansion. And somewhere, whatever gods of music there might be are smiling.
Show time: 8:00 PM
Tickets: $26.25 Advance Tickets, $30 At The Door
Advance Tickets:: Streetlight Records 831-421-9200 www.ticketweb.com 866-468-3399
Artist web site : www.mmw.net
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Tuesday , February 23rd, 2010
Jorma Kaukonen & G.E Smith
Show Time: 8:00 pm
Advance tickets $22 at Streetlight Records 421-9200
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Thursday, February 25th, 2010
The Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz and The Rio Theatre are pleased to present:
THE MIGHTY UKE
a documentary by Tony Colman and Margaret Meagher.
And a special Live music performance by James Hill the renowned ukulele player and educator. The film chronicles the amazing come back of the all but forgotten ukulele, and the inexplicable popularity of this tiny instrument that has bridged continents and cultures in a way that defies easy explanation..“This film is a must see for pretty much every kind of audience. It is entertaining, educational, touching and I promise it will leave you with a burning desire to get your own ukulele when you leave the theatre.”
The evening will begin at 6:00 with live walk in music followed by a play along sing along meeting of the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz . All are welcome to join in the fun . Bring your uke along . There will be a musical introduction of the film by our own Ukulele Dick at 7:15 James Hill will perform after the film.. Don't miss this uplifting celebration of The MIGHYT UKE. “ Show us your Ukes”
Show time: 7:30 PM
Tickets: $8 at the door and Ticketweb
More info at andy@cruzio.com
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February 26th & 27th, 2010
BOTH SHOWS SOLD OUT!
Banff Mountain Film Festival WOrld Tour
Different Shows Each Screening
Ignite your passion for adventure, action, and travel! The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour will exhilarate you with amazing big-screen stories when it comes to the Rio Theatre at 7 pm on February 26 & 27. Journey to exotic locations, paddle the wildest waters, and climb the highest peaks. Get your tickets today and be taken away to the most captivating places on earth. The 2009/2010 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour brings films from the 34th annual Banff Mountain Film Festival to about 285 communities around the world. From an exploration of remote landscapes and mountain cultures to adrenaline-fueled action sports, films in this year's world tour are sure to captivate and amaze the explorer within you. Be moved. Be inspired. Don't miss out. Reserve your tickets today. For more information visit ucscrecreation.com or call (831)459-2806. This stop on the world tour is hosted by UCSC Recreation and locally sponsored by Pacific Edge, Bugaboo, Seahorse Swim School, Sprockets, Kayak Connection. Solar Technologies, Whole Foods Market, Adventure Sports Journal and SC Weekly
Benefits UCSC Wilderness Orientation Scholarship Fund & the UCSC Recreation Program
Web site www.ucscrecreation.com
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Sunday Feb 28th, 2010
Awesome Land: Women of Dirt
A Celebration of the Women in Gravity Mountain Biking
The film Awesome Land: Women Of Dirt looks through the eyes of the wondrous women that have helped grow the sports of gravity mountain biking, downhill racing, dirt jumping and free riding. Featured riders Lisa Myklak, Emily Johnston, and Tammy Donahugh will present at the premier, along with the filmmaker Mark Brent. There will be a Q&A session with the guests moderated by freelance adventure and traveling journalist Karen Kefauver. Proceeds will benefit Soquel Demonstration Forest.
Mark Brent is the man behind "Bones over Metal" a popular mountain biking video blog. "Awesome Land: Women of Dirt" is his first feature presentation.
Show Time: Doors 6:30 pm, Film 7 pm
Ticket: $10
Event Web site: womenofdirt.com
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Monday, March 1st, 2010
Edward Sharpe
and the Magnetic Zeros
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros is an ensemble led by Alex Ebert (also the lead vocalist for IMA Robot). The 10-piece folk-rock ensemble will be fresh off of Coachella and Noise Pop when they visit the Rio . They are touring their debut album " Up From Below ".. There isn't an Edward Sharpe in the group, and Ebert named the band after the characters in a novel he was writing about a boy who transcended his dismal world by tapping into some sort of universal music.
Show time: 8:00 PM
Tickets: $18 advance tickets, $22 at the door
Advance Tickets: Streetlight Records 831-421-9200 • www.ticketweb.com
Artist web site: www.edwardsharpeandthemagneticzeros.com
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Saturday, March 6th, 2010
QUEER QUEENS of COMEDY
Poppy Champlin and her coterie of laughing lesbians return to The Rio Theatre for a fun night of comical cacophony. Champlin is one of the quickest witted comics around and will be featured on a SHOWTIME Special to air in April called "The LOL Comedy Festival." The next Queen to hold court is Sandra Valls a hot and spicy Latina lesbian comic from LA who has been featured on SHOWTIME'S "Latin Divas of Comedy" and Curve Magazine voted her one of the top ten lesbian comedians in the country. The third queen in this triple threat lineup is the multitalented Roxanna Ward who bills herself as the secret love child of Steve Martin and Bette Midler. She is a favorite on Olivia cruises and plays the piano and sings song parodies til you pee with laughter. If you want to spend a night laughing - come to the Queer Queens of Qomedy.
Show time: 8:00 pm
Tickets:No More Gold Circle. all seats will be general admission. $20 General Admission • $15 door ticket for students and seniors.
Advance tickets available at Streetlight Records 831-421-9200 and Ticketweb
Artist's website: QueerQueensoQomedy.com
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Wednesday, March 10, 2010
JOE BONAMASSA
Guitar Virtuoso
As Joe Bonamassa grows his reputation as one of the world's greatest guitar players, he is also evolving into a charismatic blues-rock star and singer-songwriter of stylistic depth and emotional resonance. His ability to connect with live concert audiences is transformational, and his new album The Ballad Of John Henry (Premier Artists/2009) brings that energy to his recorded music more powerfully than ever before. The ninth solo album and seventh studio release of his career - as well as his fourth consecutive with producer Kevin Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Black Crowes, etc.) - the disc adds a heavy dose of "swamp" to Bonamassa's virtuoso mix of '60s-era British blues-rock (à la Beck and Clapton) and roots-influenced Delta sounds. It shows off Bonamassa's vocal range as much as his instrumental voodoo, and the artist says, "I feel this is my strongest work to date ".
Show time: 8pm
Tickets: $33.50 General admission - $44.50 Gold circle
Advance tickets at Streetlight Records in Santa Cruz 831-421-9200 and www.ticketweb.com
Email: RrazzProductions@GMail.com
Rrazz Entertainment, Inc. SupremeConcerts.Com Presents
www.TheRrazzRoom.com
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Thursday, March 11th, 2010
John Gorka and Patty Larkin
Patty Larkin has been redefining the boundaries of folk-urban pop music for 25 years with her inventive guitar wizardry and uncompromising vocals and lyrics. Acoustic Guitar hails her “soundscape experiments” while Rolling Stone praises her “evocative and subtle sonic shading.” She has been described as “riveting” (Chicago Tribune), “hypnotic” (Entertainment Weekly) and a “drop-dead brilliant” performer (Performing Songwriter). This year, in 2010, she celebrates a quarter of a century of music making with 25, a recording 25 love songs reworked with voice and guitar and 25 friends along the way. Guest artists include Shawn Colvin, Suzanne Vega, Bruce Cockburn, Mary Chapin Carpenter and others. 25 is the unplugged version of classic Patty Larkin love songs. A collectible collection for fans and critics alike, 25 is an eloquent marker for an illustrious careere. In the spirit of camaraderie and musical adventure, Patty will unite with many of her musical colleagues in a highly anticipated tour. John Gorka is one of "25's" very special guest artists.
Show Time: 7:30 pm
Advance tickets $25 at snazzyproductions.com