"A Better Trip" with Shane Mauss
Apr
27
7:30 PM19:30

"A Better Trip" with Shane Mauss

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


Psychedelic Comedy Show

Journey into the mind of a psychedelic astronaut with a consciousness-expanding comedy show that will leave you mesmerized. At the intersection of science and psychedelics comes "A Better Trip," the latest work from Shane Mauss.

Originally conceived for his springtime residency at AREA15 in Las Vegas–this hilariously heady event highlights Shane’s personal psychedelic experiences and examines the history, science, and culture of psychedelics … but wait, there's more! It's also accompanied by a vivid display of mind-blowing visuals and custom animations that back the entire performance.

ABOUT SHANE MAUSS Award-winning comedian, science podcaster, and mental health advocate, Shane Mauss relentlessly integrates his life, interests, and imagination into his material. The result of that effort is content and live show experiences that are as authentic & thoughtful as they are entertaining & innovative. His Comedy Central "Tales From The Trip" videos have millions of views on YouTube, and his last SOLD-OUT tour ("A Good Trip") inspired the documentary film "Psychonautics: A Comic's Exploration of Psychedelics." TV & Podcast Appearances: Kimmel, Conan, Showtime, WTF, You Made it Weird, Duncan Trussell's Family Hour, etc

ABOUT THE VISUALS Michael Strauss is a VJ, digital artist, and event producer from Los Angeles who has crafted psychedelic audiovisual experiences and immersive environments for nearly 20 years. By improvising with technology and creativity, he has enhanced the live experience for countless artists by opening hearts, lifting spirits, and blowing minds with his stunning real-time visual work. Previous Artist Collaborations Include: Shpongle, Alex Grey, Desert Dwellers, OTT, Kayla Scintilla, etc.

The Vibe Part trip report, part Ted Talk, all comedy show… this 90 minute performance is a celebration of the psychedelic renaissance.

Schedule Doors: 6:30PM Show: 7:30PM - 9:30PM (120 minutes) Meet & Greet: 9:30PM


Show time: 7:30 PM, doors 6:30 PM
Tickets: $25 - Standard, $30 - Premium, $37.50 - Gold Circle
Advance tickets: www.eventbrite.com
Artists website: www.shanemauss.com/

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Fentanyl High
May
2
6:30 PM18:30

Fentanyl High

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


A Film by Kyle Sontoro

“This powerful documentary directly speaks to the new reality and tragic statistic that drug overdoses and fentanyl poisoning are now the third leading cause of pediatric deaths in the United States,” said Kristen O’Connor, RN, Addiction Program Director at SCCH. “The goal of this screening is to educate and empower teens to prevent deaths in Santa Cruz County and to give families hope if their teenager struggles with substance use, including resources for evidence-based treatment.”

“Fentanyl High” is filmed from the perspective and experiences of high school students, providing an intimate look into why teens are succumbing to fentanyl poisoning and what actions teens and their families can take to combat it. Through candid interviews and first-hand accounts, the film sheds light on the complexities of the opioid crisis gripping our youth. 


Show time: 6:30 PM, doors 5:30 PM
Tickets: FREE
Advance tickets: www.fentanylhigh.ticketleap.com/
Event website: www.fentanylhigh.com
Event website: www.schealthcenters.org

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ORGANIC RISING screening
May
3
5:00 PM17:00

ORGANIC RISING screening

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


The recently released film Organic Rising will be screened at the Rio Theater in Santa Cruz on May 3 at 5PM. The screening is being hosted by CCOF, UCSC, SCCFM and the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF).

The film began production in Santa Cruz, CA in 2012 and features a number of local organic farmers including: Tom Broz, of Live Earth Farm, Jeff Larkey of Route 1 Farms, Caleb Barron of Fogline Farm and Joe Schirmer of Dirty Girl Produce. We also worked extensively with CCOF and filmed throughout the Salinas Valley. Myra Goodman, the founder of Earthbound Farms, was interviewed and appears in the film. We spent days at Eco Farm and filmed at UCSC’s Center for Agroecology interviewing now executive director Darryl Wong and instructor Kistin Yogg and Orin Martin.

The film looks at both conventional and organic agricultural practices. Scientists present their research on conventional pesticides: glyphosate as well as 2,4-D, dicamba and atrazine and their long term effect on humans and the environment. This is to present what organic agriculture is not.

Organic Rising is a 2-hour documentary produced by Goldcrest Films with executive producer Deepak Chopra. The film has been selected for more than a dozen film festivals around the world and to date has won Best Feature Documentary at several.

Following the screenings there will be a Q&A with Pulitzer Prize and Emmy Award winning director Anthony Suau, Tom Broz of Live Earth Farm, Jeff Larkey - Route 1, Nesh Dhillon, Santa Cruz Community Farms’ Markets, Jessy Beckett Parr of CCOF.


Show time: 5:00 PM, doors 4:00 PM
Tickets: $6
Advance tickets: www.organirising.ticketspice.com
Event website: www.OrganicRisingFilm.com
Event website:www.facebook.com/OrganicRising/

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Colin Quinn 2024
May
8
8:00 PM20:00

Colin Quinn 2024

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


COLIN QUINN (Writer/Performer) is a stand-up comedian from Brooklyn (okay, Park Slope), who has been a part of your whole life even though you never asked for it. From MTV’s “Remote Control” to SNL to Comedy Central’s “Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn,” Mr. Quinn is not one to take a hint and bow out gracefully. He’s been on Broadway with Colin Quinn: An Irish Wake and Colin Quinn: Long Story Short and Off-Broadway with his show Colin Quinn: Unconstitutional, Colin Quinn: The New York Story, directed by Jerry Seinfeld, Colin Quinn: Red State, Blue State, and most recently Colin Quinn: The Last Best Hope. Recent credits include Trainwreck, Girls, and his web series “Cop Show,” streaming now on Colin’s YouTube channel. His last book, “Overstated: A Coast-to-Coast Roast of the 50 States,” is now out from Macmillan publishing.


Show time: 8:00 PM, doors 7:00 PM
Tickets: $35 Gen, $45 Gold Circle
Event website: www.etix.com

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Caroline Rose
May
10
8:00 PM20:00

Caroline Rose

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


Caroline Rose - The Art of Forgetting Out March 24, 2023 on New West

"Sometimes you've got to express yourself because if you don't you'll explode," says songwriter/producer Caroline Rose of their latest album, The Art of Forgetting. "...and I felt like I was going to explode.”

After a series of heartbreaking events, Rose had no desire to make a statement, let alone make a new album. It was a time of contemplation and transformation, a time to slow down. What transpired was what the artist considers a gradual union of reconnection and growth. “I was writing songs the way that I used to when I was a kid. It was more like therapy, just sitting down on my bed and writing about what I was feeling. It sounds so simple but I had really gotten away from that.” Dozens of songs followed and a narrative became clear. “It all happened very organically. I wasn’t ambitious. There weren’t any difficulties like most of my other records have had. This one just sort of appeared and seemed to know exactly what it needed to be.”

The Art of Forgetting is a pivotal release for Rose––an artist whose wit and satirical storytelling have made them a name in the indie music scene. It’s an album teeming with raw, intense emotion. Layers of vocal arrangements from Balkan-influenced yawps to Gregorian autotune choirs, acoustic instrumentation chopped and mangled like a glitching memory, and dreamlike synths push and pull to create a hugely dynamic soundscape. Lyrically, the album includes the type of confessional honesty we’ve only caught glimpses of in Rose’s previous work. “I’ve shied away from being very confessional in the past because I’ve always felt that other artists have already carved out that path and are very good at it. I’m a theater kid, I love the drama. My writing style really piggy-backs off the Southern gothics and Southern storytellers in my family, who have always used exaggeration to great effect.”


Show time: 8:00 PM, doors 7:00 PM
Tickets: $31.50
Advance tickets: www.eventbrite.com

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Rayland Baxter
May
14
8:00 PM20:00

Rayland Baxter

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


"Hurray! We have adult beverages!

The Rio is proud to partner with our friends at Moe's Alley to provide a selection of great beers, Venus canned cocktails, hard cider and sparkling wine at this show. You must be 21 and present a valid ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. We prefer cash, but will accept cards as well!"



Show time: 8:00 PM, doors 7:00 PM
Tickets: $29.50
Advance tickets: www.etix.com

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Cowboy Junkies - SOLD OUT
Jun
8
8:00 PM20:00

Cowboy Junkies - SOLD OUT

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


"Hurray! We have adult beverages!

The Rio is proud to partner with our friends at Moe's Alley to provide a selection of great beers, Venus canned cocktails, hard cider and sparkling wine at this show. You must be 21 and present a valid ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. We prefer cash, but will accept cards as well!"


Cowboy Junkies will be performing a career-spanning show from The Trinity Session to the recent critically acclaimed album, Such Ferocious Beauty!


Show time: 8:00 PM, doors 7:00 PM
Tickets: $40 Gen, $60 Gold Circle
Advance tickets: www.pulseproductions.net

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James McMurtry
Jun
13
8:00 PM20:00

James McMurtry

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


BettySoo

JAMES McMURTRY NEW RELEASE THE HORSES AND THE HOUNDS,
HIS FIRST FULL-LENGTH STUDIO ALBUM IN SEVEN YEARS, RELEASED

AUGUST 20, 2021 ON NEW WEST RECORDS

Celebrated songwriter's highly anticipated new record marks his debut
on New West Records and garners a slew of "Best Of 2021" plus an Americana Music

Association Song Of The Year Nomination for "Canola Fields"

AUSTIN, Texas — In James McMurtry’s new effort, The Horses and the Hounds, the acclaimedsongwriter backs personal narratives with effortless elegance (“Canola Fields”) and endless energy (“If ItDon’t Bleed”). This first collection in seven years, out August 20, 2021 on New West Records, spotlights a seasoned tunesmith in peak form as he turns toward reflection (“Vaquero”) and revelation ( closer “Blackberry Winter”). Familiar foundations guide the journey. “There’s a definite Los Angeles vibe to this record,” McMurtry says. “The ghost of Warren Zevon seems to be stomping around among the guitar tracks. Don’t know how he got in there. He never signed on for work for hire.”
The Horses and the Hounds is a reunion of sorts. McMurtry recorded the new album with legendary producer Ross Hogarth (John Fogerty, Van Halen, Keb’ Mo’) at Jackson Browne’s Groovemaster’s in Santa Monica, California, a world class studio that has housed such legends as Bob Dylan (2012’s Tempest) and David Crosby (2016’s Lighthouse) as well as Browne himself for I’m Alive (1993) and New Found Glory, Coming Home (2006). McMurtry and Hogarth first worked together 30 years ago, when Hogarth was a recording engineer in the employ of John Mellencamp at Mellencamp’s own Belmont Studios near Bloomington, Indiana. Hogarth recorded McMurtry’s first two albums, Too Long in the
Wasteland and Candyland, for Columbia Records and later mixed McMurtry’s first self-produced album, Saint Mary of the Woods, for Sugar Hill Records. Another veteran of those three releases, guitarist David Grissom (Joe Ely, John Mellencamp, Dixie Chicks), returns with some of his finest work. Accordingly, the new collection marks another upward trajectory: The Horses and the Hounds will be McMurtry’s debut album on genre-defining Americana record label New West Records (Steve Earle, Rodney Crowell, Lucinda Williams, John Hiatt, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Buddy Miller, dozens more).


Show time: 8:00 PM, doors 7:00 PM
Tickets: $34.65
Advance tickets: www.eventbrite.com

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Paula Poundstone
Jun
15
8:00 PM20:00

Paula Poundstone

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


Iconic comedian Paula Poundstone is known for her smart, observational humor and legendary spontaneous wit. Paula is the star of several HBO specials, including Cats, Cops and Stuff, and Paula Poundstone Goes to Harvard. Paula is a regular panelist on NPR’s comedy news quiz, Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! She is heard weekly on her successful comedy podcast. Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone.


Show time: 8:00 PM, doors 7:00 PM
Tickets: $30 gen, $45 gold circle
Advance tickets: www.pulseproductions.net

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Anthony Jeselnik
Jun
22
7:00 PM19:00

Anthony Jeselnik

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


"Hurray! We have adult beverages!

The Rio is proud to partner with our friends at Moe's Alley to provide a selection of great beers, Venus canned cocktails, hard cider and sparkling wine at this show. You must be 21 and present a valid ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. We prefer cash, but will accept cards as well!"


Bones and All

Anthony Jeselnik is a stand-up comedian widely known for his Netflix specials, podcast and Comedy Central roasts. He currently hosts the podcast, THE JESELNIK AND ROSENTHAL VANITY PROJECT, alongside co-host Gregg Rosenthal for All Things Comedy. His most recent stand up special, FIRE IN THE MATERNITY WARD, premiered on Netflix to critical acclaim. Anthony was the creator, host and producer of his series, GOOD TALK and THE JESELNIK OFFENSIVE on Comedy Central.


Show time: 7:00 PM, doors 6:00 PM
Tickets: $57
Advance tickets: www.ticketmaster.com

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Jake Shimabukuro
Jun
30
8:00 PM20:00

Jake Shimabukuro

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


Jake returns to the Rio Theatre with the "Grateful" tour, in celebration of his latest CD!


Show time: 8:00 PM, doors 7:00 PM
Tickets: $40 gen, $60 gold circle
Advance tickets: www.pulseproductions.net
Artists website: www.jakeshimabukuro.com

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Hayes Carll and Band of Heathens
Sep
28
7:30 PM19:30

Hayes Carll and Band of Heathens

  • Rio Theatre for the Performing (map)
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The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


Singer and songwriter Hayes Carll is an artist whose rootsy sound finds room for the playful swagger of rock & roll, the relatable storytelling of country, and the thoughtful introspection of folk. Capable of singing about boozy debauchery and relationships in the balance with equal skill, Carll rose through the ranks of the Americana community after emerging on the scene in the early 2000s, making his breakthrough as an independent artist and maintaining a regular guy's outlook even as he found a sizable audience. 2005's self-released Little Rock was a commercial and critical breakthrough, 2011's KMAG YOYO (& Other American Stories) and 2016's Lovers and Leavers were widely acclaimed as among his finest work, and 2021's You Get It All found him embracing a purer country influence.
Austin, Texas roots rockers the Band of Heathens play music that filters contemporary singer/songwriter and alt-country flavors through the guiding influence of dusty 1970s soft rock. Founded by three songwriters, the group specialize in tales with a distinct Southern flavor and characters with a taste for misadventure, buoyed by tasteful arrangements and harmonies. 2008's The Band of Heathens was their first studio album after a pair of live discs, 2013's Sunday Morning Record saw them reworking their sound after some major personnel shakeups, 2020's Stranger was a thoughtful LP reflecting a time of American upheaval, and 2023's Simple Things was dominated by songs of resilience in the face of life's challenges.


Show time: 7:30 PM, doors 6:30 PM
Tickets: $40 Gen, $50 Gold Circle
Advance tickets: www.snazzyproductions.com

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Snatam Kaur
Nov
7
7:30 PM19:30

Snatam Kaur

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


Snatam Kaur is a world-renowned, Grammy-nominated devotional singer, touring musician, teacher, and author known for her stirring, luminous vocal quality and insightful teaching.


Show time: 7:30 PM, doors 6:30 PM
Tickets: $65 Gen, $105 Gold Circle
Advance tickets: www.embed.brightstarevents.com
Artists website: www.snatamkaur.com

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Pink Martini feat. China Forbes – 30th Anniversary Tour
Dec
2
7:30 PM19:30

Pink Martini feat. China Forbes – 30th Anniversary Tour

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


In 1994 in his hometown of Portland, Oregon, Thomas Lauderdale was working in local politics, attending every political fundraiser under the sun…but was dismayed to find the music at these events underwhelming and lackluster. Drawing inspiration from music from all over the world – crossing genres of classical, jazz, and old-fashioned pop – and hoping to appeal to conservatives and liberals alike, he founded the “little orchestra” Pink Martini in 1994 to provide more beautiful and inclusive musical soundtracks for political fundraisers for causes such as civil rights, affordable housing, the environment, libraries, public broadcasting, education, and parks. One year later, Lauderdale called China Forbes, a Harvard classmate who was living in New York City, and asked her to join Pink Martini as the lead singer, and collaborator. Their first song “Sympathique (Je ne veux pas travailler)” became an overnight sensation in France, was nominated for “Song of the Year” at France’s Victoires de la Musique Awards and is still the band’s number one song. Says Lauderdale, “We’re very much an American band, but we spend a lot of time abroad and therefore have the incredible diplomatic opportunity to represent a broader, more inclusive America…the America which remains the most heterogeneously populated country in the world…composed of people of every country, every language, every religion.” Featuring a dozen musicians, with songs in 25 languages, Pink Martini performs its multilingual repertoire on concert stages on six continents. After making its European debut at the Cannes Film Festival in 1997 and its orchestral debut with the Oregon Symphony in 1998, the band has gone on to play with more than 50 orchestras around the world, including multiple engagements with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, the Boston Pops, the National Symphony at the Kennedy Center, the San Francisco Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the BBC Concert Orchestra at Royal Albert Hall in London. In 2014, Pink Martini was inducted into both the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame and the Oregon Music Hall of Fame. Pink Martini has released 11 studio albums on its own independent label Heinz Records (named after Lauderdale’s dog), selling over 3 million albums worldwide. In 2019, the band released two EPs featuring the vocals of Pink Martini’s newest members Jimmie Herrod and Edna Vazquez. Both vocalists have toured with the band for the past year and are officially part of the group with the release of Herrod’s EP Tomorrow and Vaquez’s Besame Mucho, both of which were co-produced by Thomas Lauderdale and China Forbes. In 2024 the band is celebrating its 30th anniversary.


Show time: 7:30 PM, doors 6:30 PM
Tickets: $68.25 Gen, $99.75 Gold Circle
Advance tickets: www.kuumbwajazz.org

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Rainn Wilson | SOUL BOOM: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution - SOLD OUT
Apr
25
7:00 PM19:00

Rainn Wilson | SOUL BOOM: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution - SOLD OUT

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


Author talk and book signing

Bookshop Santa Cruz welcomes comedic actor, producer, and writer Rainn Wilson (Dwight Schrute, The Office), cofounder of the media company SoulPancake, for a special event at the Rio Theatre. Wilson will discuss his book Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution, which explores the problem-solving benefits that spirituality gives us to create solutions for an increasingly challenging world.

"Wilson takes a profound, humorous, reflective look at faith and spirituality. He is fearless and funny in mining the world's religious and spiritual traditions...for nuggets of truth and wisdom." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

Wilson will ONLY be signing copies of Soul Boom. No memorabilia or other books.


Show time: 7:00 PM, doors 6:00 PM
Tickets: $27
Advance tickets: www.tickettailor.com
Artists website: www.bookshopsantacruz.com

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FashionTeens 2024
Apr
19
6:30 PM18:30

FashionTeens 2024

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


FashionTeens is a countywide event where students in grades 6-12 showcase wearable clothing that is made from recycled, upcycled or re-used materials.


Show time: 6:30 PM, doors 6:00 PM
Tickets: FREE
Advance tickets: www.fashionteens-santacruz.com

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You Should Be Dancing - A Tribute to the Bee Gees
Apr
13
8:00 PM20:00

You Should Be Dancing - A Tribute to the Bee Gees

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


"Hurray! We have adult beverages!

The Rio is proud to partner with our friends at Moe's Alley to provide a selection of great beers, Venus canned cocktails, hard cider and sparkling wine at this show. You must be 21 and present a valid ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. We prefer cash, but will accept cards as well!"


There's something timeless and universally captivating about the music of the Bee Gees that transcends generations. Their harmonious melodies and disco-infused classics have made them one of the most beloved and enduring acts in music history.

You Should Be Dancing is comprised of exceptionally talented musicians who have dedicated their craft to faithfully recreating the Bee Gees' iconic sound, while elevating the onstage visual experience. With meticulous attention to detail, we capture the essence of the brothers Gibb, delivering an unbelievable experience that transports audiences back to the golden era of disco and beyond.

Learn more at www.bayareabeegees.com


Show time: 8:00 PM, doors 7:00 PM
Tickets: $39.75
Advance tickets: www.eventbrite.com
Artists website: www.bayareabeegees.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com

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Fibs & Friends Hosted by Connor Wood
Apr
6
8:00 PM20:00

Fibs & Friends Hosted by Connor Wood

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


Connor Wood

Connor Wood, best known as @Fibulaa across his socials, is a comedian based in Venice, CA. In the past few years, Connor launched his comedy career online with his relatable comedic rants about life in quarantine as an unemployed person. In 2022, Connor launched his podcast Brooke and Connor Make a Podcast with comedic personality Brooke Averick. This is Connor's first ever tour, and we'll see how it goes.....


Show time: 8:00 PM, doors 7:00 PM
Tickets: $28 gen, $49.50 Gold circle
Advance tickets: www.etix.com

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Easter with Vintage Faith Church
Mar
31
10:00 AM10:00

Easter with Vintage Faith Church

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


Celebrate Easter with Vintage Faith Church on Sunday, March 31st at 10am!

Experience the joy of community, live music, and a powerful message. Complimentary treats and coffee provided by The Abbey!


Show time: 10:00 AM, doors 9:15 AM
Tickets: FREE
Advance tickets: www.vintagechurch.org

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Neko Case
Mar
27
8:00 PM20:00

Neko Case

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


"Hurray! We have adult beverages!

The Rio is proud to partner with our friends at Moe's Alley to provide a selection of great beers, Venus canned cocktails, hard cider and sparkling wine at this show. You must be 21 and present a valid ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. We prefer cash, but will accept cards as well!"


Wild Creatures

Neko Case steps out, cutting the sky and singing the stars, spinning fury and mercy as she goes. She loves the world and wears her heart on her sleeve, but she might eat it before you get to thinking it belongs to you.

Wild Creatures pulls together some high points of feral joy from twenty-one years of solo work by Neko Case. The Virginian marked Neko’s debut as a solo artist in 1997. She delved into darkness in 2000 with Furnace Room Lullaby, scrawled Blacklisted in 2004 and recorded The Tigers Have Spoken live the same year. In 2006, she dreamed Fox Confessor Brings the Flood, and in 2009 unleashed Middle Cyclone. She plumbed her own life in 2013 for The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight, the Harder I Fight, the More I Love You, and raised hell in 2018 with Hell-On. Now in her third decade of recording under her own name, she’s just getting started.

Is there another songwriter so fearless and inventive?  Bending decades of pop music into new shapes, she wields her voice like a kiss and her metaphors like a baseball bat. She has cast the fishing net of her career wide—from Seattle and Vancouver to Chicago and Stockholm, setting up her home base on a farm in New England.

Gathering power year after year, Neko sings with the fierce abandon of a newborn infant crying in a basket in the woods. Since escaping the labels of country and Americana, the gorgeous train-whistle vocals of her early career sit submerged in her later style, where their ghost can appear any minute. When her voice jumps an octave, it’s almost visible, like sparks at night. “I never knew where I wanted to go or what I wanted to do with my voice,” she says, “but I just wanted to do it so bad.”

The world tends to love women singer-songwriters most when they’re wounded and helpless. Neko’s music spans a broader spectrum, from longing to malice. Her lyrics evoke worlds, imagining a woman pilot ready to die, a serial killer, a murdered child, and a tornado, just for starters. Is there any perspective she can’t write a song from or about? “I am a man,” she sings. “I am the man in the fucking moon.”


Show time: 8:00 PM, doors 7:00 PM
Tickets: $53.03
Advance tickets: www.eventbrite.com

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TOP DOG Film Festival SOLD OUT
Mar
23
7:00 PM19:00

TOP DOG Film Festival SOLD OUT

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


Buy Tickets

Supporting the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter

The much anticipated Top Dog Film Festival returns for another year, promising joy, inspiration, and a whole lot of canine magic to audiences across Australia. This family- friendly event will once again showcase a collection of uplifting and heartwarming films that capture the beauty and unique personalities of beloved four- legged companions.

The Top Dog Film Festival makes a stop at the Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz, allowing dog lovers from all walks of life to experience the enchantment and deep emotional connections shared between humans and their furry friends. From heart-warming stories, to jaw- dropping adventures, this year's film selection promises to leave no stone unturned in celebrating the incredible bond shared between dog and human.

This year’s lineup of films includes a diverse range of films that are sure to evoke a range of emotions from laughter to tears. Audiences can expect heartwarming tales of rescue dogs finding their forever homes, incredible stories of courageous canines overcoming obstacles, and touching narratives that illustrate the unwavering loyalty and devotion that dogs possess.

As an inclusive and family- friendly event, theTop Dog Film Tour provides a welcoming space for dog lovers of all ages. Whether it’s a lifelong dog enthusiast, a recent dog adopter, or simply an appreciation for the unique bond between humans and animals, this tour promises an experience that will tug at heartstrings and leave them with a renewed appreciation for the extraordinary spirit of dogs.

A portion of ticket sales benefit the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. Join us for a YAPPY HOUR at Sante Adairius Midtown Portal before the show. A portion of sales will benefit the Shelter.


THE MISSING PIECE

5 minutes: Czech Republic

Jump straight into the scene of a cosy European home and follow an uplifting journey in “The Missing Piece”. This delightfully fresh film emphasises the true significance of dogs as cherished members of our family as we experience the joy and love they bring, reminding us of the importance of treating them with the care and devotion they deserve. 

GREAT MEDICINE: A MUTUAL RESCUE STORY

4 minutes: USA 

Cupcake was feisty and fierce when Sandy met her at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue. The poodle needed help learning to trust. Sandy needed support and companionship. Though retired, Sandy was caring for her adult son after a devastating injury as well as managing the historic bar he owned. When Cupcake joined the family, they found behind her attitude was a joyful little soul with a huge heart. Watch Great Medicine, the story of a small dog who taught them that even in dark moments, love, loyalty and laughter will see you through.

Dog Shelter

5 minutes: Indonesia

The exhilarating documentary ‘Dog Shelter’ follows Dewi, an unstoppable 18- year- old, as she embarks on a life-altering mission after a profound life event. Brace yourself for a gripping tale of redemption as Dewi’s unwavering determination transforms into a sanctuary housing over 120 dogs and 25 cats. A truly awe-inspiring journey that will leave you amazed by her incredible triumph!

NGAYUKU PAPA (MY DOG): TINY

3 minutes: Australia

A charming collaboration between the Tjanpi Desert Weavers artists from Warakurna in the remote Western Australian desert and animator Jonathan Daw.  A captivating combination of stop-motion animation and live-action storytelling tells a tale of remote desert community life, depicting the unique and often amusing personalities of community dogs and their friendships with Anangu.  Featuring Ngaanyatjarra woman Cynthia Burke telling the story of her dog Tiny this film shares the universal similarities of being a dog mum.

Healing Paws

Experience the heartwarming impact that a new type of therapy dog has on hospital patients in Georgia, USA. These dogs are specifically bred to be warm, loving and emotionally strong facility dogs. Witness the profound effect these incredible canines have on healing the soul in the touching film ‘Healing Paws’. Be nothing short of amazed as these furry heroes make a tangible difference in people's lives, offering a stunning display of love, comfort, and transformation. 

YOU CAN’T SHRINK LOVE

5 minutes : USA

You Can’t Shrink Love is an eye-opening portrayal of the unwavering love and devotion that dog owners carry even after their beloved pets have departed. This touching and creative masterpiece delves into one woman's self-found ‘life calling’ to immortalise the cherished memories and unbreakable bond between humans and dogs. A heartfelt exploration of a deep connection that transcends time and continues to inspire.

SALTY SEA DOGS

27 minutes : Australia

Get to know three dogs whose lives revolve around the ocean. Buster, a miniature schnauzer, struts down the wharf in a small New Zealand village four days a week to go to work as a dolphin-spotting dog. Using his keen sense of hearing, he alerts cruise passengers when the rare Hector’s dolphins are nearby - and tries not to fall overboard in his excitement. Spike, a rescue nearly 15 years old, has made a name for himself as a Noosa surf dog champion. Surprising his human one day, Spike took to the waves on his own, and after discovering Spike’s natural ability to manoeuvre a surfboard, they never looked back. And Trip, a six year old rescue Koolie living by the Ningaloo Reef couldn’t imagine a day without being on the water with his humans, whose work as underwater cinematographers has taken him on some wild adventures - from living aboard a ship to close encounters with sharks! For these dogs, a life at sea can’t be beat.ard a ship to close encounters with

sharks! For these dogs, a life at sea can’t be beat.

BETTER WITH PETS: ARLEIGH REYNOLDS

10 minutes: USA

Rural Alaska is a land of extremes. The environment is harsh, and an influx of crippling social issues within some small communities don't make things any easier. The Frank Attla Youth & Dog Care Program is designed to help. Through curriculum, training, cultural history, and hard work, at-risk youth reignite a passion for their heritage and learn many valuable life skills in the process, all while bonding with working dogs.

Connected to this initiative is Dr. Arleigh Reynolds, a World Champion dog musher living and working in Alaska. Keen on preserving the rich cultural bond between people and dogs, Arleigh travels to rural villages to lend a hand.  Join Arleigh as he visits the village of Huslia, the venerable home of some of Alaska's greatest mushers, to contribute to the Frank Attla Youth & Dog Care Program.

FILMING DOGS

10 minutes: Australia

Step into a room brimming with furry potential, where dreams of stardom come alive. Enter the captivating world of “Filming Dogs” as Ra, a spirited scruffy terrier, embarks on an audacious animal actor audition alongside three canine companions. With time ticking away, thirteen-year-old Ra yearns to fulfil the filmmaker's ambition for fame. This thought provoking documentary delves into the motivations behind humans seeking on screen glory for their four-legged companions, challenging us to question if it's for us, for them, or for something far deeper. 

TRAVELLING THIS ROAD TOGETHER: A MUTUAL RESCUE STORY

4 minutes: USA

There is nothing like a shared experience to forge a rock solid bond.

When a Colorado senior rescued her adorable dog, their parallel cancer journey’s established an unbreakable connection like no other. 

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF SCHWEITZER'S AVALANCHE SEARCH AND RESCUE DOG TEAM

12 minutes: USA

Spend a day with Schweitzer Mountain's talented Avalanche Search and Rescue Dogs and their incredible handlers to learn more about how these teams train for avalanche rescue scenarios. The SAR dogs: Abbey, Annie, and Murphy, practise live burials, ride chairlifts, and rip around the mountain on their handlers' shoulders. It's clear that these dogs love their jobs and now we can see why.

THE MOUNTAIN DOGS

16 minutes: USA

Possibly one of the most incredible stories is of Sampson and Baylor, two cherished Gold Retrievers who conquer the majestic Pinnacle Trail in Stow, Vermont, day after day, all on their own. Witness their inspiring determination as they navigate the rugged terrain, igniting a sense of wonder and admiration for their unwavering spirit. Prepare for a heartwarming take of canine resilience and adventure that will leave you breathless. 


Show time: 7:00 PM, doors 6:00 PM
Tickets: $20
Advance tickets: www.eventbrite.com

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Cat Power Sings Bob Dylan: The 1966 Albert Hall Concert SOLD OUT
Mar
16
8:00 PM20:00

Cat Power Sings Bob Dylan: The 1966 Albert Hall Concert SOLD OUT

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


"Hurray! We have adult beverages!

The Rio is proud to partner with our friends at Moe's Alley to provide a selection of great beers, Venus canned cocktails, hard cider and sparkling wine at this show. You must be 21 and present a valid ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. We prefer cash, but will accept cards as well!"


Last November in London, Cat Power took the stage at Royal Albert Hall and delivered a song-for-song recreation of one of the most fabled and transformative live sets of all time. Held at the Manchester Free Trade Hall in May 1966—but long known as the “Royal Albert Hall Concert” due to a mislabeled bootleg—the original performance saw Bob Dylan switching from acoustic to electric midway through the show, drawing ire from an audience of folk purists and forever altering the course of rock-and-roll. In her own rendition of that historic night, the artist otherwise known as Chan Marshall inhabited each song with equal parts conviction and grace and a palpable sense of protectiveness, ultimately transposing the anarchic tension of Dylan’s set with a warm and luminous joy. Now captured on the live album Cat Power Sings Dylan: The 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert, Marshall’s spellbinding performance both lovingly honors her hero’s imprint on history and brings a stunning new vitality to many of his most revered songs.

A singularly gifted song interpreter whose catalog includes three acclaimed covers albums (2000’s The Covers Record, 2008’s Jukebox, 2022’s Covers), Marshall holds an especially strong affinity for the songwriter-poet. “More than the work of any other songwriter, Dylan’s songs have spoken to me, and inspired me since i first began hearing them at 5 years old,” said Marshall. Like the original concert (and all of Dylan’s 1966 world tour), Marshall kept the first half of her set entirely acoustic, then went electric for the second half with the help of a full band: guitarist Arsun Sorrenti, bassist Erik Paparozzi, multi-instrumentalists Aaron Embry (harmonica, piano) and Jordan Summers (organ, Wurlitzer), and drummer Josh Adams. “I knew that when representing a performance that changed the rock-and-roll landscape forever, I needed to be very serious about it,” she says. “Although ‘serious’ feels like a small word for how deeply immersed I felt.”


Show time: 8:00 PM, doors 7:00 PM
Tickets: $68.25 Gen, $89.25 Gold Circle
Advance tickets: www.eventbrite.com
Artists website: www.folkyeah.com

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Escape from the Planet of the Cows
Mar
14
7:30 PM19:30

Escape from the Planet of the Cows

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


with Patrick O. Brown, creator of Impossible Foods

Patrick O. Brown is the founder of Impossible Foods, a company at the forefront of making nutritious, delicious meat and dairy products from plants to satisfy meat lovers and address the environmental impact of animal farming.

The idea for Impossible Foods came to Pat while he was on sabbatical from his position as an HHMI investigator and professor of biochemistry at the Stanford University School of Medicine. In reflecting on how he could use his training and experience to make the largest positive impact on the world, he realized there was a way to make delicious, affordable meat and dairy products, directly from plants – that would be better for the environment and for consumers. In 2011, Pat chose to devote himself full time to Impossible Foods.


Show time: 7:30 PM, doors 6:30 PM
Tickets: FREE
Advance tickets: www.calendar.ucsc.edu

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Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour
Mar
3
7:00 PM19:00

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


Get off the beaten path, stand on the highest peaks, ski the steepest slopes, and be a part of the gripping adventures waiting for you at this year's Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour.

From exploring remote landscapes to adrenaline-fueled action sports, films selected for the 2023/24 World Tour are sure to captivate and amaze you. Be moved. Be inspired. Don’t miss out! Different films will be screened each night.

This event supports Adventure Rec student programs. In 2023, more than 1,300 attendees enjoyed three nights of films. Over $20,000 was raised to reduce students' costs to participate in Adventure Rec programs, affording them the chance to share in the magic of outdoor adventures.

Film ratings and advisories are included in the descriptions. Consider checking before purchasing tickets for the young adventurers in your life.

For more information, contact Adventure Rec at adventurerec@ucsc.edu or (831) 459-2806.


Show time: 7:00 PM, doors 6:00 PM
Tickets: $23
Advance tickets: www.recreation.ucsc.edu

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Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour
Mar
2
7:00 PM19:00

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


Get off the beaten path, stand on the highest peaks, ski the steepest slopes, and be a part of the gripping adventures waiting for you at this year's Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour.

From exploring remote landscapes to adrenaline-fueled action sports, films selected for the 2023/24 World Tour are sure to captivate and amaze you. Be moved. Be inspired. Don’t miss out! Different films will be screened each night.

This event supports Adventure Rec student programs. In 2023, more than 1,300 attendees enjoyed three nights of films. Over $20,000 was raised to reduce students' costs to participate in Adventure Rec programs, affording them the chance to share in the magic of outdoor adventures.

Film ratings and advisories are included in the descriptions. Consider checking before purchasing tickets for the young adventurers in your life.

For more information, contact Adventure Rec at adventurerec@ucsc.edu or (831) 459-2806.


Show time: 7:00 PM, doors 6:00 PM
Tickets: $25
Advance tickets: www.recreation.ucsc.edu

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Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour
Mar
1
7:00 PM19:00

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


Get off the beaten path, stand on the highest peaks, ski the steepest slopes, and be a part of the gripping adventures waiting for you at this year's Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour.

From exploring remote landscapes to adrenaline-fueled action sports, films selected for the 2023/24 World Tour are sure to captivate and amaze you. Be moved. Be inspired. Don’t miss out! Different films will be screened each night.

This event supports Adventure Rec student programs. In 2023, more than 1,300 attendees enjoyed three nights of films. Over $20,000 was raised to reduce students' costs to participate in Adventure Rec programs, affording them the chance to share in the magic of outdoor adventures.

Film ratings and advisories are included in the descriptions. Consider checking before purchasing tickets for the young adventurers in your life.

For more information, contact Adventure Rec at adventurerec@ucsc.edu or (831) 459-2806.


Show time: 7:00 PM, doors 6:00 PM
Tickets: $23
Advance tickets: www.recreation.ucsc.edu

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Thomas Farm Films
Feb
24
6:30 PM18:30

Thomas Farm Films

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


Summer Camp (2023) Film Festival

Film production on a farm! Seven short films that were made on the farm during  summer 2023 will premiere! This is a fancy dress, red carpet occasion!  Come out to mingle with your local young filmmakers and young movie stars. You will not be disappointed!


Show time: 6:30 PM, doors 5:30 PM
Tickets: $30
Advance Tickets: www.thomasfarmfilms.com
Event website: www.thomasfarmfilms.com
YouTube: youtube

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The North Face Presents: Reel Rock 18
Feb
23
7:00 PM19:00

The North Face Presents: Reel Rock 18

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


Don't miss the Reel Rock 18 premiere event in Santa Cruz. Presented by The North Face, Black Diamond and Yeti. Immerse yourself in four gripping new climbing films from across the globe: a visionary first ascent on Japan’s mythical Mt. Mizugaki; a climbing community held together in war-torn Ukraine; a treacherous free ascent of Jirishanca in the Peruvian Andes; and an exploration of Mallorca’s deep-water soloing.


Show time: 7:00 PM, doors 6:00 PM
Tickets: $25
Advance tickets: www.reelrock.myeventscenter.com

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Kendal Mountain Film Tour
Feb
10
8:00 PM20:00

Kendal Mountain Film Tour

  • Rio Theatre for the Performing (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


Prepare for an unforgettable night of adventure as the Kendal Mountain Tour 2024 comes to North America!

Join us on a cinematic journey through the world's most breathtaking landscapes with a selection of award winning films showcasing the year’s most daring feats of courage and tales of human resilience. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or simply someone who appreciates the majesty of nature, this tour promises to ignite your sense of adventure and leave you with a renewed appreciation for the planet we call home.

With the chance to win prizes from our affiliated brands, get ready to be thrilled, inspired and moved at the Kendal Mountain Tour 2024 – where adventure begins at your doorstep…

About Kendal Mountain

Brought to you by the team behind Kendal Mountain Festival – a world-renowned event that celebrates adventure and the great outdoors through film, book events, music, outdoor activities, and parties. Held annually in Kendal, on the edge of the English Lake District, they now take these stories across the globe on Tour.


Show time: 8:00 PM, doors 7:00 PM
Tickets: $20
Advance tickets: www.eventbrite.com

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2024 Fly Fishing Film Tour
Feb
10
5:00 PM17:00

2024 Fly Fishing Film Tour

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


The 18th annual FLY FISHING FILM TOUR (F3T) is back on the road January 2024 with a top notch selection of short films that are sure to get you fired up for the season ahead.

The F3T is the original and largest fly fishing film event of its kind. Come for the action and stay for the giveaways and camaraderie that will feed your fishing addiction.

For more updates go to flyfilmtour.com or follow us on social at @flyfishingfilmtour.

Discounted Fly Shop Tickets Coming Soon. 


Show time: 5:00 PM, doors 4:00 PM
Tickets: $22
Advance tickets: www.flyfilmtour.myeventscenter.com

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Corinne Bailey Rae
Feb
9
8:00 PM20:00

Corinne Bailey Rae

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


English singer/songwriter/musician Corinne Bailey Rae shot to stardom with her self-
titled #1 U.K. debut album in 2006, featuring the global hits “Put Your Records On” and

“Like A Star.” Over the course of her career she has released three critically acclaimed
studio albums—Corinne Bailey Rae, The Sea and The Heart Speaks in Whispers—and
earned two Grammy Awards, two MOBOS, and has been nominated for multiple awards
including the BRIT Awards, Mercury Music Prize and BET Awards. Her work for film
and television includes the theme to Stan Lee’s Lucky Man (SKY1), “The Scientist” for
Universal Pictures’ Fifty Shades Darker opening title and soundtrack which charted
globally, and in 2020 her song “New to Me” was performed in the film The High Note by
Tracee Ellis Ross. Bailey Rae has collaborated with a wide range of artists including Mary
J. Blige, Al Green, Herbie Hancock, KING, Paul McCartney, Kele Okereke (Bloc Party),
Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Questlove, Salaam Rami, RZA, Tyler The Creator, Paul
Weller, Richard Hawley, Stevie Wonder, Tracey Thorn, Pharrell, Logic, Mick Jenkins
and many more.


Show time: 8:00 PM, doors 7:00 PM
Tickets: $52.50 Gen, $68.25 Gold Circle
Advance tickets: www.eventbrite.com

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How Not to Age
Feb
3
7:00 PM19:00

How Not to Age

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


with Dr. Michael Greger

Join us for the launching of Dr. Michael Greger's new book, How Not to Age: The Scientific Approach to Getting Healthier as You Get Older. Dr. Greger will share simple, accessible, and evidence-based methods to preserving our bodies and keeping us feeling youthful, both physically and mentally! Dr. Greger will be signing copies of How Not to Age after the event in the lobby.

Doors open at 6:15pm with plant-based appetizers by Eat for the Earth. 7:00pm the event will begin with Heather Houston and the Yala Lati choir, followed by an introductory talk by Ann Lopez, PhD, Executive Director of the Center for Farmworker Families, and then Dr. Michael Greger will take the stage. 

All proceeds from this event will benefit 501c3 non-profit organizations Eat for the Earth, Santa Cruz VegFest, Center for Farmworker Families and Vegan Outreach. And all proceeds Dr. Greger receives from the sales of his books and speaking honoraria are donated directly to charity.

*This event is expected to sell out. If tickets remain, they'll be $35 at the door.*

Event Schedule:
6:15 PM: Doors open and appetizers in lobby
7:00-9:00 PM:  Yala Lati choir, Ann Lopez PhD, Michael Greger MD
9:00 PM: Dr. Greger signs books in lobby


Dr. Michael Greger's Talk Description:
The term "anti-aging" should be reserved for interventions that target one or more of the established aging mechanisms. Non-pharmacological means to target these Hallmarks of Aging will be discussed, common denominators of the diets and lifestyles of healthy, long-lived populations teased out, and dietary approaches will be explored to preserve bladder, brain, and bowel function as we age, along with bone and muscle mass, as well as tips to combat skin aging and vasomotor symptoms of menopause.

About Dr. Michael Greger:
A founding member and Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Michael Greger, M.D., is a physician and internationally recognized speaker on nutrition. His science-based nonprofit, NutritionFacts.org, offers a free online portal hosting more than 2,000 videos and articles on myriad health topics. Dr. Greger is a sought-after lecturer and has presented at the Conference on World Affairs and the World Bank, testified before Congress, and was invited as an expert witness in Oprah Winfrey's defense in the infamous "meat defamation" trial. A graduate of Cornell University School of Agriculture and Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Greger is also an acclaimed author. How Not to Die, The How Not to Die Cookbook, and How Not to Diet became instant New York Times Best Sellers. More than a million copies of How Not to Die have been sold. All proceeds Dr. Greger receives from the sales of his books and speaking honoraria are donated directly to charity.

About Ann Lopez, PhD:
Ann López, PhD is the Executive Director of Center for Farmworker Families. She is an emerita professor and taught courses in biology, environmental science, ecology and botany in the biology department at San José City College for many years. She has a PhD from UCSC in Environmental Studies where she studied the impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement on the farms of west central Mexico. Her book entitled The Farmworkers' Journey summarizes the results, arguments and conclusions of her research and was published by UC Press. She has been recognized for her work by The U.S. Congress and many organizations. She was chosen as a Woman of the Year for 2013 and 2014 by the National Association of Professional Women. In March 2018, she was chosen for a 16th Annual Cesar E. Chavez Community Award in Watsonville and as Woman of the Year by Mark Stone’s 29th District for 2019. 

Dr. Lopez' research findings while interviewing central California farmworker families and their family members in Mexico were fundamentally disturbing and life transforming. As a result, she is actively attempting to create awareness about the Human Rights abuses that are endemic to every juncture of the migrant circuit. She has also initiated many projects on both sides of the border designed to alleviate some of the inordinate suffering experienced daily by migrant farm workers and their family members in Mexico.


Show time: 7:00 PM, doors 6:00 PM
Tickets: $25
Advance tickets: www.eventbrite.com

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She Adventures Film Tour SOLD OUT
Jan
27
7:00 PM19:00

She Adventures Film Tour SOLD OUT

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


BUY TICKETS

The She Adventures Film Tour is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated return for another year of celebrating and honoring adventure women around the world. Join us in a celebration of the inspiring women of the adventure world.

Born out of a desire to showcase the strong, inspirational, adventurous women of the outdoor world, the She Advnetures Film Tour presents a carefully curated selection of short films that will entertain, enthrall and enlighten. Showcasing a 2 1/2 hours program of the most heartfelt, inspiring and entertaining films celebrating adventurous women from independent film makers around the globe.

The 2024 She Adventures Film Tour will embark on an exciting journey, captivating audiences with a diverse selection of adventure films. From Olympic athletes Rebecca Wardell, Emma Twigg and Sarah Van Ballekom’s cycle journey from Switzerland to New Zealand to one woman's dream to run the 620 mile Bibbulmun track in Western Australia in the fastest known time. Ski speeds in excess of 50 miles an hour with a blind speed skier, mountain bike at breakneck speed with Georgia Astle and embrace the freedom of skiing the backcountry in nothing but your birthday suit. Each film tells a unique story of perseverance, courage, and the joy of pushing boundaries.

This year's film festival is a must-see event for everyone, offering inspiration, entertainment, and a fresh perspective.

Join in on this extraordinary journey and witness the power of women pushing boundaries, igniting change, and inspiring others to live their own adventures. Gather your adventure buddies and grab your tickets now!

Full Frontal Freedom

Prepare for a rebellious and exhilarating cinematic experience as Full Frontal Freedom breaks free from convention. This groundbreaking film unites the daring, the forgotten and the rule-breakers, shifting the spotlight from fashion to adventure. Immerse yourself in the unfiltered joy of a day in the untamed backcountry, where a fearless pack of skiers lets loose and embraces the thrill of living life to the fullest. Witness a true display 

Speed of Sound

A portrait of self-professed adrenaline junkie, Carina Edlinger, whose athletic prowess and determination led her to win Gold at the Beijing Winter Paralympics in 2022.

Skiing 50mph down a snow laden mountain would be daring enough for most – Austrian skier, Edlinger, does this at 2 percent vision with nothing but the voice of her guide, faith in her practice and rush of the wind behind her. Speed of Sound is a textured insight into the experience of this unstoppable young woman.

The Long Way Home

Two former Olympians, Rebecca Wardell, Emma Twigg, and professional athlete Sarah Van Ballekom, abandon their prestigious careers in the IOC in Switzerland to embark on an extraordinary cycling odyssey. Determined to return to their homeland, New Zealand, they pedal across 19 countries, covering 13,000m in a year-long quest. Along the way, they visit schools, encounter fellow Olympians, and raise funds for the Forward Foundation for aspiring sportswomen. Through 1,137 hours of sweat and determination, they inspire and connect with over 50 schools, turning their ambitious journey into a remarkable adventure of self-discovery.

Momentum

For as long as she can remember, Angie Scarth-Johnson has loved to climb. Growing up Angie found her climbing crew at the local climbing gym but soon transitioned to outdoor climbing. Her love and passion for climbing hit new heights when at 9 years of age she set a world climbing record. Momentum is a stunning film that follows the journey of a young girl that goes from conquering world class climbs, to forging new routes amongst the breathtaking landscapes in Spain. Watch in support as Angie grows up in the vibrant climbing community, showcases her prodigious talent, unwavering determination and passion for conquering hard technical climbs. 

Georgia Astle: Flip the Switch

Breaking boundaries and changing the world of freeride is what Georgia Astle is known for. Growing up with a fierce determination, Georgia found her motivation in her older brother, but she soon realised that she had to forge her own path. Witness her fearless pursuit as she pushes her limits, guided by a rising wave of female freeriders. In this film, Georgia embarks on an exploration of British Columbia’s breathtaking landscapes, where she searches for the terrain that challenges and inspires her riding. Flip The Switch is an empowering tale of strength, resilience, and the unstoppable rise of women in the world of freeride.

Bibbulmun: A Shared Adventure

The Bibbulmun track in WA is known as one of the longest in the world, yet one incredible woman, Erika Lori, sets off on the trail run of a lifetime. Spanning 620 miles of rugged southern coastline, dipping in and out of forests watch in awe as one woman runs an average of 50m - 65m per day. Join Erika on her unparalleled journey as she attempts to set a new record, supported by loved ones along the way. Witness her relentless pursuit through challenging terrains, battling towering hills, treacherous weather, unexpected obstacles and leave feeling ultra inspired.



A portion of ticket sales benefit GirlsROCK


Show time: 7:00 PM, doors 6:00 PM
Tickets: $20
Advance tickets: www.eventbrite.com

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Victor Wooten & the Wooten Brothers – Sweat Tour
Jan
21
7:30 PM19:30

Victor Wooten & the Wooten Brothers – Sweat Tour

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


"Hurray! We have adult beverages!

The Rio is proud to partner with our friends at Moe's Alley to provide a selection of great beers, Venus canned cocktails, hard cider and sparkling wine at this show. You must be 21 and present a valid ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. We prefer cash, but will accept cards as well!"


Victor Wooten, bass guitar/vocals; Joseph Wooten, keyboards/vocals; Roy Wooten, percussion/vocals; and Regi Wooten, guitars/vocals. 

For over four decades the Wooten Brothers have been recognized as some of the most innovative musicians in existence and are collectively known as one of the most talented and dynamic band of brothers the world has ever known. Since they were young, the five brothers have been a musical tour-de-force redefining the limits of jazz, funk, soul, R&B, rock, and bluegrass. Sons of military parents, their early years were spent living in different states including Hawaii, California, and Virginia where they shared stages with the likes of Curtis Mayfield, The Temptations, Ramsey Lewis, Stephanie Mills, War, and other artists. In the mid 1980s, the brothers released an album as The Wootens for Clive Davis’ Arista Records. This will be the brother’s first tour together as a band since the untimely death of their saxophone-playing brother Rudy a few years ago.

Together The Wooten Brothers bring an uncanny level of experience, originality, and musical expertise to the stage. Their shows will be a high-energy, super-funky, artistic blend of styles including original songs and classics. In short: these brothers are the real deal, and their shows are not to be missed.


Show time: 7:30 PM, doors 6:30 PM
Tickets: $42 Gen, $63 Gold Circle
Advance tickets: www.kuumbwajazz.org

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(((folkYEAH!))) presents Lee Fields
Dec
29
8:00 PM20:00

(((folkYEAH!))) presents Lee Fields

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols

"Hurray! We have adult beverages!

The Rio is proud to partner with our friends at Moe's Alley to provide a selection of great beers, Venus canned cocktails, hard cider and sparkling wine at this show. You must be 21 and present a valid ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. We prefer cash, but will accept cards as well!"


Lee Fields is arguably the greatest soul singer alive today. In an age when the shelf life of an artist largely depends on posturing and trends, he has proven to be an unassailable force of nature. His prolific, decade-spanning career continues to reign supreme on the modern soul scene. In addition to twenty albums and over forty singles, he has taken the stage at almost every major festival and relevant venue on the planet, including Coachella, Bonnaroo, Newport Folk, Roskilde, Outside Lands, Rock en Seine, Carnegie Hall, the Olympia in Paris, and the Paradiso in Amsterdam. His body of work continues to garner the attention of pop artists and producers via samples by hip hop heavyweights: J. Cole, Travis Scott, Rick Ross, A$ap Rocky. This October, Lee releases his 21st full-length, Sentimental Fool — a soulful, bluesy return to his rhythm & blues roots.

From the very first time he saw James Brown perform, on the T.A.M.I. Show in 1964, Lee Fields knew he was going to be a singer. Born Elmer Lee Fields to Emma Jean Fields and John Fields in Wilson, North Carolina in 1950, he was still a teenager in the Summer of 1967 when his mother reluctantly gave him her last twenty dollars to hop a bus north to follow his dreams. He turned up unannounced at the Brooklyn apartment of his friend Fred Williams who had told him to "come up and stay anytime." Williams happened to be getting married the very next day and was in the process of moving out. At the wedding, Lee met Lonnie Smith who took him around to some clubs later that night. When he stepped up to sing a James Brown tune with Little Love and the Lovelights at the 521 Club on Nostrand Ave. and Fulton St., people started throwing money. It was enough for him to buy a nice dinner and cover the first three weeks rent at the apartment that used to be Williams's. Lee was on his way.


Show time: 8:00 PM, doors 7:00 PM
Tickets: $34.65
Advance tickets: www.eventbrite.com

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X
Dec
15
8:00 PM20:00

X

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols

"Hurray! We have adult beverages!

The Rio is proud to partner with our friends at Moe's Alley to provide a selection of great beers, Venus canned cocktails, hard cider and sparkling wine at this show. You must be 21 and present a valid ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. We prefer cash, but will accept cards as well!"



Show time: 8:00 PM, doors 7:00 PM
Tickets: $37 Gen, $57 Gold Circle
Advance tickets: www.etix.com

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Tom Ralston Band Benefit Concert
Dec
2
7:00 PM19:00

Tom Ralston Band Benefit Concert

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


Local singer-songwriter Tom Ralston presents his 14-piece ensemble with string and horn section. The band has a unique sound incorporating jazz, soul, and rock.

This is a benefit concert for Second Harvest Food Bank.


Show time: 7:00 PM, doors 6:00 PM
Tickets: $32 Gen, $42 Gold Circle
Advance tickets: www.eventbrite.com
Artists website: www.tomralstonmusic.com
Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com

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DANCE CRAZE w/ RODDY RADIATION & THE SKABILLY REBELS
Nov
18
7:00 PM19:00

DANCE CRAZE w/ RODDY RADIATION & THE SKABILLY REBELS

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The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


THE INCITERS

It’s a rude dream come true! The legendary 1981 concert film Dance Craze vividly showcases “the best of British ska, LIVE!” in all its hyperactive glory. – including The Specials, Madness, The Selecter, The Beat, Bad Manners and The Bodysnatchers.

Founding member of THE SPECIALS, Roddy Radiation & The Skabilly Rebels, are an English band formed in 2003 by Roddy Radiation, and Sam Smith, who had previously worked together in rockabilly band The Bonediggers. The band is based in Coventry, England. Their songs, all written by Radiation, are a hybrid of ska and rockabilly music styles. You’re in for a SPECIAL treat for sure!

THE INCITERS! (Santa Cruz) An overpowering 11-piece dance floor soul band that will have you on your feet dancing the night away. You in for a SPECIAL treat during their once in a lifetime set for this show.


Show time: 7:00 PM, doors 6:00 PM
Tickets: $25
Advance tickets: www.ticketweb.com and The Crepe Place
Artists website: www.thecrepeplace.com

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La Jolla Entertainment Presents Beatles vs. Stones - A Musical Showdown
Nov
16
8:00 PM20:00

La Jolla Entertainment Presents Beatles vs. Stones - A Musical Showdown

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The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


Two of the greatest bands of all time face off in a high-energy, adrenaline-pumping musical showdown. The Fab Four, represented by tribute band Abbey Road will engage in a barrage of hits against premier Rolling Stones tribute band Satisfaction. It’s a face-off you won’t want to miss!


Show time: 8:00 PM, doors 7:00 PM
Tickets: $30
Advance tickets: www.lajollabookingagency.thundertix.com
Artists website: www.beatles-vs-stones.com
Event website: www.facebook.com

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Pat Metheny: Solo – Dream Box Tour - SOLD OUT
Nov
2
7:30 PM19:30

Pat Metheny: Solo – Dream Box Tour - SOLD OUT

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


Pat Metheny was born in Lee’s Summit, MO on August 12, 1954 into a musical family. Starting on trumpet at the age of eight, Metheny switched to guitar at age twelve. By the age of fifteen, he was working regularly with the best jazz musicians in Kansas City, receiving valuable on-the-bandstand experience at an unusually young age. Metheny first burst onto the international jazz scene in 1974. Over the course of his three-year stint with vibraphone great Gary Burton, the young Missouri native already displayed his soon-to-become trademarked playing style, which blended the loose and flexible articulation (customarily reserved for horn players) with an advanced rhythmic and harmonic sensibility – a way of playing and improvising that was modern in conception but grounded deeply in the jazz tradition of melody, swing, and the blues. With the release of his first album, Bright Size Life (1975), he reinvented the traditional “jazz guitar” sound for a new generation of players. Throughout his career, Metheny has continued to redefine the genre by utilizing new technology and constantly working to evolve the improvisational and sonic potential of his instrument.

Metheny’s versatility is nearly without peer on any instrument. Over the years, he has performed with artists as diverse as Steve Reich, Ornette Coleman, Herbie Hancock, and David Bowie. Metheny’s body of work includes compositions for solo guitar, small ensembles, electric and acoustic instruments, large orchestras, and ballet pieces and even the robotic instruments of his Orchestrion project, while always sidestepping the limits of any one genre.

It is one thing to attain popularity as a musician, but it is another to receive the kind of acclaim Metheny has garnered from critics and peers. Over the years, Metheny has won countless polls as “Best Jazz Guitarist” and awards, including three gold records for (Still Life) Talking, Letter from Home, and Secret Story. He has also won 20 Grammy Awards spread out over a variety of different categories including Best Rock Instrumental, Best Contemporary Jazz Recording, Best Jazz Instrumental Solo, and Best Instrumental Composition, at one point winning seven consecutive Grammys for seven consecutive albums. In 2015 he was inducted into the Downbeat Hall of Fame, becoming only the fourth guitarist to be included (along with Django Reinhardt, Charlie Christian and Wes Montgomery) and its youngest member. Metheny has spent much of his life on tour, often doing more than 100 shows a year since becoming a bandleader in the 70s. At the time of this writing, he continues to be one of the brightest stars of the jazz community, dedicating time to both his own projects and those of emerging artists and established veterans alike, helping them to reach their audience as well as realizing their own artistic visions.


Show time: 7:30 PM, doors 6:30 PM
Tickets: $72.50 Gen - $93.50 Gold Circle
Advance tickets: www.kuumbwajazz.org

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Jervis Campbell
Oct
28
8:00 PM20:00

Jervis Campbell

The Rio Theatre present protocol : masks are highly encouraged except when eating or drinking

Please read entire Rio Theatre Covid19 Protocols


Nathan Colberg opening

Jervis Campbell has been making music in Nashville, TN, since 2018. His anthemic rock songs feature themes of both hope and struggle, drawing from his own experiences and day-to-day life. Jervis self-produced and independently released his debut album, Onward and Upward, in 2018. When asked about the choice to self-produce, Jervis said, “I pushed myself to make this album as authentic as I could, so I wanted to make these songs come to life by my own hands.” So far, listeners have enthusiastically supported Jervis’s vision. Onward and Upward has garnered more than 25 million streams since its release. The Hopeful Hearts Club, Campbell’s sophomore record, will be released in the Fall of 2023. Since 2019, Jervis has toured with only a guitar, treating fans to intimate acoustic versions of his songs. In 2023, The Hopeful Hearts Tour will feature a full band, allowing listeners to experience the songs as Campbell intends.

Nathan Colberg is a singer-songwriter from Charlottesville, VA. His music blends pop, soul, rock, and folk; and combines varying musical influences such as Jon Bellion, Foy Vance, Ray LaMontagne, Coldplay, and Noah Kahan. His most recent album, “Dream On, Kid. (Reimagined)”, is an ambitious genre-bending project compiled of 12 songs: 6 pop-influenced songs, with each pop song having a sibling version reproduced in a different genre. As an independent artist; his catalog of music has already garnered over 13 million streams in its short life span.

Early Entry Early entry 6:45 ($30)
General Admission Doors 7:00pm ($19.75)
Show Begins 8:00pm


Show time: 8:00 PM, doors 7:00 PM
Tickets: $19.75
Advance tickets:www.ticketweb.com
Artists website: www.jerviscampbell.com
Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com

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