GET OUT: A Big Weekend for Music, Children's Theater, and a Chance to Meet the 'Other' Big Trees

FRIDAY

Mother Hips

Don Quixote's International Music Hall

9 p.m.

$20/advance; $22 door

Music fans know this is a big show in a small place. Mother Hips, while never having a big hit, are the definition of the great indy rock band who play for the love and spread it around. Founders Tim Bluhm (vocals/guitar) and Greg Loiacono (guitar/vocals) have been at it for two decades and mix a jam band feel with solid songwriting and plenty of surprises, kind of like a West Coast Phish.

Aladdin, Jr., A Play by All About Theater

Friday (6:30p.m.), Saturday (6:30 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m.) at  the Louden Nelson Center.

Tickets $12/Students $9

"Directed by Lisa Kirk-Williams, the play boasts colorful costumes, great music and talented actors (ages 5- 8) from across Santa Cruz County.  Filled with magic, mayhem, flying carpet rides, and the Academy award-winning score with songs including “A Whole New World“ and “Friend Like Me“ make this musical a family favorite."

Patch caught some of the dress rehearsal and gives it two thumbs up. Parents will like the modern references to things like Prince's Purple Rain. Kids will love seeing their peers hamming it up with the best of them. See Photos here.

SATURDAY

Cool Yule Blues at Don Quixotes with John Nemeth, Daniel Castro and Tip of the Top.

8 p.m.

$12/advance; $15 door

Each of these blues bands is a headliner in its own right.  Nemeth is as dynamic as Chris Isaak back in his early years. He's a great vocalist and harmonica player with a skin tight band. Castro is a guitar hero with some real funky strut. And Tip of the Top plays great originals and blues the way Little Walter would have played them.

Check the linked videos and no doubt, we'll see you there.

Chris Robinson Brotherhood

The Catalyst

$20 advance/$25 door

9 p.m.

Half of the Black Crowes gone jam band, Robinson has been delighting local audiences in smaller venues. Now he steps it up at the area's biggest club, still intimate enough to dance and see everything, while hanging with 900 or so of your friends.

After tours with members of the Grateful Dead, Robinson knows how to make you feel like you are truckin'.

Take A Hike

Wilder Ranch State Park

9 a.m.  A Tour of the Grey Whale Ranch Area

"This challenging guided three-hour hike will explore the natural and cultural history of the upper hills of Wilder Ranch State Park.  Meet the hike leader in the Wilder Ranch parking lot.  Bring good walking shoes, lunch, snacks, and water."

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

"Discover the Park’s best kept secret – it’s other giant trees. Early winter is the best time to search for magnificent broadleaf trees in Cowell’s riparian (river zone) forest – Western Sycamores, Big Leaf Maples, White Alders, Black Cottonwoods, Box Elders and California Bay.

"Approximately 2 miles (3 hours) – all flat trails with some easy off-trail searching to measure the largest specimens. Dress in layers. Bring water and trail snacks.  Park and meet at 12:00 p.m. in front of the Nature Store (edge of day use parking lot) at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.  Enter the park from Hwy 9 (near downtown Felton, CA). Heavy rain cancels."

Sunday
Take a Run

The Jingle Bell Rock 5K runs along the Santa Cruz levee and raises money and toys for Toys for Tots and features great prizes for participants.

It costs $25 with a toy donation, or $35 without. Winners get jingle bell awards on ribbons. Categories include: Best Dressed Runner, Best Dressed Team, Best Dressed Canine and Best Decorated Stroller.

It starts next to the Pet Smart parking lot at 10:15. There is a 9:15 kids run. For more information, click here.