GET OUT: Music from Space, Africa, Avant Classical, the Dead and More...

Holy Cow: what a weekend for music. Mind blowing.

THURSDAY AUG. 1

What:  Oliver Mtukudzi & The Black Spirits
Where: Kuumbwa Jazz 
When: 7 p.m.
Cost: $25
WHY: This Zimbabwean musician is one of the world's greats. It's hard to believe he's playing the 200-seat jazz hall. What can I say? If you like world music, this is one not to miss. Check this video and fall in love.  And, best of all, there will be space to dance.

What: Grateful Dead Meetup Movie
Where: Cinema 9, Santa Cruz
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $12.50
WHY: The Dead. Santa Cruz. Need I say more? Want to read more? Click here. Last year's movie was spectacular...a real vibe fest for the true Deadheads. Normally, I'm not a fan of concert movies, but this was like being at a show. This year's promises to be a very, very special show from 1972. Why does it have to be the same time as the show above? Ow.

FRIDAY AUG. 2

What: Sun Ra Arkestra
Where: Kuumbwa Jazz Center
Cost: $25. Buy here. 
When: 7:30 p.m.
WHY: If I could send you to only one show this year, this would be it. If you love jazz...or even if you don't...the Sun Ra Arkestra will blow your mind. They are the Grateful Dead of jazz and world music combined.

Here's the short version: Jazz pianist Herman Blount, who was born in 1914 and died in 1993, had a vision in 1954 and became Sun Ra, a musician from another planet. Goofy, right? But not.

He assembled a troupe of master musicians and played space music that was far ahead of its time. They lived in a commune in Philadelphia and many great musicians passed through the band, and others stayed a lifetime.  A Sun Ra concert could last as long as eight hours and included fire eaters, dancers, synthesizers, Walt Disney covers and a history of music. 

The best of the shows were a living history of music. The band would start by playing primitive instruments, like conch shells. Then, they would advance through jazz history. They would become a swing band, then, a New Orleans band, then, a space band, marching through the audience singing "Space is the Place."

Even with the master gone, the band is still great and will still take you musical places you've never been. Here's a bit of video.  And here's the movie, Space is the Place...so great. 

What: Opening Night Cabrillo Music Festival
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium
Cost: $32-$52
WHY: This week-long festival of avant garde classical music puts Santa Cruz on the world map. For the full schedule, go here.
  
"Opening night promises the irresistible energy that audiences have come to expect when all our stars align–Conductor Carolyn Kuan and the Festival Orchestra take the stage with two composers in the house, a world premiere, a West Coast premiere, the American debut of an international soloist, and a romantic tale to be told."

The street in front of the Civic is filled with music and booths throughout the weekend.

What: Y&T
Where:Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Cost: FREE
When: 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.
WHY: They were and are the Van Halen of Northern California. Guitarist Dave Meniketti has garnered a loyal following for years, long after they had a big hit with "Summertime Girls." They play rock, hard rock, metal and blues with aplomb. Hard to believe you can see them free. Rockers shouldn't miss this one.

SATURDAY AUG. 3

What: Wines of the World
Where: Messiah Lutheran Church, 801 High St.
When: 4-8 p.m.
Cost: $50 to benefit Habitat for Humanity. Call 423-8300 or 477-0960 for tickets.
WHY: Wine not? Sample wines from five countries, including Italy, Spain, France, Argentina, New Zealand...and California.