GET OUT: Youth Outdoor Day, First Pleasure Point Fair, Tae Bo with Billy and Some Aching, Breaking Music

FRIDAY JUNE 21

What: Learn to use search
Where: Online. You need a phone and Internet connection and can register here. 

Cost: Free
Why: To learn to google Google and anything else you are curious about, this public library-sponsored course is a reference for beginning computer users. A great opportunity to step up to the plate and figure out what your grandkids are talking about.

What: Stuffed Animal Slumber Party
Where: Garfield Park Branch of the Santa Cruz Libraries at 705 Woodrow Ave.
When: 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Why: This sounds too cute for words. Kids are invited to bring their favorite stuffed friend (not you, Dad), to the library, where the animal will be treated to a tea party and stories. The animals do what they will do (picture "Night at the Museum," and you pick them up Monday June 24 at 10:30 a.m. and see what they have wrought. This may win for greatest idea ever. Patch will be there shooting pictures.
What: Gin Blossoms
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
When: 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.
Why: You get to hear the hit "Hey, Jealousy" and a lot of mellow, upbeat rock from a band that is sort of the modern successor to the Eagles, just without all those hits. Still, this is true southwestern rock, with lots of chiming good vibes.

SATURDAY JUNE 22

What: Youth Outdoor Day
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Santa Cruz Fairgrounds in Watsonville 
Why: Think your young'uns spend too much time in front of video games? Here's a chance to get them out doing things like the Mario Brothers in real life. The Fairgrounds will be filled with outdoor teachers helping them learn such things as fishing, skateboarding, stand-up paddling, archery, biking and BMX, hiking and backpacking, sailing, hunting and conservation.

What: The First Pleasure Point Street Faire
Where: Portola Drive Between 38-41st Aves.
When: 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Why: Great music, food, contests.  Live music by Stock Shot, The Shapes, The Spell, The Mermen, McCoy Tyler Band and Snake Skin Boots. Don't miss The Board Room's skate contest, over 50 local food and art vendors and our beer garden.


What: Outrunning Hunger Festival
Where: The corner of River and Potrero St. 317 Potrero St. (parking in Gateway Plaza
When: 9 a.m. Race Start 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Expo 
Why: Enjoy Live Music, Food, Demos, Booths, Games and support Grind Out Hunger.


What: Free E-Waste pick up
Where: 220 Lincoln St. 
When: 9 .m. - 3 p.m. 
Cost: Free and they give you a shopping bag for every TV turned in.
Why: Safely recycle all the electronic gear piling up in your garage. 


SUNDAY JUNE 23

What: World Fitness Challenge with Billy Blanks
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (Aloha Terrace near the Casino Arcade)
When: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Cost: Free, but you might get yelled at a lot.
Why: This is your chance to sweat with the pros: Take advantage of this amazing opportunity to work out for FREE with Tae Bo creator Billy Blanks! Enjoy free demos and mini-classes featuring Zumba, CrossFit Training, Pilates, and more. Health and wellness booths will include free product samples, surprise guests and giveaways.

 
What: Gypsy Soul
Where: Moe's Alley
Cost: $15 advance; $20 day of
When: 8 p.m.
Why: Check this video. Called "stridently independent," this British duo, Gypsy Soul, has the magic, sounding a bit like Annie Lennox, with a touch of Joan Armatrading or Tracey Chapman.  Not the usual fare for Moe's. It's not reggae or blues, but mystical, spiritual music, usually picked up at Kuumbwa. This is their first Santa Cruz appearance. 

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