SANTA CRUZ

Velvet Underpants brings music of Velvet Underground

In addition to the bands the Velvets inspired to make their own music, there also have been a number of bands to bring their songs to the stage and play these songs who never got to see their progenitors perform them live — which, let’s face it, is a lot of people. Santa Cruz’s very own The Velvet Underpants is one such tribute act, and they will be playing at The Crepe Place Friday.

The Velvet Underpants are a pitch perfect recreation of The Velvet Underground’s original sound, with all the avant-garde experimentation, sonic messiness and even quiet beauty kept intact. For those who have ever wanted to hear songs like “I’m Waiting for the Man,” “Venus in Furs,” “Pale Blue Eyes” and “Sweet Jane” performed in a manner very reminiscent of the originals, this is the place to do it — all while possibly enjoying a sweet crepe.

The show is 8 p.m. Friday at The Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Ave. There is a $10 charge at the door. For information, go to TheCrepePlace.com.

Trumpeter Chris Botti brings brass to Rio

The trumpet is a versatile instrument that can be used in everything from orchestras to mariachi bands to military communication and even a wide variety of popular music. Chris Botti has made a name for himself with the instrument, both on his solo albums and collaborating with some of the biggest names in music, and he will be demonstrating his talents at the Rio Theatre Monday.

A performer for more than four decades, Botti has played trumpet for some of the biggest acts of all time, including Frank Sinatra, Sting, Aretha Franklin, James Taylor, Joe Cocker, Toni Braxton, Rod Stewart, Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga and a whole lot more. He also has recorded 12 solo jazz albums, consisting of original material and covers, and won a Grammy for the 2012 album “Impressions.” His latest, 2023’s “Vol. 1,” marked his debut on legendary jazz label Blue Note Records and features renditions of songs by the likes of Miles Davis, Coldplay and even “Someday My Prince Will Come” from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”

The concert is 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave. Doors open at 6:30. Tickets are $92.07 for general admission and $115.38 for Gold Circle members. For more information, go to RioTheatre.com.

Learn the basics of DJing with Jared Gampel at Kuumbwa Jazz

When people aspire to become musicians, myriad instruments come to mind: guitars, pianos, brass, etc. However, one instrument has proven itself among those traditional instruments, even becoming a vital part of popular music: the turntable. Whether scratching records in hip-hop, playing beats in EDM or stringing a bunch of songs together at dance parties, DJing has become an art form all its own, one that many want to pursue. Jared Gampel, UC Santa Cruz professor and People’s Disco co-founder, will be teaching the basics of the form with a master class at Kuumbwa Jazz Tuesday.Gampel received a Ph.D. in UC Santa Cruz’s History of Consciousness Department and wrote a dissertation titled, “Listening for History: Studies on Retro and the Temporalities of Popular Music,” which explores why more music listeners are seeking out older songs, artists and genres than ever before, and how changes in the music industry spurred retro cultures and musical revivals. In addition to teaching courses on popular music and learning to DJ at UCSC, he is also the resident DJ and co-founder of The People’s Disco, a self-proclaimed all-vinyl socialist dance party that performs at venues throughout the area.

The free event is 7 p.m. Tuesday at Kuumbwa Jazz, 320 Cedar St. Doors open at 6:30. Those unable to make it in person can register to stream the master class. For more information, go to KuumbwaJazz.org.

FELTON

Get a Rush of excitement with Rash

Channeling singer Geddy Lee, drummer Neil Peart and guitarist Alex Lifeson, the quartet of Jay Leek, Michael Lomax, Brian Cline and John Gonzalez have been bringing their interpretations of classic Rush songs to the stage since 2008. Putting their own spin on songs such as “2112,” “The Spirit of Radio,” “Tom Sawyer,” “Limelight” and “Free Will,” Rash will be recreating Rush’s epic concerts as well as the songs that soundtracked a generation.

The concert is 8 p.m. Saturday at Felton Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $40.12 for general admission. This is a 21-and-older concert. For more information, go to FeltonMusicHall.com.

This week’s calendar was compiled by Nick Sestanovich.