SANTA CRUZ

Gallery to host First Friday art show

The R. Blitzer Gallery, 2801 Mission St. (the Old Wrigley Building), is hosting the San Francisco Art Institute Alumni Artist Show with an opening reception on First Friday from 4-7 p.m. Artists are Judy Gittelsohn, Bob Slote, Bruce Pollack, Maggie Viale, Emmanuelle Namont, Kirk Leclaire, Lawrence White, Robert Hyatt, Timothy Kopra, Gordon Sizelove, Lee Hoag, Nina Wedberg Thulin and Lauren Mendez. Normal gallery hours are 1-4 p.m. Thursday to Saturday or by appointment. For more information contact the gallery at 831-458-1217 or visit rblitzergallery.com.

CAPITOLA

Soroptimist Club meets May 13

Soroptimist International of Capitola-by-the-Sea will hold its club meeting May 13 at 4 p.m. at United Way of Santa Cruz County, 4450 Capitola Road, Suite 106. The meeting is free and open to the public. Club members will elect 2025-26 officers, complete plans for the Region Conference and hear a report about the “Dream It, Be It” program event held on April 26.

The Soroptimist Club is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. Soroptimist is a coined Latin phrase meaning “best for women.” For more information, visit best4women.org, the club Facebook page or email at sicapitola.by.the.sea@gmail.com.

SCOTTS VALLEY

Damiens Ladder to throw luncheon celebration

Damians Ladder is celebrating their huge success at a Volunteer/Donor Luncheon this Saturday at the Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road, at 1 p.m. If you are a retired handyman, plumber or electrician with time on your hands and want to volunteer your time helping low-income seniors and people with disabilities, come join this group of wonderful volunteers who have filled their lives with meaning for their fellow man. Email atyourservice@damiansladder.org or call 831-200-1376 if you would like to attend this free luncheon.

SANTA CRUZ

Jug band sing and play-along

Everyone is invited to attend the harmonica and ukulele night for a free jug band sing, strum and play-along with the Trolley Drops at Pono Hawaiian Grill, 120 Union St., Thursday from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m.

The songs will be an energetic blend of old time jazz, blues and novelty tunes from the ’20s and ’30s. That’s jug band music! Many participants tend to bring out their harmonicas during jam sessions, so of course, bring your regular instrument — and if you have a harmonica, bring that along too! There will be harmonica demos and instructions along with the regular play and sing along fun. Songs will be projected and song books will be available.

Everyone is encouraged to sing and play along with the band. Bring your voices, ukes, jugs, kazoos, washboards, guitars, fiddles, etc. and your good humor. Lots of parking nearby. It’s fun and free, but please plan to buy dinner and have a drink and support Pono for hosting the party.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Chamber music festival concerts

Local nonprofit Music in May announces its 18th annual chamber music festival to be held on Memorial Day weekend. There will be an an organ and harpist recital May 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Peace United Church, 900 High St. in Santa Cruz. MainStage concerts are May 24 at 7:30 p.m. and May 25 at 2 p.m. at Cabrillo’s Samper Recital Hall at 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos. Ticket prices are $55 and $25 general admission and $25 for students, including all fees. More information is available at musicinmay.com or by calling 831-429-9100.

SANTA CRUZ

Depot Park to host Pedal in the Park

Modo, the active transportation platform of Ecology Action, and the Santa Cruz Police Department are teaming up with 20 local businesses and nonprofits to host Pedal in the Park, a free community event that celebrates the joy of biking and promotes road safety from 1-4 p.m. Saturday at Depot Park.

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist, a new e-bike rider or just curious about biking, this event offers something for everyone. It’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy the thrill of biking while learning essential safety tips. The event features family-friendly group rides, a bike rodeo and obstacle courses, a helmet giveaway, a free bike raffle and more. Go to letsmodo.org/bike-fest to RSVP.

SANTA CRUZ

Reducing waste talk at the library

Join the Branciforte Branch, 230 Gault St., for an educational conversation on reducing waste in your community, Saturday from 2-3 p.m. A low-waste lifestyle is not only good for our environment and your wallet but it’s also hip! Come learn about all of the Low-Waste Programs that the city of Santa Cruz offers to help our community reduce waste. There will be light refreshments, low-waste giveaways and even a raffle. Come modeling your best thrifted outfit and see you there!

SANTA CRUZ

Youth Chamber spring music concert

The Santa Cruz County Youth Symphony’s Chamber Music Academy presents its Spring Concert Saturday at 3 p.m., at the United Methodist Church, 250 California St. Musicians ages 13 to 17 will perform trios by Johannes Brahms, Felix Mendelssohn, Carl Reinecke, Dmitri Shostakovich and others on violin, viola, cello, flute, oboe, clarinet and piano. Refreshments will be served after the concert. Admission is free. Donations are welcome. For more information, call 831-239-0442 or email info@sccys.org.

SANTA CRUZ

May Faire at Waldorf School

Celebrate spring with the Santa Cruz Waldorf School, 2190 Empire Grade, at their annual May Faire — a joyful day of music, crafts, storytelling, wholesome food, local vendors and fun for all ages — Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Don’t miss the beloved Maypole dance at noon. There will be a free shuttle from Messiah Lutheran Church at 801 High St. On-site parking is limited and $20. For more info, call Stella at 831-425-0519.

WATSONVILLE

Pajaro Valley Arts exhibition postponed

The Pajaro Valley Arts exhibition “Homecoming” that was scheduled to be held in the Porter Building during the coming months has been postponed indefinitely. “We appreciate those who submitted work to the show and those who had planned to,” Pajaro Valley Arts stated. “If and when it is reinstated we will again reach out to request art from folks who had previously shown their art at either of the two PV Arts venues over its 40-year history.”