SANTA CRUZ

Next Stage Productions sponsors concert

Join Next Stage Productions for the “Voices in Harmony” concert from 2-4 p.m. Saturday with five groups, and an audience singing along at United Methodist Church, 250 California St., Santa Cruz. Donations accepted at the door.

Pacific Voices is a community choir whose purpose is to bring together singers for a joyous and supportive choral and social experience.

Sorella, a nine voice women’s ensemble, explores harmonies for treble voices in a wide range of styles. They rehearse on Wednesday afternoons, and welcome new members.

NextStage Love & Light is providing a sneak preview of their holiday show delivered by seniors for seniors at residences throughout the county and a public performance on December 18.

Key of 3 trio includes Kathryn Adkins, Nancy Voogd & Claire Paul, with Jerry Paul on keyboard. They specialize in tight jazz harmonies as well as folk/rock and Broadway from the 20th century.

Community Music School hosts children’s and teen’s folk music camps every summer and choir is a huge part of this, passing on the early American shape note tradition to the next generation.

Go to nextstagesantacruz.org for information.

WATSONVILLE

Castro Adobe’s fall open house

Watch the children’s folklorico group from Alianza Elementary perform at the Castro Adobe Open House, 184 Old Adobe Road, on Saturday Nov. 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the orchard while listening to live music from Bob Gomez, the poet laureate of Watsonville, accompanied by his talented wife Denise. This is also an opportunity to see the Adobe’s completed restoration and newly installed interpretive exhibits. This historic two-story adobe hacienda built in 1849 will offer you a glimpse into the vibrant lives, history and stories of the early Californian Hispanic families.

For more information call 831-226-9669. Event made possible by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and California State Parks. Reservations for free self-guided tours are recommended at: santacruzstateparks.as.me/CastroAdobeOpenHouse.

WATSONVILLE

Exhibition presented by the Community of Digital Artists

The Community of Digital Artists would like to invite the public to view their 60-piece members show, Visually Speaking: Imagery, at the PVA Porter Building, 280 Main St. The opening reception is Friday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The gallery will be open Saturdays and Sundays in November, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the last showing on Nov. 24. The exhibition is free and open to the public. CODA is a group of local digital artists working in two-dimensional visual digital media. A show flyer is available for download at bit.ly/4eI95rB.

SANTA CRUZ

Mountainfilm tour to stop at the Rio Theatre

Mountainfilm on Tour will be visiting the Rio Theatre on Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. Join for an evening of inspiring and captivating films handpicked from the Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Colorado.

The screening will feature a collection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and engaging documentary short films that align with Mountainfilm’s mission to use the power of film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world. A Mountainfilm presenter will guide the audience through the program providing insight on the films, filmmakers and subjects.

This year’s event will feature the Medley playlist and a portion of proceeds from ticket and beer sales will benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank. For tickets visit riotheatre.com/events-2/2024/11/16/mountainfilm.

SCOTTS VALLEY

Local artist unveils new children’s book

Meet local artist Beth Gripenstraw who will share her latest project, an illustrated children’s book, “Lou — Let’s Go to Mexico,” at the Scotts Valley Library, 51 Kings Village Road, from 3-4 p.m. Friday.

Gripenstraw is the creator of the animal sculptures that live at the Scotts Valley Library — all endangered species. The author talk will begin with a quick tour of the library to visit the animal sculptures, followed by a book talk in the Fireside Room. There will be refreshments, book sales and a photo booth afterwards. This free event is sponsored by the Friends of the Scotts Valley Library. For more information, visit svlfriends.org or email svlibraryfriends@gmail.com.

APTOS

10th annual craft fair at the Grange

The Aptos Grange will host its 10th annual craft fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 2555 Mar Vista Drive. The event will feature 42 local artists of various kinds selling their wares to the public. The first 100 customers will receive a soft cooler. One per family as a celebration of their 10th anniversary. Food will be for sale, as well as a raffle, with the proceeds going to “Quilts Of Valor” to buy fabric and award to veterans. Admission is free. For questions, email aptosgrangeevents@gmail.com or call 831-234-6666.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Journey for Change Veterans Day walk

Join Journey for Change for a nature walk on Monday to raise awareness about veteran suicide and support a good cause. The group will meet at 8:30 a.m. and the walk is set to begin at 8:40 a.m. outside of Natural Bridges in Santa Cruz to Britannia Arms, 110 Monterey Ave., Capitola.

If you’d like to join for part of the walk or greet the group at Britannia Arms, here are some options: At 10 a.m., the walkers should be at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, having completed 3 miles with 5.5 miles remaining. By noon, they should be at Pleasure Point Park, at the corner of Pleasure Point Drive and East Cliff, marking 6.5 miles, leaving 2 miles to go. Finally, at 1 p.m., the group will arrive at Britannia Arms, having completed a total of 8.5 miles.

CAPITOLA

Senior center to hold benefit dance

To celebrate her birthday, Linda Baker and the Country Feeling Band will play for a benefit dance/concert from 7-9 p.m. Friday at Mid County Senior Center, 829 Bay Ave. Cost of admission is $10. Shanta Shenoy will lead a country line dance class at 6 p.m., included with the $10 admission to the dance. The cost for the lesson alone is $10. Enjoy snacks and birthday cake for all attendees. All ages 18 and over are welcome to participate in the dances.