SANTA CRUZ

Singer/songwriter Cass McCombs to play Moe’s Alley

For more than 20 years, Cass McCombs has made a name for himself with witty folk songs that touch upon a wide range of topics. This has earned him a spot on the Moe’s Alley stage where he will be performing Thursday.

Born in Concord but now calling New York City home, McCombs played in a number of Bay Area bands in the ’90s before recording his first solo album, “A,” in 2003. Since then, he has released an additional 10 albums, with his latest — “Mr Greg & Cass McCombs Sing and Play New Folk Songs for Children” — a collaboration with San Francisco-based kindergarten teacher Greg Smedley-Warren, aka Mr. Greg, for McCombs’ first children’s album. He has also toured with the Meat Puppets and published a poetry collection “Toy Fables.” Opening will be San Francisco-based singer/songwriter Papercuts.

The concert is 8 p.m. Thursday at Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $29 the day of the show. This is a 21-and-older concert. For more information, go to MoesAlley.com.

Catalyst hosts punk rock triple bill

Last week, it was reported that the Warped Tour will possibly be returning in 2025 after a six-year hiatus. Whether or not it happens, concertgoers will not have to wait a year to experience a lineup of high-octane punk rock to provide a live soundtrack for head banging and slam dancing. The Catalyst Club will be delivering a condensed version of that experience by bringing three notable hardcore punk bands — A Wilhelm Scream, Adolescents and Strung Out — to the Atrium Friday.

A Wilhelm Scream are based out of Massachusetts and have released seven albums since 2000. Their latest, 2022’s “Lose Your Delusion,” featured guitar work by Senses Fail guitarist Jason Milbank.

The Adolescents, based out of Fullerton, were major players in the Orange County punk scene of the early ’80s where their song “Amoeba” was featured on the first “Rodney on the ROQ” compilation. Their style, which was a major soundtrack for Southern California skate culture, went on to inspire other So Cal punk bands like The Offspring and Pennywise.

Headlining will be Strung Out. The Simi Valley band formed in 1989 and released a 7-inch album before being one of the first bands signed to Fat Wreck Chords, the label of Fat Mike from NOFX. They went on to play multiple Warped Tours and release 10 albums. Their latest, “Dead Rebellion,” was released in April.

The concert is 8 p.m. Friday at the Catalyst, 1101 Pacific Ave. Doors open at 7:30. Tickets are $25 in advance and $28 at the door. This is a 16-and-older concert. For more information, go to CatalystClub.com.

Fleetwood Macramé provide another link in tribute chain

The death of Christine McVie in 2022 might have put an end to Fleetwood Mac, but those wanting to see the legendary band’s songs performed live can do so through tribute groups. Thankfully, the Catalyst Club will be playing host to one of the Bay Area’s most acclaimed Fleetwood Mac tribute bands, Fleetwood Macramé, when they take the stage Saturday.This Bay Area quintet brings all of the styles of the legendary band’s repertoire, from the experimental blues rock of its ’60s Peter Green era (exemplified by songs such as “Oh Well” and “Albatross”) to its AM radio-dominant “Rumours” era (which brought such eternal classics as “Dreams” and “Go Your Own Way”) and beyond. The renditions should be a treat to both longtime Fleetwood Mac fans and those who have never gotten to see the band perform live.

The concert is 8 p.m. Saturday at the Catalyst, 1101 Pacific Ave. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $22 for a general admission four-pack. This is a 16-and-older concert. For more information, go to CatalystClub.com.

Guitar virtuoso Marc Ribot to play Kuumbwa Jazz

He may not have the most recognizable name in rock, but chances are you have likely heard Marc Ribot’s work. Whether playing guitar on many of Tom Waits’ albums to contributing scores to films like “The Departed,” Ribot has been an acclaimed session musician for nearly four decades. He will be performing with his titular quartet at Kuumbwa Jazz Monday.

Ribot’s session work began when he performed on Waits’ seminal 1985 album “Rain Dogs,” which saw Waits continue his transition from jazz-inspired blues to a more experimental rock sound to widespread critical acclaim. Ribot would go on to play guitar on many of Waits’ subsequent albums and also work with musicians like Elton John, Elvis Costello, Diana Krall, Neko Case, Marianne Faithfull, Solomon Burke, The Black Keys and more. He also contributed to the scores for movies like “Walk the Line” and “The Kids are All Right” and was the subject of the 2007 documentary “The Lost String.” He will be joined by fellow experimental guitarist Mary Halvorson, bassist Hilliard Greene and drummer Chad Taylor.

The concert is 7 p.m. Monday at Kuumbwa Jazz, 320 Cedar St. Doors open at 6. Tickets are $52.45 for general admission in advance, $47.25 for members in advance, $52.50 at the door and $26.25 for students. For more information, go to KuumbwaJazz.org.

This week’s calendar was compiled by Nick Sestanovich.