SANTA CRUZ

Free kazoo competition at Pono Hawaiian Grill

The Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz invites everyone to attend a free sing and play-along with the Trolley Drops Jug Band at Pono Hawaiian Grill, 120 Union St., on Thursday, starting at 5:45 p.m. The eatery will be hosting the Pat Tracy “No Invitation Necessary” Kazoo Competition. Trolley Drop kazoo experts will provide kazoo instruction and share advanced techniques during the meeting. The songs will be Hokum blues, folk jazz and novelty tunes from the ’20s and ’30s.

Chord and lyric charts will be passed out at the meeting. Everyone is welcome. Bring your ukes, jugs, kazoos, washboards, guitars, fiddles, etc. and your good humor. Full bar and Hawaiian barbecue is available. Lots of parking nearby. Visit ukuleleclubofsantacruz.com for more.

WATSONVILLE

Exhibition 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.

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 for free with the $10 admission to the dance. The cost for the lesson alone is $10. Enjoy snacks and birthday cake for all attendees. Mid County Senior Center provides a variety of programs and activities for the local community. All ages 18 and over are welcome to participate in the dances.

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.

SANTA CRUZ

Bowling fundraiser for Vets 4 Vets

Join your friends and family for the Terry Plank Memorial Bowling Tournament with Vets 4 Vets at Boardwalk Bowl, at 115 Cliff St., on Saturday at 1 p.m. The cost is $15 for three games, which includes shoe rental. All fees are donated to Vets 4 Vets supporting veterans in Santa Cruz County. Please RSVP to Vets4Vets@Vets4VetsSantaCruz.org to reserve a lane or just show up.

SANTA CRUZ

High school seniors may apply for scholarship

The Santa Cruz Elks Lodge is pleased to announce the 2025 Most Valuable Student scholarship contest. This scholarship is open to high school seniors who are citizens of the United States. Applications will be assessed on academics, leadership, community service and financial need. Students can complete the application online, and it must be submitted by Nov. 12.

Ranging from $1,000 per year to $7,500 per year, Most Valuable Student scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree, on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), in a U.S. college or university. The Elks National Foundation will announce 500 national winners in late April 2025. Learn more about the MVS scholarship at elks.org/scholars/scholarships/mvs.cfm.

SANTA CRUZ

Dramaturgy talk for ‘A Christmas Carol’

Santa Cruz Shakespeare will host a dramaturgy talk ahead of its holiday production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” on Nov. 21, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Santa Cruz Public Library, 224 Church St. The free presentation will be led by UC Santa Cruz literature professors Dr. Renee Fox and Dr. Michael Chemers, offering a deeper understanding of both Dickens and “A Christmas Carol.” A Q&A will follow, as well as an opportunity to meet Dr. Fox, Dr. Chemers and artistic director Charles Pasternak.

Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s production of “A Christmas Carol” will run Nov. 23 to Dec. 24 at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 846 Front St. Tickets range from $20 to $60. For more information and tickets, visit santacruzshakespeare.org or call the seasonal box office at 831-460-6399.

SANTA CRUZ

District to host Middle School Preview Webinar

Families headed to Branciforte Middle or Mission Hill Middle next year will get a introduction of what to expect in academics, student life, enrichments, supports and more at an online Middle School Preview Webinar on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m., hosted by Santa Cruz City Schools.

All are welcome to join. Find the Zoom link and more info at sccs.net/webinars. Any questions about this event or the middle schools can be sent to samuelrolens@sccs.net.

SOQUEL

Dance theater to hold groundbreaking ceremony

The Santa Cruz Dance Theater invites you to join us for their Groundbreaking Celebration and Silent Auction at Bargetto Winery 3535 N Main St. on Nov. 24 from 1-3 p.m. This special event will offer a preview of the upcoming production, “The Nutcracker” at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium on Dec. 21-22, featuring performances by cast members and original choreography created just for this celebration.

Guests will be served wine and appetizers, and the evening will also include a silent auction and raffle prizes, with proceeds benefiting the development and sustainability of Santa Cruz Dance Theater as an essential part of the local arts community. Tickets are $100, offered at SantaCruzDanceTheater.org and at the door. Attire is Black tie or formal wear.