SANTA CRUZ

The Hive Live! hosts book launch

Join The Hive Poetry Collective as they host the next offering in their ongoing, bimonthly series The Hive Live! 7 p.m. May 13 at Bookshop Santa Cruz, 1520 Pacific Ave. The Hive Live! presents a book launch for “Variations in Blue” with Francisco Aragón and Adela Najarro. Najarro’s latest collection explores the aftermath of domestic violence and the transformative power of language. Through her poetic journey into Latine/x culture, she weaves a powerful narrative of healing and empowerment. Experience a poetic dialogue between Aragón and Najarro that promises to be as bold as it is beautiful — an evening not to be missed. Register to attend at tinyurl.com/3djdz3vx.

FELTON

Family farm history talk at the library

Come hear about Camp Joy’s past and present May 7 at 10:30 a.m. at the Felton Library, 6121 Gushee St. Camp Joy is a small nonprofit organic farm outside Boulder Creek that was founded in 1971. It has been cultivating flowers, vegetables, gardening enthusiasts and seasonal apprentices since then. Camp Joy has survived fire, drought and the pandemic, and continues to continues to offer fresh produce and bouquets from the new farmstand, as well as an annual wreath sale and a big plant sale on Mother’s Day weekend. For more information, email feltonlibraryfriends@gmail.com.

LIVE OAK

Library to host coastal bird photo exhibit

The 9th annual Birds of Corcoran Lagoon Beach photo exhibit, sponsored by Friends of Corcoran Lagoon Beach, will run from May 1 to June 31 at the Live Oak Library, 2380 Portola Drive, Santa Cruz. The photographs, as well as specimens on loan from the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, tell the story of birds who feed and rest along the shoreline and in the lagoon outflow on their exhaustive seasonal migratory travels.

Some species have even nested in the past, including snowy plover and killdeer. Since 1984, 175 species of birds have been recorded in the Corcoran Lagoon area, reflecting lagoon, urban, beach and marine habitats. Resident birds such as mallards, egrets, herons and coots can be found at the lagoon system year-round. Other birds, such as willets, least sandpipers, Caspian terns and surfbirds visit during the fall and spring migrations. Friends of Corcoran Lagoon Beach is a grassroots group that works to protect bird habitat in this coastal area. Visit foclb.weebly.com.

SOQUEL

Silent Western ‘The Testing Block’ screens

Bring your family and friends to see a historic movie filmed in Capitola and Felton, 4-5:30 p.m. May 4 at the Congregational Church of Soquel’s Parrish Hall, 4951 Soquel Drive. “The Testing Block” is a 1920 Western featuring William S. Hart and Eva Novak, with an introduction and background presentation by local historian Frank Perry. Presented by Soquel Pioneer and Historical Association, and the Congregational Church of Soquel, this is a free event. There will be popcorn and refreshments, too. Merchandise will be available for purchase, with donations supporting the work of Soquel Pioneers.

SOQUEL

SC Peace Chorale turns 25 with concert

Attend the “Keep Marching! Songs Of Resistance For Troubled Times” spring concert by the Santa Cruz Peace Chorale May 17 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 2402 College Drive. Come at 3:30 p.m. to participate in the special community art project. Singing begins at 4 p.m.

Under the musical direction of singer-songwriter Aileen Vance, the Santa Cruz Peace Chorale is a mixed-voice community choir providing inspiration through powerful traditional and contemporary songs from many genres. Sliding scale donation suggested is $15-20 at the door. No one turned away for lack of funds. For more information go to santacruzpeacechorale.org.

SANTA CRUZ

SIR May speaker reveals history of valley

SIR welcomes historian and featured speaker Lisa Robinson, president of the Board of the San Lorenzo Valley Historical Society, who will share some the interesting history and events that have taken place in San Lorenzo Valley over the years at the monthly meeting May 7, starting at noon, at the Elks Lodge on 150 Jewell St.

An 11 a.m. optional social hour will take place prior to the general meeting. The meeting will wrap up with a chef prepared luncheon, concluding about 2 p.m.

SIR promotes Social Activities for Enhancing Life. Branch 20, comprising Santa Cruz and surrounding local areas, is one of many statewide, non-affiliated nonprofits dedicated to offering men over 50 — retired or not — a variety of programs and activities designed for socializing, making new friends and enjoying their free time. Email Jeff Ustick at jeffustick@gmail.com for an invitation to this event or visit sirinc2.org/branch20 for more information.

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., from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

The songs will be an energetic blend of old time jazz, blues and novelty tunes from the 1920s 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

Screenings at Reel Work Labor Film Festival

The 2025 Reel Work Labor Film Festival features a commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Watsonville Cannery Strike. Two films by Jon Silver: “Watsonville On Strike” and “Daughters of the Strike” will be shown at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Del Mar Theatre in Santa Cruz. Following the screenings, Silver will be joined by several former strikers featured in the films. The Reel Work Film Festival runs through May 18. All events are free and by donations. Visit ReelWork.org.