FREEDOM
Francisco Jiménez to discuss new graphic novel
In 1997, Mexican American writer and longtime Santa Clara University professor Francisco Jiménez published his memoir “The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child” about his experiences growing up in a migrant family, crossing the border, attending elementary school, working in the fields, being deported back and settling in a migrant labor camp in Santa Maria. The book was named one of the best for young adults by the American Library Association and has become a popular inclusion in school literature curricula.
The book has now been adapted into a graphic novel illustrated by Celia Jacobs, and Jiménez will be discussing it at Sequoia High School in a special presentation hosted by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education and Bookshop Santa Cruz Thursday.
Born in Jalisco, Mexico, Jiménez moved with his family to California to work in the fields alongside his parents. He graduated from Santa Clara University where he got his U.S. citizenship in his junior year and taught there full time until 2015. He has also served on various professional boards and commissions, including the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, California Council for the Humanities, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities, Santa Clara University Board of Trustees and the Far West Lab for Educational Research and Development. The anniversary edition of “The Circuit” is illustrated by Jacobs, a Los Angeles illustrator who has created illustrations for publications such as the New York Times, Washington Post, New Yorker and Wall Street Journal.
The free event is 6 p.m. Thursday at Sequoia High, 229 Green Valley Road. Jiménez will be signing copies of “The Circuit,” but a purchase of the book is required to join the signing line. To register, go to Bookshopsantacruz.com/francisco-jimenez.
SANTA CRUZ
Orange County natives Local Natives to play Catalyst
In the wake of the release of their sixth studio album “But I’ll Wait for You,” Orange County indie rock stalwarts Local Natives are currently on tour and will be making a stop at the Catalyst Club Thursday.
Formed in 2005, Local Natives made a splash after playing SXSW in 2009 and released their debut album, “Gorilla Manor,” later that year. The album immediately charted on the Billboard 200 as the band was slated to play festivals such as Coachella, Bonnaroo and Sasquatch. They later went on to open for Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, performed on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” with Sharon Van Etten and recorded five additional albums, the latter two — “Time Will Wait for No One” and “But I’ll Wait for You” — being recorded simultaneously and released nine months apart. These albums are the basis for their current tour name, “Time Will Wait for No One But I’ll Wait for You.” Opening will be Nigerian-born singer/songwriter Uwade.
The concert is 8 p.m. Thursday at the Catalyst, 1101 Pacific Ave. Doors open at 7. Tickets are $29.50 in advance and $35 at the door. This is a 16-and-older concert. For more information, go to CatalystClub.com.
M.A.D. Film Festival showcases local youth talent at Rio
There is no shortage of teens throughout Santa Cruz County with artistic skills, and Harbor High School will be showcasing these talents at the Music. Art. Dance. Festival at the Rio Theatre Friday.
The event will feature performances by the Harbor High Choir and Harbor High Dance Company as well as films by students from Santa Cruz and beyond. Attendees will also get a taste of international student films with screenings of movies from the Paris Film Competition.
The festival is 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Rio, 1205 Soquel Ave. Tickets are $10 for students and $12 for adults. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to RioTheatre.com.
Learn musical improv tips with Tammy L. Hall at Kuumbwa Jazz
Before any song comes into the world, a musical has to make a few decisions: How do I want this song to sound? What instruments should I use? How do I come up with a melody that’s unique but memorable? Grammy-winning pianist Tammy L. Hall is well-versed in this subject and will be providing tips virtually in a Master Class streamed at Kuumbwa Jazz Tuesday.
A graduate of Mills College, Hall is a pianist who has worked with the likes of Darlene Love, Melba Moore and Etta Jones. In her Master Class, “How Do You Know What to Play?” Hall will provide tips and insights on musical improvisation.
The free event is 7 p.m. Tuesday at Kuumbwa Jazz, 320 Cedar St. Doors open at 6:30. Those unable to join in person can register to stream it at KuumbwaJazz.org.
SCOTTS VALLEY
Waite up for comedy: Dave Waite to perform
Born in Kentucky and based in Los Angeles, comedian Dave Waite has a funny outlook on life, which audiences can expect when they see him at the Scotts Valley Performing Arts Center Saturday.
For more than a decade, Waite has been playing clubs throughout the world and has performed sets on shows like “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “Not Safe with Nikki Glaser,” Comedy Central’s “Live at Gotham,” “The Bob and Tom Show” and the podcast “Doug Loves Movies.” He has also played at festivals such as the Great American Comedy Festival, New York Underground Comedy Festival and Rooftop Aspen Comedy Festival. He also co-produces the Secret Show comedy nights at the Blind Barber in Culver City. Proceeds from this event through beer and wine sales will go toward the Scotts Valley Community Theater Guild.
The show is 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Scotts Valley Performing Arts Center, 251 Kings Village Road. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at EventBrite.com.
This week’s calendar was compiled by Nick Sestanovich.