Mary McCaslin's Roundup

Dec. 30, 2006

WELCOME TO A NEW YEAR

Last week I went to the Lighthouse on Westcliff Drive in Santa Cruz to do some Christmas caroling with Ginny Mitchell and her family. Some friends joined in and there was a crowd of about thirty freezing souls raising their voices in song around the steps of the little Lighthouse. It was a lovely experience that I will remember and cherish.

The sky was clear, which accounted for the freezing temperature. There was a glorious view of the bay from where I stood. During “Silent Night” I looked out across the bay at the lights and was momentarily overcome with memories of loved ones who left us in 2006, and how we are still losing people in a seemingly endless war. But then, I realized that with all that is wrong in this world, the lights still glistened across the Monterey bay. At least right there and then it felt like all was right with the world.

It’s true that hope springs eternal, and with the coming of this new year, all we can do is look forward and hope for the best. One good way to start off any new year is to go out and hear live music. In the next few weeks there are some excellent chances to do so, as well as to help some folks.

Saturday, January 13th offers two choices. The annual Louis and Clark Birthday Bash takes place that night at the Crow’s Nest at the Santa Cruz Harbor. The band playing is Stormin’ Norman (Louis) and the Cyclones. Peter Clark performs solos and duets with Norman, accompanied by some of the area’s top players. They have celebrated over twenty-five Birthday Bashes.

Also on January 13th “A Night at Club Zayante” will be held at Don Quixote’s in Felton. This benefit / reunion concert will feature some of the artists who regularly performed back in the 1970s at the legendary Santa Cruz Mountains venue, which burned to the ground in October. Though the Club Z had long been closed as a music venue, its owner Tom Louagie still lived there and rented out rooms. Tom and his tenants lost everything in the fire, including his manuscript of the story of Club Zayante, and he also received some burns. Performers playing include Lacy J. Dalton, Bob Brozman, Ron Thompson and the Dirty Butter Jug Band. Call (831) 603-2294.

On Friday, January 19th folksinger / musician extraordinaire John McCutcheon will do his yearly fundraising performance for the Resource Center for Non-Violence at the First Congregational Church on High St. in Santa Cruz. Call (831) 423-1626.

Another benefit concert, the Concert for Amy, is taking place at the Digital Media Factory in Santa Cruz on Sunday, January 28th, from 2 to 6 PM. Amy Haberman is a beloved member of the local music and athletic communities. She has undergone surgeries for complications from a large tumor, and still faces surgery to remove the tumor. Musicians performing are the Banana Slug String Band, Celtic guitarist William Coulter, bluegrass band Homefire, Ginny Mitchell and others. A Santa Cruz Guitar Company guitar is one of the items donated to be auctioned off that afternoon. For complete information, go to www.runamyrun.org.

Hope to see lots of folks at these events. Happy Trails and Happy New Year!

Mary McCaslin will be performing Thursday, January 25th at the Aromas Grange Hall in Aromas and at the Concert for Amy on Sunday, January 28th.

Email her at roundup@marymccaslin.com.