Send ideas to calendar@mcweekly.com 36 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY january 25-31, 2024 www.montereycountyweekly.com There’s more than magic (but expect some tricks) in Mike Angel’s performance of Alchemy at Paper Wing Theatre, where he blurs the line between reality and illusion. bill brown Jazz singer Janice Perl, and many other friends, show up for a benefit concert for local legend Tammi Brown at Hidden Valley on Friday, Jan. 26. There will be great music, and there will be a taco truck—and it’s all for a good cause. HOT PICKS more wholesome than curling up with a warm beverage by a fireplace with friends or family and trying your hand at an old-fashioned form of fun: puzzles. Problem is, once you solve a puzzle, it’s a challenge completed, and it’s time to move on to another puzzle. But that doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy another one—you can trade for it instead. That’s the idea behind the Monterey Public Library’s puzzle exchange, where what’s old can become new to someone else. Just be sure the puzzles are in good order—or “gently used”—and packaged securely so as not to let a piece or two get lost in the mix. [DS] 2-4pm Saturday, Jan. 27. Monterey Public Library, 625 Pacific St., Monterey. Free. 6463933. bit.ly/puzzlesFTW. Fun and Funny Kevin Nealon never thought he’d make it on Saturday Night Live. His wheelhouse was stand-up, not sketch comedy or improv, and yet, he became an essential part of the SNL cast for nine years, inciting laughter for his many characters like Franz, of Hans and Franz with Dana Carvey, and Mr. Subliminal, the guy who managed to seamlessly slip in suggestive and often biting comments into socially acceptable speech. After leaving SNL, Nealon went on to great success on TV and in film, and now, in addition to stand-up gigs, he hosts a fun YouTube interview show called Hiking With Kevin, where he talks to his celebrity friends as they hike the trails around Los Angeles. Nealon brings his stand-up routine to the Sunset Center (buy a ticket) for an entertaining (you’ll bust a gut laughing) evening (don’t miss). [PM] 7:30pm Saturday, Jan. 27, Sunset Center, San Carlos Street at 8th Avenue, Carmel. $50- $70. 620-2048, sunsetcenter.org. Wednesday, Jan. 31 History Lesson This year, the Black Leaders and Allies Collaborative (BLAAC) is teaming up with the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey to host the organization’s second annual Black History Month Film Festival. Black History Month happens in February, but this festival kicks off one day early, then runs every Wednesday through February. The first film is Bamako—a 2006 film about a trial taking place in the capital of Mali, where the two sides argue about the guiding principles and realistic impacts of investment by organizations like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Other films include a PBS documentary called Boss: The Black Experience in Business and Making Black America: Through the Grapevine, a series about the social networks and organizations created by Black Americans. As always, BLAAC’s goal is to start conversations—expect to meet others interested in exploring, and discussing, this history. [TCL] 6:30pm Wednesday, Jan. 31. MIIS Irvine Auditorium, 499 Pierce St., Monterey. $20 suggested donation. blaac.org. Hot Picks by Tajha Chappellet-Lanier, Dave Faries, Celia Jiménez, Pam Marino, Agata Pop˛eda, Sara Rubin and David Schmalz. receive a one-of-a-kind, limited edition signed bookplate mailed anywhere in the U.S. at no charge. [AP] 6:30pm Friday, Jan. 26. Downtown Book & Sound, 213 Main St., Salinas. Free. 4776700, downtownbookandsound.com. The Good Fight Tammi Brown is battling cancer. That would be enough to cause some people to help. But she is also one of the nation’s finest vocalists, performing with Motion (10 Grammys and a Lifetime Achievement Award) and The Cultural Heritage Choir (two Grammy nominations), among others—you know, names like Quincy Jones, Bobby McFerrin, Joan Baez. So those eager to help include John Wineglass & Janice Perl, Latin Jazz Collective, 5 Star Band, Lauren Monroe, Def Leopard drummer Rick Allen, Brown, Sturgis and Brown… do we really need to continue? These are among the best musicians from the Central Coast and Bay Area, gathering for a fundraising concert titled “Tonight for Tammi.” In addition, there will be wine flowing and—can this get better?—a taco truck. Now that’s really helping out a friend. [DF] 7:30pm Friday, Jan. 26. Hidden Valley Music Seminars, 104 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. $50-$100. eventbrite.com. Big Stage For good reason, New York City holds a reputation as a center of live music, particularly jazz. But here’s a secret: You don’t need to go to the big city to hear big talent. While Jazz At Lincoln Center does indeed feature great music at Lincoln Center, they also give smaller communities the gift of top-level touring talent. In this case, it’s a celebration of the Great American Songbook by Bria Skonberg and Benny Benack. Their emphasis is on “singin’ and swingin,’” and the audience can expect to swing to songs by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and other stars. And if you can’t make this live show, check back for virtual events that are webcast (for free) in Sunset Center’s Studio 105. [SR] 7:30pm Friday, Jan. 26. Sunset Center, San Carlos Street at 8th Avenue, Carmel. $50- $75. 620-2048, sunsetcenter.org. Saturday, Jan. 27 Angel’s Alchemy Alchemy is a show in which Mike Angel combines classics of magic in a theatrical performance that blurs the lines between reality and illusion. Angel has been mesmerizing audiences for many years, and Alchemy is his life story—a story that promises to leave you in suspense, excitement and fear. Expect a pop culture magic show of emotion and wonder for whomever dares to witness it. [AP] Noon Saturday, Jan. 27. Paper Wing Theatre, 711 Cannery Row, Monterey. 905-5684, paperwing.com. Piece and Love When it’s time to batten the hatches as a cold winter rain lashes against your window, there are few diversions Courtesy of paper wing theatre
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