Send ideas to calendar@montereycountynow.com 24 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY AUGUST 29-SEPTEMBER 4, 2024 www.montereycountynow.com experience the venue. There’s no better time to visit than this Saturday, Aug. 31. The first First Theatre Fest will have local vendors on hand from whom to purchase arts and crafts, food—including the Peninsula’s newest bagel maker, Silverstein’s Delicatessen—and complimentary refreshments from First Theater’s historic saloon, which is now a bar with empty bottles on the wall. But most importantly, it’s an event that allows the public into the space, so long closed, with artists performing in it, whether poets or musicians (see more, p. 25), to officially celebrate its reopening to the public. It’s a reminder that we can have nice things—we just have to care about them. [DS] 11am-4pm Saturday, Aug. 31. California’s First Theater, corner of Pacific and Scott streets, Monterey. Free. 236-4691, mshpa. org/news. UNPLUGGED AND ON STAGE Paper Wing Theatre is known for its over-the-top performances in an intimate setting, where the audience can get in on the action—its most recent production that just wrapped up, Evil Dead The Musical, had fake blood spraying out into the crowd, for crying out loud. But sometimes, even those of us who have seemingly endless energy need to take it easy and recharge the batteries. The theater hosts Monterey Songwriters Unplugged, featuring local indie, folk and alternative rock musicians who will sit on stage and perform laid-back solo acoustic sets in a cozy setting. Scheduled to perform are Adam Behan, Cement Ship, Cowboy Starr and Havilah. The show celebrates the original songs and the stories behind them. [EC] 7:30-10pm Saturday, Aug. 31. Paper Wing Theatre & Supper Club, 711 Cannery Row, Suite I (upstairs), Monterey. $15. paperwing. com. Sunday, September 1 POWER PACKED How do you measure an artist? If it’s by name recognition, Smokey Robinson or Lionel Ritchie would likely win. If it’s by influence, however, give the nod to Lenny Williams. It’s not that he lacks accolades. Williams has gold albums, one with Tower of Power and a Grammy nomination, along with hits like “Choosing You” and “Cause I Love You.” But through 18 solo albums, three more with Tower of Power, as well as other recordings that soared to platinum and more, Williams wields true clout. Hell, he’s recorded with Sly Stone and Kenny G and been sampled by the likes of Kanye—and that’s in addition to his string of chart singles. [DF] 7pm Sunday, Sept. 1. Deja Blue, 500 Broadway Ave., Seaside. $55.20; $108.55/ VIP. 324-0044, eventbrite.com. Monday, September 2 POP GOES THE MUSIC Labor Day is officially 130 years old this year, the historic holiday to recognize the social achievements of workers and their economic contributions—and a well-deserved day of rest. Why not add an enjoyable afternoon of music to the mix? The professional musicians of Monterey County Pops! are performing a free concert, playing pop and patriotic songs, as is their mission. Their opening act is the Monterey Peninsula Gospel Community Choir, which always delivers an uplifting performance. A fitting tribute to workers everywhere. [PM] 1pm Monday, Sept. 2. Seaside City Hall Lawn, 440 Harcourt Ave., Seaside. Free. 484-5511, montereycountypops.org. Hot Picks by Erik Chalhoub, Dave Faries, Celia Jiménez, Pam Marino, Agata Pope˛da, Sara Rubin and David Schmalz. HOT PICKS a touch of sweetness from the afterlife. If you want to learn how to make and decorate a colorful Day of the Dead skull from scratch, Nica White will guide you on how to make your own in a two-day class. The first day, crafters will mold and sculpt a sugar skull, and on the second day, they will decorate it with organic shapes and vibrant colors. All ages are welcome; kids must be accompanied by an adult. [CJ] 5-7pm Friday, Aug. 30 and Monday, Sept. 2. Sol Treasures, 519 Broadway St., King City. $25. 386-1381, soltreasures.com. ON THE ROAD AGAIN It was 67 years ago, longer than the life of Jack Kerouac, that he published the novel On the Road. It helped define a culture and style for the Beat generation—and every young generation since. This afternoon gathering, over wine and cheese at Henry Miller Memorial Library, invites you to glean and share insights into Kerouac’s enduring relevance. Steve Edington leads the discussion, modeled after the “Talking Jack” gatherings that happen every fall at the Kerouac Festival in Lowell, Massachusetts, where Edington helped create the Lowell Celebrates Kerouac Committee. Edington is the author of two books on Kerouac’s life and legacy (and is at work on a third), but he invites you to chime in with ideas. Come prepared to reminisce, listen and discuss: What does Jack Kerouac mean to you? [SR] 4-6pm Friday, Aug. 30. Henry Miller Memorial Library, 48603 Highway 1, Big Sur. Free; please RSVP. 667-2574, henrymiller.org. DISCO INFERNO Ah, the heyday of disco—repetitive beats, banal lyrics, Studio 54, whatever it is Studio 54 got in trouble for. But if there is one thing the era shared with other famed pop culture eras (think Roaring ’20s, for example), it was memorable fashion. Maybe not stuff you’d wear to the office today, mind you, but it was dressing to make a statement. Welcome to the Trashion Show, a disco-themed showcase of over-the-top glitz. Instead of polyester, however, the outfits are crafted from recycled materials, proving that what is one person’s trash is another’s empire silhouette with feathered boa. So if you like the nightlife, you want to boogie— and you appreciate a red carpet show, and you want to get down at the annual Trashion Show. Besides, you’ll be helping out a good cause, the programs of the Alliance on Aging. [DF] 5:30pm Friday, Aug. 30. Inn at Spanish Bay, 1700 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach. $200; $225/runway. 655-7564, allianceonaging. org. Saturday, August 31 READY FOR ITS CLOSE-UP Given that Monterey’s First Theater hosted its initial performance nearly 180 years ago—so named because it was the first theater in the state—it may come as a surprise it’s having another first. But the theater has been shut down for years due to code violations, and only since last year, after renovations, has it reopened at select times to allow the public to see and Monterey’s First Theater opens its doors and invites guests to take a step back in time and experience the historic performing arts venue. The inaugural First Theatre Fest celebrates the landmark’s extensive restoration. NIK BLASKOVICH Sugar skulls are an important piece of Day of the Dead celebrations. Get a head start on the holiday at an upcoming workshop. DANIEL DREIFUSS
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