Entertainment

Exclusive Interview with James Durbin

March 11, 2017 by Seb Frey

For those of you who haven’t heard, local musician James Durbin was recently announced as the new lead singer for Quiet Riot, the legendary metal band. James was kind enough to grant an interview to AptosCommunityNews about this new musical venture.

First, congratulations on joining Quiet Riot! That’s quite an accomplishment.

1) How did you happen to get connected up with those guys?

JD: I was doing a residency show in Las Vegas and ended up (re)connecting with QR Guitarist Alex Grossi and we started our own songwriting project titled “Maps To The Hollywood Scars” of which we just released our first five song EP titled “Volume 1”. Throughout our time writing, Alex played our songs to QR Drummer Frankie Banali. Frankie had had his eye on me for a few years. I guess everything just fell into place at the right time 🙂

2) What history do you have with the band – have you been a fan, if so, how long?

JD: The first time I heard QUIET RIOT’s ‘Bang Your Head (Metal Health)’ was on a video game called Legends Of Wrestling. The gameplay was awful but the theme song was worth keeping it haha. This is a few years before YouTube was around.

3) Do you have any favorite Quiet Riot songs in particular that you look forward to rocking out on?

JD: Since QR rehearsals took place earlier this week all songs in the setlist are just as strong as the next one, but in particular I’m currently enjoying ‘Condition Critical’, ‘Thunderbird’, ‘Put Up Or Shut Up’ & ‘Sucks To Be You’.

4) Have you and the rest of your new band mates discussed any changes to the sound or a new approach to performing their music?

JD: QUIET RIOT is a straight-forward Rock ‘n Roll party band! 1 Guitarist, 1 Bassist, 1 Drummer & the Singer 🙂 We now have 3 Generations in the band, so there will definitely be some new approaches happening every now and then.

5) Quiet Riot is something of an institution in the heavy metal world – and you’re a pretty young guy. Do you have any concerns about that?

JD: No concerns at all. As soon as we hit the stage for the first time together, any concerns will be laid to rest.

6) When will be your first show with Quiet Riot?

JD: My first show is at The Cotillion in Wichita, KS on March 18th! I can’t wait to unleash everything we’ve got on that crowd haha. I hope they’re ready.

7) Are there plans to record any new material with the band now that you’re on board?

JD: Right now QUIET RIOT is focused on touring and getting the word out about my joining the band.

8) Will Quiet Riot be playing in or near Santa Cruz any time soon?

JD: No scheduled dates at this time, but we are looking at possible bookings in Santa Cruz.

9) Quiet Riot is based in L.A. – does this mean you’ll need to move, or will you be staying here in the Santa Cruz area?

JD: Most of my travels will be weekend based, so there are no plans to move at this time.

10) Will you continue your career as a solo artist?

JD: Absolutely! I recently released my first Independent album “Riot On Sunset” that was recorded in Santa Cruz at Rocker Studios with ‘Father’ Rick Vierra. We will be recording an Acoustic Album sometime this year as well as a songwriting project with my wife Heidi.

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James Durbin is appearing TONIGHT, March 11th, at the Catalyst Club in downtown Santa Cruz to support Jacob’s Heart. The show starts at 7:30 PM – so head and down and check it out!

See The Cabrillo Stage Production of Chicago!

June 29, 2016 by Seb Frey

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This past Friday, my wife and I went to see the opening night of the Cabrillo Stage production of Chicago at the Crocker Theater on the campus of Cabrillo College. We live not far from there, and for years I’d been driving under the pedestrian bridge across Soquel Drive and seeing the various banners for Cabrillo Stage productions hung there. I’d long been enticed to check it out, but I’d never actually gone to see a performance, until last week.

The Chicago Lineup doin' All That Jazz — The Chicago Lineup doin’ All That Jazz

I think the reason I’d never gone before was that I assumed that the productions would be the Community College version of a High School theater production. I’d imagined a rag tag group of enthusiastic but amateurish thespians belting out classic Broadway show tunes accompanied by canned music against a backdrop of cardboard cut-outs.

Cabrillo Stage is a Professional Production

It turns out, Cabrillo Stage is a production company separate and apart from Cabrillo College. Cast and crew are first rate professionals who work on productions all throughout California, and in fact many of them have worked nationwide and on Broadway in New York City. The quality of the performance I saw is not unlike what you’d find at the Curran Theater in San Francisco or the well-regarded and very popular San Jose Stage Company.

As a boy, I was an understudy for a couple of roles with the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco (Happy Landings, A Christmas Carol), and I also performed with the San Francisco Boys Chorus in several productions of the San Francisco Opera (Carmen, Tosca, and La Bohème). I’ve never actually seen a Broadway play, and now you know the extent of my stage experience.

I’m a real estate broker, not a theater critic, so I’m really not one to be able to judge the quality of the Chicago production that I saw. What I can tell you though is that the crowd was buzzing – people were jazzed, laughing, and clapping, and the show ended with a standing ovation. I had a great time, and left genuinely impressed with what I’d seen. It’s amazing to me that this kind of entertainment can be had literally a 15 minute walk from my front door, and that I’d never availed myself of it before. If only I’d known! Well now I do, and so do you. 🙂

Janie Scott, Director and Choreographer

A couple of days before opening night, I had a chance to sit down with Janie Scott, the director and choreographer. Ms. Scott is no stranger to Cabrillo Stage, having directed and choreographed number of productions for Cabrillo Stage over the years, including Guys and Dolls, Kiss Me Kate, Swing, Honk! and Some Like It Hot. She has a career spanning decades and has a wide gamut of talent: she’s been a singer, dancer, actor, director, and choreographer, having appeared on Broadway in A Chorus Line, Peter Pan, and Merrily we Roll Along. She also served over 20 years as a Professor in the School of Music and Dance at San Jose State University.

When speaking with her, I hardly knew where to begin our conversation (I’m not a professional journalist, either!). But our talk gravitated around her professional career. She’s been at this for decades, honing her craft in numerous roles. She’s a consummate artist, and I was very curious to hear how she’d been so successful for such a long period of time.

I came away learning that success in theater comes down to several key elements: passion, persistence, talent, and some degree of luck. Watching the show, you could see and feel the passion and talent on stage – it was palpable. The experiences of the director, cast, and crew all blended together to create an extraordinary night out in Aptos, one that I won’t soon forget.

Cabrillo Stage Tickets and Events

The production of Chicago runs until July 10th, and Fiddler on the Roof runs between July 21st and August 14th. Ticket prices for Chicago range from $18-$45 and $16-$45 for the production of Fiddler.

Cabrillo Stage is having a couple of special events, where the public is welcome to join the creative team for a Directors and Cast discussion. The event is hosted by Jon Nordgren, the artistic director for Cabrillo Stage, and is free to attend. Anyone who is interested in professional theater should find these events to be fun and insightful.

Crocker Theater

June 27, 2016 by Seb Frey

The Crocker Theater is located on the campus of Cabrillo College. It is part of the Cabrillo College Visual, Applied, and Performing Arts Complex, and it provides the highest quality performing arts center in Santa Cruz county. The theater seats 523 people when the orchestra pit is full, or 571 people without the orchestra pit. There’s also a full-size makeup room, four large dressing rooms, an in-house scene and costume shop, actor/dance studio, and an in-house design studio. What’s more, there’s a 40-channel Craft sound console which provides a world class sound experience for the audience.

Every year, it is host to professional Broadway-quality productions from Cabrillo Stage, as well as hosting numerous other events throughout the year.

This is an incredible asset for our Aptos Community, and for all of Santa Cruz county as well, and for this reason we consider it one of the Aptos Gems.

Cabrillo Stage Announces 35th Anniversary Summer Festival

June 15, 2016 by Seb Frey

Cabrillo Stage, the Broadway style musical theatre company at Cabrillo College, announces its 35th Anniversary Summer Festival starting June 23 and playing through August 14.

Audiences can expect another fun-filled summer of entertainment as Cabrillo Stage produces two shows chosen in celebration of a 35 year tradition of Broadway style entertainment.

As Chicago was the first musical Cabrillo Stage produced, it seems only fitting to offer it on this 35th anniversary, and producing Fiddler on the Roof once again represents the continuing tradition of excellence that has become an important part of our local culture and community.

They are opening their season with a limited 3 week engagement of the sexy, dark comedy Chicago, playing June 23- July 10. Immediately following with Fiddler on the Roof, playing July 21 -August 14. Both shows will be performing in the beautiful, state-of-the-art, Cabrillo Crocker Theater on the campus of Cabrillo College in Aptos, California. On June 26 at 5pm, Cabrillo Stage will hold a combined opening company party and 35th Anniversary Celebration open to the public. Tickets available on line or at the box office in advance with special discounts for our donors.

Chicago

Chicago is an unforgettable journey into Chicago‘s sultry storied past. The show opens with “All That Jazz”, a musical introduction by Velma Kelly, an infamous stage star locked up for murdering her sister and her philandering husband. She becomes the belle of the prison ball, but her fame quickly fizzles as the media catches wind of Roxie Hart’s equally enticing arrest resulting from the untimely death of her lover. Tension runs high as the two starlets vie for the spotlight, front page headlines, and the attention of successful, dashing lawyer, Billy Flynn. His advice is to ‘Razzle Dazzle‘. And Dazzle this musical does!

Cabrillo Stage 2016 resident artist, David Jackson leads a stellar team of triple threat performers in Chicago, directed & choreographed by stage veteran, Janie Scott. Chicago has everything that makes Broadway great: a universal tale of fame , fortune and all that jazz; one show-stopping song after another; and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. No wonder Chicago was nominated for 10 Tony Awards and received thousands of standing ovations over the years.

Fiddler on the Roof

Fiddler On The Roof is a heartwarming story of a persecuted people; papas and mamas, daughters and sons trying to survive as a community while struggling with their traditional values and roles. One of the most popular and heartwarming tales in Broadway history, Fiddler on the Roof is a story dedicated to tradition, love, laughter, and most important, TO LIFE! Life, which, as the main character, Tevye, explains, “is as precarious as the perch of a fiddler on a roof.”

Among the season’s returning thespian favorites is Adam Campbell playing the ever suffering “Tevye” in Fiddler on the Roof. Campbell brought the house down as “Jesus” in Stage’s 2008 production of Jesus Christ Superstar …. then continued on to play “Peter” and understudy the immortal Ted Neeley, as “Jesus” in the Broadway Tour. Winner of 9 Tony Awards when it debuted in 1964, Fiddler On The Roof, Directed & Choreographed by Kikau Alvaro, is the brainchild of Broadway legends Jerome Robbins, Harold Prince, songwriters Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, and book writer Joseph Stein.

Touching audiences worldwide with its humor, warmth and honesty, this universal show is a staple of the musical theatre canon.

Online, in-person ticket sales and subscription packages are available now. Join the directors and cast of Chicago immediately following the matinee performances on July 3 and Fiddler On The Roof July 24, for a post show discussion on the exciting process of putting together these diverse shows. We are also performing a special 10am performance of Fiddler On The Roof Wednesday August 3, meet the cast on a backstage tour and Orchestra Demo immediately following the show. And watch out for our weekly ticket giveaways on Facebook.

Cabrillo Stage offers subscription packages (two shows for as low as $43 for children & $62 for adults), individual and group ticket rates, and special children’s presentations. Tickets are on-sale now.

Temple Beth El to Host Music Panel

April 11, 2016 by Seb Frey

New Music Works, Chadeish Yameinu Jewish Renewal and Temple Beth El invite you to join them for a panel discussion with musical illustrations about the historic and timeless musical connections that link the Middle East and West, on Friday, April 15, 8PM, at Temple Beth El.

Celebrated Israeli composer and lecturer Eitan Steinberg and vocalist Etty BenZaken will share their perspectives and artistry as prominent members of Israel’s music community. Discussions will also explore the long-echoing resonances and deep spirituality that connect Western and Middle Eastern cultures.

New Music Works Artistic Director Philip Collins will host this forum as a prelude to New Music Works’ Saturday evening concert, “Major Keys of Asia Minor”, 8 pm at the UCSC Music Recital Hall. The concert, featuring work by Mr. Steinberg and a performance Ms. BenZaken, will present music by Middle Eastern composers of Jewish, Christian and Muslim heritages.

This lecture will be repeated at 7PM on Saturday, April 16th, just before the concert.

Santa Cruz American Music Festival 2016

February 14, 2016 by Seb Frey

Blues Legend Buddy Guy is coming to Aptos

Attention Aptos music and blues lovers! The Santa Cruz American Music Festival 2016 lineup has been announced, and none other than the legendary Buddy Guy will be headlining the festival at Aptos Creek Park on Saturday, May 28th (memorial day weekend). A number of other artists have also been announced, including Trombone Shorty, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Indigenous, Carolyn Wonderland, and Josh Turner. Additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets are on sale now and are $65 for each day or $120 for both days; children are just $25. Premium Gold Circle tickets are $100 each, or $190 for the two-day pass.

Follow Santa Cruz American Music Festival on Twitter for more updates!

We are super excited to start announcing our Sunday lineup beginning with the Multi-platinum recording artist… https://t.co/rfqfrezEKH
— SCAmerMusicFest (@SCAmerMusicFest) February 10, 2016

Final Curtain Call at the Aptos Cinema

January 28, 2016 by Seb Frey

This week saw the Final Curtain Call at the Aptos Cinema, which closed on January 26th, 2015 after 45 years of operation. The new owners of the Rancho del Mar Shopping Center have elected not to renew the Cinema’s lease, which will expire at the end of the month. The word on the street is that the shopping center’s owners were not interested in negotiating anything with the Cinema’s operators. It seems that they have new plans for the space, although they have not shared that with anyone in the community.

In place of one of the usual movie posters, a notice outside the entrance read:

Aptos Cinemas Closing
We regret that we have been unable to come to terms with the Aptos Cinemas Owner, Terramar Realty. We look forward to our patrons visiting us at our other locations, Landmark’s Nickeloden Theater and Del Mar Theatre. We will continue to feature great films and provide superior customer service to the Santa Cruz community.
January 26, 2016 will be the last day of business for Landmark’s Aptos Cinemas. We will be ending our run with THE REVENANT and STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS. Please stop by for a film and say goodbye. The Aptos Management, and staff in particular, extend thanks to our customers and friends; we loved entertaining you at this location.

We can expect more turnover in the Rancho del Mar Shopping Center in coming months, as many leases will be up for renewal soon. County Supervisor Zach Friend has indicated that significant rent increases in the center are likely, and that the owners of the center will be looking to sign leases with national chains and franchises.

Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery Grand Opening

November 19, 2014 by Seb Frey

I attended the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on November 15 2014. I shot some video of both the ribbon cutting and a variety of the exhibits…which you could hardly see, because there were so many people there. In fact, they counted over 2,000 people through the doors on launch day!

Here on this page you will find two separate videos – the first is sort of a montage of the opening day, taking you on a tour of the museum as it was on launch day.

Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery Opening Day Montage

The second video is the ribbon cutting ceremony, with remarks from Patrice Keet, the museum’s founder, as well as Sam Storey, the Mayor of Capitola.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The museum is off to a great start, and it has already become the new hot spot in town for kid’s birthday parties, with dozens already scheduled within the next several months. Hundreds of people have now also purchased memberships to the museum as well.

Even though the museum is off to an amazing start, it’s still very much version 1.0. The museum is in need of donations: cash, materials for new exhibits, and skilled help to run and augment the museum. I you can volunteer money, equipment, or skills, please get in touch with the museum staff to let them know what you can offer.

Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery

October 14, 2014 by Seb Frey

The Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery is not actually located in Aptos – but it’s right next door in Capitola, and it’s such an amazing place that were it actually located in Aptos, it surely would be an Aptos Gem. And although it isn’t physically in Aptos, there’s no question that many Aptos children (of all ages!) are going to be spending a lot of time at the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery.

Aptos and Santa Cruz offer natural outdoor wonders which are hard to match, especially for an area which is so close to major population centers like the San Francisco Bay Area. One thing that Santa Cruz County has lacked, however, is a great place for kids to come play, learn, explore, and grow. That has all changed with the advent of the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery, located in the Capitola Mall, and open seven days per week.

Watch this video below to learn more about the museum from its founder, Patrice Keet.

Photos from the September 2014 Sneak Peek

Video of Laser Play Exhibit @ Sneak Peek

Dinner and a Movie in Aptos

April 29, 2014 by Seb Frey

The owners of the fabled Nickelodeon Theater and Del Mar Theater in downtown Santa Cruz also have the good taste to own the Aptos Cinema in the Rancho del Mar Shopping Center. They have partnered with a number of local restaurants to create Date Night Santa Cruz, which is a Dinner and Movie Special. For just $50, you can get two tickets to see a movie and dinner for two, every evening Monday through Thursday, holidays excluded.

The Aptos restaurants which are participating in Date Night Santa Cruz are:

Tickets can be purchased at any participating restaurant or movie theater (including those in Santa Cruz). The cost of the dinner is limited to $50 in most cases, although some restaurants limit it to $45. The tickets can be used for most items in the restaurants, typically including starters, main entrees, desserts, and drinks.

See also: Date Night Santa Cruz