GET OUT: Hot Blues, Cool Marine Life, Antiques and Hikes

                                  Friday, February 8th

What: Seymour Marine Discovery Center visitors day

Time: 10:00am to 5:00pm

Where: Long Marine Lab, 100 Shaffer Road; located at the end of Delaware Avenue

Cost: Free 

Why go: Check out the Giant Blue Whale skeleton out front and enjoy petting a "friendly shark" inside the Center. Don't scuba dive? Visit the What's in our bay today tank and get an up close look at many of the mysterious creatures that live in the Monterey Bay. Then walk back outside for breathtaking views from the cliffs. Take advantage of the free pass today that would normally cost $4-$6 per person.

What: Christian Youth Theater performs 'Bye Bye Birdie'

Time:  7 p.m. and (Sat & Sun 3 p.m.)

Where: Louden Nelson Center, 301 Center Street

Cost: $12-$15

Why go: Enjoy a Broadway-style musical satire performed right here in Santa Cruz about a rock and roll singer who resembles Elvis Presley and makes it onto the Ed Sullivan show to give "One Last Kiss" before heading off to the army. Hits include, "A Lot of Livin' To Do" and "Put on a Happy Face.

What:  Del The Funky Homosapien

Time: 9 p.m., doors open at 8 p.m.

Where: The Catalyst

Cost:  $14/adv; $18/door

Why go: Rolling Stone magazine sums up this artist as, "Rhyming about everything from The Hobbit to Joe Piscopo......and perhaps the best rapper you've never heard." Cousin to rapper Ice Cube, some may consider Del as one of hip-hop's most versatile artists. His lead vocals on the smash hit "Clint Eastwood," helped the Gorillaz sell over five million records worldwide. This event is 16 and over.

                               Saturday, February 9th

What:  Natural Bridges State Beach 27th Annual Migration Festival

Time:  11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where:  Natural Bridges State Beach; located at the end of West Cliff Drive

Cost:  Free

Why go:  Over 20 organizations will be there to share the wonder of migration while many activities will take place throughout the event. There will be live newts, live bats, and a presentation about the travel patterns of rattlesnakes. Kids may also enjoy crafts, face painting, games, skits, and butterfly gardening. Get active with habitat and interpretive hikes and dance along to live music by the Mystic Troubadours, Marty O'Reilly & Chris Lynch, and the nature loving 5M's band.

What:  Volunteer with the Trail Crew

Time:  9 a.m. to mid-afternoon

Where:  Big Basin Redwoods State Park Headquarters

Cost: Hard work

Why go:  Get down and dirty in the redwood forests of Big Basin as you help out the 'Trail Crew' keep the the area safe and enjoyable for the public. This event takes place the second Saturday of every month rain or shine. Must be 18 years or older. Don't forget your lunch, water, and work gloves.

What:  Sista Monica Parker "Acoustic Honey"

Time:  7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where:  Kuumbwa Jazz Center; 320-2 Cedar Street

Cost:  $20/adv; $23/door

Why go: If you love Blues, you won't want to miss this 2012 Blues Music Award nominee for "Best soul female Blues artist," by the Blues Foundation. One of Parker's original songs, "Show me what you're working with," was on the finale  August 11th, 2011, of the hit show, "So you think you can Dance." Parker will celebrate life and 20 years of performing this evening.

                                Sunday, February 10th

What: Santa Cruz Antique Faire

Time:  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where:  On Lincoln St. between Pacific Ave. and Cedar St.

Cost:  Free

Why go:  Find an original piece for your love just in time for Valentine's day. Shop green at the Antique Faire and discover everything from furniture, estate jewelry, electronics, musical equipment, and fashion, plus so much more. Weather permitting for this outdoor event. Takes place the second Sunday of every month.

What:  Wildflower Hike

Time:  10 a.m.

Where:  Rancho del Oso gate located along Highway 1, across from the Waddell Beach parking lot

Cost: Free

Why go:  Photographers and nature lovers may appreciate this opportunity to be guided through a four mile hike by Docent Scott Peden in the Waddell Valley. Don't forget to bring your water and lunch.

What:  Celebrate Piano Ensemble

Time:  2pm to 4pm

Where:  UCSC Music Center Recital Hall

Cost:  $10/$15 suggested donation

Why go:  Come support the scholarship program of the Music Teachers' Association of CA, Santa Cruz County branch, as all proceeds go to the 'Talent Bank Awards Festival.' Local Tango dancers will perform while the audience listens to the composures of Chabrier, Franck, Bolcom, Rachmaninoff and more.