Arts & Entertainment
WHAT'S UP THIS WEEK: Meal Solution Mondays, Battle of the Bands and Have a Private Session with a Warrior
Cook Vegan, Meat Entrees or Gluten-free; learn some manners, vote for the 2nd Annual Battle of the Bands at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

Monday, March 18th
What: Battle Of The Bands Contest
When: Entries must be received by 9 a.m. Monday
Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Where: beachboardwalk.com/battleofthebands
Cost: Free to enter
Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Why Go: Winning band wins a $1,000 grand prize and bragging rights. The 2nd and 3rd place bands may chime in on cash prizes also. The Boardwalk will decide which top 10 bands will compete for the public's votes from March 21-24th, on the Boardwalk's Facebook page. Five Facebook winning bands will then get a chance to compete at the 2nd Annual Battle of the Bands on April 4th during Spring Break, at the Boardwalk.
What: Meal Solution Mondays
When: 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: All New Leaf stores in Santa Cruz and Capitola
Cost: Free
Why Go: New Leaf Culinary team members will present to the public a new recipe each week that individuals can sample and try out for themselves in their own kitchens. The entrees demonstrated will either be gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, or meat dishes.
Tuesday, March 19th
What: The Refined Diner - Adult Dining Etiquette Course
When: 6 p.m. - 9: p.m.
Where: Shadowbrook Restaurant
Cost: $130/ individual
Why Go: Achieve success through social confidence while learning proper dining etiquette. This dinner date with a group of like-minded individuals will include a five-course meal, wine, tax and tip. To register contact: Shelly at (831) 295-1192. modern-etiquette.com
What: Free Tax Assistance; Project Scout
When: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.; plus every day through April 13th, hours vary.
Where: Downtown Branch Library
Cost: Free
Why Go: The countdown to tax day is on. Why not get your tax questions answered for free and get those forms submitted now? Time is running out. Be sure to check the site first for a list of what to bring. Project SCOUT 2013 Tax Prep Schedule.
Wednesday, March 20th
What: The 2013 Santa Cruz County Artist of the Year, Susana Arias
When: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Pajaro Valley Arts Council
Cost: Free
Why Go: The gallery will feature an array of visual artwork, literary works, and recorded performances, of numerous artists who have previously won this award. The work of honored Susana Arias, this years awardee, will be featured.
What: Santa Cruz Farmer's Market
When: 1:30p.m. - 6:30p.m.
Where: The parking lot at the corners of Lincoln St. & Cedar St.
Cost: Free
Why Go: Support local farmers, increase local spending, and support local jobs, while shopping for the freshest organic produce, sustainably-harvested seafoods, artisian-made goods, and pasture raised meats, eggs, and dairy.
Thursday, March 21st
What: Accelerated Learning Techniques Funshop
When: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Cabrillo College Room 450
Cost: Free
Why Go: Simple techniques are used to increase one's ability to learn more in less time. For more information, contact: drjoemccullough.com
What: An Evening of Fun with the Santa Cruz Warriors
When: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Where: Sanctuary Exploration Center
Cost: $25
Why Go: Fred Keeley, a trustee of the National Marine Sanctuary, hosts this family event which is a must for Warrior fans. The package includes an introduction to the Warrior's Coach, a 30-minute private session with your favorite basketball Warrior, a meet and greet of individual Warriors at different stations, a T-shirt, and four tickets to the Warrior's final game, April 6. A live auction will also be part of the event with proceeds benefitting the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.