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Arts & Entertainment

Sunny Skies in the Forecast: Get Out For a Bit

Take a few hours for yourself this weekend to escape and do something pleasant. Scotts Valley Patch has done some research for you, and we have some suggestions for music, art, food and more.

A drive out to San Jose just might be in the cards this weekend, or how about a free night at the museum in Santa Cruz? An evening out to listen to some music is another possibility. Scotts Valley Patch knows you have a lot on your mind these days, but we think you owe it to yourself to get out for a bit. Here are our suggestions.

Where/When: North Almaden Avenue and West Saint John Street, San Jose. Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

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Why Go: Are you kidding? Food truck food is our latest Northern California trend. And there will be at least 20 trucks there offering all kinds of food. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and dinner from 5-9 p.m. With so many choices, perhaps you want to try lunch AND dinner!

Pricing: Depends on what you eat.

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Where/When: , 320 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. Friday, 8 p.m. 

Why Go: You've heard the music of Antsy McClain on NPR's All Things Considered and Car Talk. Now you can hear it here, including cuts from the new CD, "Heroes Last Forever."

Pricing: $20 in advance; $24 day of show

Where/When: Ben Lomond Park, 9525 Mill St., Ben Lomond. Saturday 10 a.m.

Why Go: This is the grand opening of Ben Lomond Park, and it will be marked with a ribbon cutting AND a basketball tournament. There will be food and prizes, so support neighboring Ben Lomond and San Lorenzo Valley.

Pricing: Free 

Where/When: 705 Front St., Santa Cruz (Museum of Art & History). Friday.

Why Go: The first Friday of the month is free all day, and in the evening, there is a reception with light refreshments, with the museum staying open until 9 p.m. And three new exhibits have just opened, so heading to the museum this Friday is a win-win, all the way around.

Pricing: Free

Where/When: , 900 High St., Santa Cruz. Sunday, 7 p.m. (Or come one hour earlier for talk and reception.)

Why Go: Listen to the classics, and if you show up at 6 p.m. instead of 7 p.m., for the same price, you get a talk from the conductor that gives you context and a chance to meet the musicians. The program includes Dmitri Shostakovich’s film score, “The Gadfly,” plus some Mozart and other music as well. 

Pricing: $20-$25

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