"Aspen Santa Fe Ballet" | May 1 (8 p.m.)

UCSC Art & Lecture series
Cabrillo College Theater, Aptos
Tickets: 831-459-2159, artslectures.ucsc.edu/performances.htm

John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" | May 3 - 6 (Tu-Sa 7:30 p.m., Su 2 p.m.)

Watsonville High School Drama Department
Mello Center for the Performing Arts
250 East Beach Street at Lincoln, Watsonville
Tickets: 831-728-6314, www.mellocenter.com

Chanticleer, "Love's Messenger" | May 4 (8 p.m.)

UCSC Art & Lecture series
Holy Cross Church, 126 High Street, Santa Cruz
Tickets: 831-459-2159, artslectures.ucsc.edu/performances.htm

20th Bluegrass Faire | May 5 (noon-5 p.m.)

A sanctioned Northern California Bluegrass Society event. A free event with top artists to enjoy in a park setting. There are food & refreshments.

San Lorenzo Park, Santa Cruz
831-459-0908, www.scbs.org

Marv Jensen talk: "Honoring the Arcan Family" | May 5 (11a.m.)

Stories of those who rest at Evergreen Cemetery Series. The Arcan Family was stranded in Death Valley in the winter of 1848 while seeking a short cut to the gold fields of California. The wagon train party is credited with giving Death Valley its name. When rescued, the party was forced to leave most of their belongings behind, however, Abigail saved her fine linen tablecloth by wearing it as a cloak and it has recently been acquired by MAH. The Arcan Family is buried in Evergreen Cemetery. Jensen tells the story of the Arcan family and other families rescued from Death Valley. A free event.

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front Street, Santa Cruz
831-429-1964, www.santacruzmah.org

Cinco de Mayo Celebration | May 5 (11:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.)

Independence Day celebrations on Main St. include Mariachi bands, vendor booths, food, dancing and other activities. The Watsonville Youth Center has a program for teens (15-19 years). For details call 831-763-4091. Other Cinco de Mayo events information is available from Fiestas Patrias de Watsonville and La Alianza del valle Pajaro at 831-761-0861.

Downtown Plaza and Main St., Watsonville

Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Bargettto Winery | May 5 (6-9 p.m.)

Mexican dinner buffet, music, salsa dancing lessons and wine. Reservations required: $18 general public, $15 Wine Club Members.

3535 North Main Street, Soquel
(Tickets) 831-475-1275, www.bargetto.com

John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" | May 10 - 13 (Tu-Sa 7:30 p.m., Su 2 p.m.)

Watsonville High School Drama Department
Mello Center for the Performing Arts
250 East Beach Street at Lincoln, Watsonville
Tickets: 831-728-6314, www.mellocenter.com

Steve Martin's "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" | May 11-26

Mountain Community Theater
9370 Mill St., Ben Lomond
831-336-4777, www.mctshows.org

"Angelique Kidjo" | May 11 (8 p.m.)

UCSC Art & Lecture series
Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz
Tickets: 831-459-2159, artslectures.ucsc.edu/performances.htm