Here they are, nine necessary know-abouts for the week ahead. It\u2019s the Auld Lang Syne B9:<\/p>\n \u27a4 There\u2019s nothing particularly New Year\u2019s Eve-related about Los Lobos<\/strong>, the East Los Angeles rock band that has become emblematic of Chicano music and culture in the U.S. But I can\u2019t think of a more joyful way to slough off the old year and welcome the new one than to see Los Lobos as they perform live at the Rio Theatre on New Year\u2019s Eve<\/a>. Los Lobos has spent close to 40 years now firmly in the national spotlight with their muscular and resonant music that includes rock, blues, Tex-Mex, country and Mexican folk forms like ranchero, cumbia and norte\u00f1o. But these guys \u2014 David Hidalgo<\/strong>, Louis Perez<\/strong>, Steve Berlin<\/strong>, Conrad Lozano<\/strong> and Cesar Rosas<\/strong> \u2014 have a history with Santa Cruz County as well. The band\u2019s long record of periodically visiting the area began way back in an epic show in 1989<\/a>, shortly after the Loma Prieta earthquake. The band had just recently hit stardom, thanks in large part to their cover of the Ritchie Valens hit \u201cLa Bamba.\u201d And they came to play at a makeshift stage at Watsonville High School in a show put together by the legendary Bill Graham, all to help a city with a sizable Latino population pull itself out of disaster. Many locals have never forgotten Los Lobos for that act of altruism. Longevity, integrity, artistry, these guys have it all.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u27a4 There\u2019s probably nowhere that country singer-songwriter Jesse Daniel<\/strong> would rather be to welcome in a new year than in Santa Cruz County. Daniel is a proud native<\/a> of the San Lorenzo Valley, so much so that his latest recording is called \u201cSon of the San Lorenzo.\u201d He\u2019s made his background in the Santa Cruz Mountains his muse and his inspiration. He comes to The Catalyst on New Year\u2019s Eve<\/a> to see in 2026 in his hometown.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u27a4 Bay Area blues fans don\u2019t need to be sold on Tommy Castro<\/strong>. The San Jose-born guitarist has been a pillar of the blues scene throughout Northern California going back to the 1990s. Castro has played Santa Cruz so many times he should probably get honorary resident status. He and his band the Painkillers bring their soulful sound to Felton Music Hall to color New Year\u2019s Eve<\/a> a shade of blue.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u27a4 The Flynn Creek Circus<\/strong> is right in the middle of its holiday run of shows at the Capitola Mall<\/a>, most days through the end of the year. But it\u2019s reserving New Year\u2019s Eve<\/a> for its risqu\u00e9, punk-rock adults-only show that adds a bit of sizzle to the spectacle. The show this year is titled \u201cThe Bridge,\u201d and features a troll, a goat, a wolf and other surprises.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u27a4 Reggae, dancehall, Afrobeat, it\u2019s all there at the big New Year\u2019s Eve<\/a> bash at the Hotel Paradox<\/strong> on Ocean Street in Santa Cruz. It\u2019ll be loud when the clock strikes midnight, and the best part? No cover.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u27a4 James Durbin<\/strong> and his band The Lost Boys<\/strong> are going all 1980s on us for New Year\u2019s Eve<\/a>. The event at The Inn at Pasatiempo is being billed \u201cA Miami Vice Neon Night.\u201d I\u2019m guessing sunglasses at night and white sports coats for the guys, big hair and pastel frills for the gals.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u27a4 The Alex Lucero Band<\/strong> is a well-known group of entertainers in town, and my guess is that they\u2019ll really be bringing it on New Year\u2019s Eve<\/a> with their mix of Motown, classic rock and more. It\u2019s all about dancing at Chaminade.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u27a4 Moe\u2019s Alley usually plays it pretty casual, but on New Year\u2019s Eve<\/a>, Moe\u2019s is encouraging people to come dressed to impress. The music goes on all night long with Jive Machine<\/strong>, Florature<\/strong> and Coffee Zombie Collective<\/strong> in a local band bash.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/lookout.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Los-Lobos.jpg?resize=780%2C385&ssl=1\")
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