Arts:
“Picturesque Flora Wallaceana: Botanical Ambulations In Greater Wallaceana, 1854–1857” — Watsonville artist Scott Serrano cultivates a swath of the surreal within a botanical artscape, comprised of travel journals, photographs, fabricated specimens and drawings, as inspired by the book “The Malay Archipelago” by Alfred Russell Wallace. Think Darwin circa his science travel writing debut, getting all starry-eyed in the Galapagos and returning to England, brimming with inspiration and drawings of winged wonders. Serrano’s work approaches the edge of the believable with the revival and invention of artifacts and fictional flora, all the while his critical eye on scientific observation refuses to blink.
Exhibit runs until March 15, Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Mon.–Tues. 7 to 9 p.m., the Cabrillo Gallery
Entertainment:
Ladysmith Black Mambazo — Paul Simon’s favorite Zulu “a capella” troubadours take their mobile academy around the world again, educating eager audiences in the tradition of South African culture and peace, love and harmony. Their latest release, “Songs From A Zulu Farm” (2011), received some of the best critical acclaim frontman Joseph Shabalala and his octet family have ever garnered.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo prevails in balancing Zulu composition with melodic Christian gospel sensibilities, touting the group’s trademark nonverbal percussive effects. $30 for general admission.
March 6, doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m., the Rio Theatre
Events:
Comedy Joust — The jesters from the tiltyard pull their newest comedic trick from the great helm, and this time it’s here for extended play — between 20 and 40 minutes long, to be exact. Enter CRAM, the Comedy Joust Long Form Division, where the satirical spears have been sharpened for full tilt. Get your chain mail adjusted and prepare to do battle, because Comedy Joust conjures up laughs that will leave you keeling over in delight. Admission is free.
March 1, show at 7 p.m., UCSC Jack Baskin Auditorium 101
