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12 LIVE IT UP! FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2017 SANTA CRUZ SENTINEL A s the holidays approach, you might be thinking, what can I do to get in better shape before the inevitable influx of sweets and large feasts? And is there any way to make this a non-torturous experience? How about dancing to live music: it's a fun and healthy activ- ity any time of year. Here are a couple local places that not only offer lots of music, but also have no cover charge! At Michael's on Main in Soquel, there is music six nights a week, all except Mondays when Michael's is closed. Michael Harrison now owns and operates the restaurant and bar; he bought it with wife Colleen in December 2016. His unique back- ground makes him especially skilled at planning shows that folks in their sixties, as well as those younger and older, will enjoy—including "Grateful Sundays" (more on that later). Harrison is 66 years old and has played in bands since the 1960's. Growing up in Las Vegas, Harrison says, he was able to observe how things are done in the entertain- ment capital of the world. "I am very sensitive to the lighting level, the volume level, as well as the choice of music, whether it is the house music or the band," says Harrison. Also, the A-frame style of the building natu- rally creates a pleasant, warm sound. "In addition, the Michael's On Main bar is a wonderful place for folks to gather; we are very careful to create a safe setting for our customers, by screening out the more edgy, aggres- sive types that sometimes frequent clubs and local bars," Harrison adds. With the bookings, Harrison only getting bands that have a "proven fol- lowing among the more mature de- mographic." e bands tend to play the favorites that everyone knows all the words to, and have danced to, their entire lives. "It is a transport- ing experience to hear these great songs from years past," says Harrison. "Folks feel young again, dancing with their significant other and re-living those memories, in the current mo- ment." "Grateful Sundays," with Grate- ful Dead music every Sunday at 5:30 p.m., launched in June and is drawing crowds. e original plan was for it be a "summertime only" event, but the nights have proven so popular that the series is continuing indefinitely. Santa Cruz guitarist Matt Hartle, who plays in Grateful Dead tribute band e China Cats, gathers a group of musicians each week. At 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct 28, e Breeze Babes (danceable classic rock) are playing—the Fri/Sat shows are typically at 8. Harrison says they are a "real crowd-pleaser with two female singers, one of them also playing flute." Jazz fans can enjoy "Jazz Jam Santa Cruz" at 7 p.m. every Tuesday. "Wednesdays, I tend to bring in solos, duos, and trios like Scott Slaughter, as well as bands that are trying to earn a Fri/Sat slot, so sometimes there are fun surprises mid-week," shares Harrison. "ursdays are typically really good bands that I just don't have room for on the weekends, due to the popularity of our Fri/Sat lineup that includes the best bands avail- able in the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay area, like Extra Large, e Joint Chiefs, Hall Pass, Beat Street, John Courtesy of Michael's on Main Courtesy of Michael's on Main BY TARA FATEMI WALKER MID-COUNTY DANCING

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