Of the many iconic figures who’ve come to Kresge Hall, none seem to be remembered as widely or as fondly as Talking Heads. Their 1977 performance and its history is what, in-part, led Jose Reyes-Olivas, the events and facilities general manager of the Quarry Amphitheater, to host a showing of the band’s 1984 concert film Stop Making Sense.
The upcoming show on May 18 was inspired by film distribution company, A24’s, remastering of the film which was released last fall. The remastering exists thanks to UC Santa Cruz alumnus James Mockoski who currently works for the Francis Ford Coppola Archives and will be attending the event. Mockoski is also to thank for inviting Jerry Harrison, a founding member of Talking Heads, to the event where they both will participate in a Q&A. “We might as well supersize the whole thing and make it a big Talking Heads extravaganza,” says Reyes-Olivas.
Back in 1977 Doug Erickson was skateboarding through campus when he saw a poster that said punk rock at Kresge Hall. “I wonder what punk rock music is,” he thought, “I should probably go check it out.” He stood in front of the stage and asked the guy next to him who the band was. That started Erickson’s love with the genre and especially with Talking Heads.
Years later Erickson would meet another alumnus, Dave Farrington, who attended UC Santa Cruz at the same time. Not only did Farrington also attend the Talking Heads concert, but he was the one who stood next to Erickson and told him the name of the band. The two quickly became friends and started seeing concerts together.
Though Erickson was unable to see Stop Making Sense in concert, when it came out on film he and his friends started hosting Talking Heads parties. “We put it on the TV with a huge sound system, and invited over 20, 30, 40 of our best friends for a potluck,” says Erickson.
When the Quarry Amphitheater reopened after COVID Erickson and Reyes-Olivas discussed the desire to have more live performances there. Erickson had mentioned the Talking Heads performance at Kresge, which inspired Reyes-Olivas to bring the movie to the amphitheater.
“I really wanted to do a big community event to welcome a lot of our regional community that haven't been to the quarry yet,” says Reyes-Olivas, who believes this is the perfect opportunity to bring multiple generations and groups together. “I see this as a really unique gathering of a lot of different types of members of the community.”
Along with being a fun event, it will also be beneficial for the students and locals. Part of the proceeds for Stop Making Sense will go to Second Harvest Food Bank which helps provide food and resources to those in need in the greater Santa Cruz area.
This event was made in collaboration with Noise Pop Industries, a group that’s been promoting events since 1993 and worked with major artists including The White Stripes, Modest Mouse, The Flaming Lips, Death Cab for Cutie, Grimes and more. Tickets start at just $8, and will provide a truly unique experience.
More Information
May 18, 2024
7:00 PM
Quarry Amphitheater
At UC Santa Cruz
1156 High St
Santa Cruz, CA 95064
Tickets available on TIXR
