Capitola Book Cafe

We are using our brains at practically every moment of our lives, and yet few of us have the first idea how they work—and much of what we think we know comes from folklore (drinking does not kills brain cells!). In this witty book filled with quizzes and trivia as well as hard science, neuroscientists ... (more)Sandra Aamodt and Sam Wang dispel common myths about the brain and make comprehensible the true workings of that slick gray mass in your skull. Discover how to cope with jet lag, how your brain affects your religion, and how men’s and women’s brains differ.

No ticket required. Seating will be limited. Admission may be limited if response is strong! Doors open at 4:30pm.

Talented British actress and beloved radio personality Billie Harris will delight young readers—and soon-to-be-readers—every Monday at 11am by reading new stories and old tales. The animated reading will last about one half hour, be responsive to the group gathered that day, and can be followed by ... (more)snacks in the café. (Of course, there’s great coffee for parents, too!) *Storytime occurs every Monday at 11am.

The second in a series of three lectures on money for locals by a local. Lori Lochtefeld is a certified independent financial adviser (plus she’s licensed as a stockbroker and in managed futures) who knows what living in Santa Cruz means financially because she lives here, too. Join her for another ... (more)informative lecture on money issues that apply to all of us. In April, Lori spoke about realistic budgeting and investing for making ends meet in Santa Cruz. In May, she focuses on how “going green” can save you money. In June, it’s The Debt Free Possibility.

Johann Sebastian Bach's music has brought beauty to the world for more than two centuries, but who was this "genius" and what did he have to cope with in order to create his masterpieces? David Gordon is Education Director of the Carmel Bach Festival and a world-renowned performer of Bach's vocal music. ... (more)He is also a master storyteller with a passionate love of history and a knack for bringing it to life in his lectures. In this two-part series (concluding on June 22) David looks past the clichés surrounding Bach's reputation and delves into the reality of his professional and personal life in the early 18th century. David describes Bach's life—a story filled with tragedy, hardship, and inspiring devotion to art. Co-sponsored by the Carmel Bach Festival as an introduction to its 71st season, July 19-August 9. For Festival information: www.bachfestival.org. David Gordon Website: www.spiritsound.com

WITH FOOD TO SHARE! This classic cookbook, now with a new introduction, is the culmination of Diana Kennedy’s more than fifty years of living, traveling, and cooking in Mexico. The Art of Mexican Cooking is the ultimate guide to creating authentic Mexican food in your own kitchen, with more than ... (more)200 beloved recipes as well as evocative illustrations. Kennedy shares the secrets of both simple and sophisticated Mexican flavors: balancing the piquant taste of chiles with a little salt and acid, for instance, or charring them to round out their flavor; broiling tomatoes to bring out their character, or adding cumin for a light accent. This author is considered the leading authority on Mexican food, and the government has awarded her its highest honor, the order of the Aztec Eagle. Diana Kennedy herself will have prepared food to share for our lucky audience! This special event is co-sponsored by our own local celebrity Betsy McNair, author of Mexicocina and the head of My Mexico Tours (www.MyMexicoTours.com).

This event is a benefit for UCSC's Veterans peer mentor program: Veterans Education Team Support (VETS). This is a ticketed event> For $35.00, receive one copy of Boots on the Ground by Dusk and two tickets to the event. $5 from each book/ticket package sale will be donated to VETS.

This is a ticketed event, hosted by Capitola Book Cafe and held at the Rio Theater. With purchase of one copy of The Enchantress of Florence, up to two event tickets can be purchased at the reduced price of $12.00 each. Without book purchase, tickets are $30.00 each. Books will be available for ... (more)in-store pick-up beginning May 28.