A little imagination goes a long way

By Christie Genochio

Consider spring so far: apocalyptically bad weather, impending exams and term papers and a burn-out epidemic. But don't despair -- from rubber duck races to summertime jazz, there's no shortage of activities to try and adventures to be had.

So, with the spirit of randomness in mind, here are a few suggestions for your own future escapades.

First things first: The 16th annual Ducky Derby and Carnival in Santa Cruz, held by the Omega Nu Scholarship Program, returns on Saturday, April 29.

From 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., rain or shine, the carnival includes entertainment, prizes, food and -- as you might expect -- a rubber duck race. Sponsor a ducky, and the proceeds go towards the organization's scholarship fund.

Omega Nu seeks to assist qualified students attending public universities and colleges within California, based upon financial need and scholastic achievement.

The Ducky Derby will take place at Harvey West Park in the Friendship Gardens.

As wild as the rubber duck stampede promises to be, more mellow adventurers may want to put on their bourgeois best and saunter over to Santana Row on Tuesday evenings, beginning May 2, for the Summer Jazz Series.

The San Jose Jazz Society will supply Park Valencia (that grassy knoll-slash-patio between Maggiano's and Urban Outfitters) with a variety of jazz musicians, performing on alternate weeks. From 6-9 p.m. on every Tuesday through September 26, walkers, shoppers, diners and loiterers can stop by Starbucks for a grande non-fat no-whip green tea frappuccino and sit outside in the (hopefully) warm summer air filled with the sexy, smoky sounds of jazz.

On May 2, the series opens with African jazz. The following week features straight ahead and Latin jazz, and on May 16, contemporary jazz is on tap. R&B takes its turn on May 30.

And the cost for any of these events? Nada. It's all free.

Finding something to do around here isn't so hard. It just takes a little imagination.

Contact Christie Genochio at (408) 551-1918 or mgenochio@scu.edu.