May 1-29 Chris Baker: Big Pictures
In his statement, Baker writes: “Where the emotive qualities of expressionist brushwork and the spontaneity of plein-air are absent, I have conceived instead an abstraction of the visual that aligns with my own sensibilities. I want the eye to encounter a new reality. In an attempt to satisfy the necessities of painting, I am hoping to bring something non-verbal and non-visual into view.” Chris Baker lives and works in Carpinteria, CA and Sedgwick, ME.
May 1, 7:30 p.m. Arunjuez to Italia!
The Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra concludes its season with Arunjuez to Italia!, which features internationally renowned guitarist Jason Vieaux. Vieaux has won critical acclaim from NY Times as one of the youngest stars of the guitar world. The program includes Respighi’s Ancient Airs and Dance, Suite No. 3 and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4.
May 1, 6 p.m. Supper Club Experience
Prior to the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra’s final performance, enjoy a a buffet-style meal on the Lobero Courtyard at 6 p.m. and get a chance to meet soloist Jason Vieaux. Supper Club will serve food prepared by Lorraine Lim Catering and wine selected by Touring & Tasting Magazine & Wine Club. For reservations, call 805/966-2441. Reservations must be made by Thursday April 26.
May 1, 5 p.m. 4th Annual May Day Celebration
Check out the Center Court at the Paseo Nuevo shopping center for an evening of singing and dancing to celebrate the start of May. Hosted by Santa Barbara Revels as part of their celebrations to welcome new seasons. For additional information, call 805/565-9357.
May 1, 8 p.m. An Evening with David Sedaris
David Sedaris, NPR humorist and best-selling author of Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim and most recently Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk, returns by popular demand to tickle funny bones with the droll assessments, cultural euphemisms and laugh-out-loud storytelling that have made him America’s preeminent humor writer. The author will read some of his latest works and take audience questions.
May 2, 6-8 p.m. Chris Baker: Big Pictures Opening Reception
In his statement, Baker writes: “Where the emotive qualities of expressionist brushwork and the spontaneity of plein-air are absent, I have conceived instead an abstraction of the visual that aligns with my own sensibilities. I want the eye to encounter a new reality. In an attempt to satisfy the necessities of painting, I am hoping to bring something non-verbal and non-visual into view.” Chris Baker lives and works in Carpinteria, CA and Sedgwick, ME.
May 2, 8 p.m. The Fever: A Play by Wallace Shawn
Mitchell Thomas and Maurie Lord (co-founder of Genesis West) collaborate to produce The Fever, a one-man show begging the question: “Is it possible, or even right, for a sensitive person to be happy in today’s world?” Mitchell Thomas, an award-winning actor, director, teacher, and Chair of the Westmont College Theatre Arts department, will perform the monologue.
May 3 31st Annual Santa Barbara County Economic Summit
UC Santa Barbara’s Economic Forecast Project with support from UCSB Arts & Lectures presents the 31st Annual Santa Barbara County Economic Summit – a report on local, national and international economic trends, issues and projections. The event will feature presentations by three Federal Reserve Bank presidents and a keynote speech by Gillian Tett,award-winning journalist and authority on the capital markets and their role in the global financial crisis.
May 3, 5-7:30 p.m. Art Walk for Kids/Adult Artists with Disabilities Show
First Thursday opening in the Faulkner Gallery at the Santa Barbara Public Library, with more than 200 works of art for sale. The show will continue to run throughout the month of May. Art Walk for Kids/Adults is a non-profit that creates exhibits of works by local artists with disabilities.
May 4, 7 p.m. Santa Barbara Children’s Chorus Spring Session Performance
Whether they’re singing solos or group harmonies, the Santa Barbara Children’s Chorus is a marvel to behold (and, of course, listen to). Come out for their Spring Performance and support the children who bring whimsy to the ears of Santa Barbara.
May 4, 8 p.m. Federico Mondelci
On tour from Italy, Mondelci is a leading saxophonist on the international scene. He has performed in Germany, Spain, Russia and Japan and has performed as a soloist for major orchestras. He has a masterful musical style range and is set to perform at the Community Presbyterian Church in Ventura.
May 4 & 11, 3 p.m. Tea & Trumpets with The Festival Brass Quintet
The elegant setting of Nona’s Courtyard Cafe is the setting for an authentic English tea, made unique by five entertaining artists of the Festival Brass Quintet. This ensemble starts up the Ventura Music Festival.
May 5-6 Hello! My Baby
Rubicon Theatre Company presents Hello! My Baby, the musical comedy from Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning, Tony-nominated writer Cheri Steinkellner. Performance times: Saturday May 5 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday May 6 at 2:30 p.m. For tickets, visit www.lobero.com
May 5, Behind the Wheel
The third exhibition in the year-long Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s Vantage Point Photography series examines the unique aspects of California’s car culture in various states of life and form. Artists in the exhibition include: Jeffery Aaronson, David Allee, Jeff Brouws, Michael Butler, Morrie Camhi, Joe Deal, Robbert Flick, Jane Gottlieb, Anthony Hernandez, Todd Hito, John Kiewit, Susan Lakin, Phillip Melnick, Karen O’Hearn, Jane O’Neal, Ron Partridge, Joseph Sterling, Mel Traxel and Leigh Weiner.
May 5, 8 p.m. Alexander Schimpf
German-born Schimpf was selected as a featured classical pianist and was given first prize at the 2011 Cleveland International Piano Competition. He has risen to prominence over the last few years with a series of prestigious awards and appearances at musical centers. He will perform at the Ventura Missionary Church in Ventura.
May 5, 7 & 9 p.m. The Cardinalis
Don’t miss singer-songwriters Patricia and Don Cardinali, joined by some very special guests, as they debut new material in back-to-back shows!
May 5, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Preschool Annual May Faire
Enjoy a traditional May Pole dance, crafts and live entertainment by Santa Ynez Valley Chorale (accompanied by violin players from the Solvang Conservatory) and Bone Dog (a classic rock/contemporary band) at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Preschool’s fifth annual May Faire. Some highlights include a bazaar featuring local artisans, a bounce house for children and chances to win great prizes in the 50/50 raffle and silent auctions.
May 5, 8 p.m. A Night of Macedonian and Roma Music and Dance
Come out for a night of exciting music and dance performances, and maybe even learn a few Macedonian moves on your own! Musical guests include Chicagoan accordion master Chris Bajmakovich, qanun-player Jim Grippo, percussionist Sue Rudnicki of the UCSB Middle East Ensemble, and clarinet-and-sax-player Jessica Ruiz. There will also be dance performances by Aspasia, Yasemin, and Jatilia, as well as dance lessons occurring before the show, so arrive early!
May 6, 2 p.m. Tiempo Libre
Come out to Ventura College Green and check out the three-time Grammy-nominated Cuban Jazz sensation. Tiemp Libre’s music is a fiercely intense mix of latin jazz color and danceable afro-cuban rhythms.
May 6, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. An Evening of A Cappella & Jazz
Come out for a special fundraising event featuring a variety of performers, including three UCSB a cappella groups—Vocal Motion, BFOM (Brothers From Other Mothers), and Naked Voices—as well as Pacific Sound (Ventura’s award-winning a cappella men’s chorus) and Santa Barbara Jazz Collective. There will also be a youth art exhibit by the Incredible Children’s Art Network on display.
May 6, 1-4:30 p.m. Hidden Gardens of Hope Ranch
The Community Arts Music Association of Santa Barbara, Inc. welcomes the community to an afternoon of wandering through three beautiful Hope Ranch gardens, culminating in a finale of music, food and dance at the final garden. The event also includes a silent auction, with prizes such as a week in Carmel and a private wine tasting event. For more information, call 805/845-5440 or visit www.camasb.org.
May 6, 3-5 p.m. 38th Annual Awards & Silent Auction
Goleta Valley Beautiful hosts its annual awards ceremony at Rancho La Patera & Stow House Gardens in Goleta. Light refreshments will be served along with a no host bar, and live music from Bren Grass Band. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 805/685-7910 or visit www.goletavalleybeautiful.org.
May 6, 3:00 p.m. 28th Annual Young Soloists Showcase
With all of the artistic and musical influence that arises from living in Santa Barbara, it is no wonder that our youth proves extremely talented. For the past 27 years, the Santa Barbara Music & Arts Conservatory has helped young musicians achieve their dreams of performing on the Granada stage, showcasing their solos with the background of a professional orchestra. This year’s Young Soloist Showcase will be conducted by Aviana Eisenberg.
May 6, 3:00-6:00 p.m. Savory & Sweet: It All Begins at Center Stage
Join Center Stage Theater for a “festive afternoon of libations, food, and frivolity” as they perform selections from past and future Center Stage productions. To purchase tickets, click here or call 805/963-8198.
May 7, 6:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Beelive it or not! Cheese +Honey=Yum!
May is a great time to celebrate the arrival of Spring with our annual honey & cheese tasting! Cheese and honey have a natural salty/sweet affinity. C’est Cheese will be tasting five cheeses paired with five different honeys. Please join us, but bee careful, you might get stung by an enjoyable evening!
May 7, 7 p.m. A Fierce Green Fire: The Battle for a Living Planet
The Santa Barbara premiere of A Fierce Green Fire: The Battle for a Living Planet will be shown at Marjorie Luke Theatre. The film represents the first big-picture examination of grassroots and global activism as part of the environmental movement. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.lobero.com.
May 8-9. 8 p.m. Cirque Dreams: POP GOES THE ROCK
Go back in time with “POP GOES THE ROCK”, a musical roller coaster, weaving from cirque to pop to rock. This musical, performed at the Granada, is sure to be full of surprises, unexpected twists and nostalgic sounds.
May 8, 7:30 p.m. Emerson String Quartet
The Emerson String Quartet is considered by many the foremost chamber ensemble in the world. Their list of achievements over three decades is unparalleled, including nine Grammy awards, and more than thirty acclaimed recordings. The event will take place at the Ventura Missionary Church.
May 10, 7:30 p.m. Rising Stars, Jourdan Urbach and David Fraley
These award-winning, talented artists inspire the area’s young student musicians. Fourteen year old, David Fraley is an award-winning pianist and 19-year-old Jourdan Urbach is a Julliard-trained violinist. These two young stars will perform at the First United Methodist Church in Ventura.
May 10, Beauty and the Beast Jr
See the dazzling spectacle of Beauty and the Beast onstage, with the children of Ojai YES playing the characters we all know and love!
May 10, 4-6 p.m. Indiana Joans Quest for a Heart of Gold
Join the Breast Cancer Research Center (BCRC) of Santa Barbara as they launch their new fundraiser, Indiana Joans Quest for a Heart of Gold. BCRC, which offers free education and resources on breast cancer to the community, will be accepting tax-deductible donations of old or broken platinum and 14-24k gold jewelry, coins, diamonds, and fine watches. An appraiser will be available at the reception. Come “dressed for the quest” and be eligible to win a prize!
May 10, 8 p.m. New York Philharmonic
In its first visit to Santa Barbara since 1969, the New York Philharmonic will perform selections by Antonín Dvořák, Ludwig van Beethoven and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The event is part of the CAMA’s International Series at the Granada Theatre. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 805/899-2222 or visit www.granadasb.org.
May 11, 8 p.m. Pablo Sáinz Villegas
Fans of the classical guitar must experience Sáinz Villegas, the charismatic Spanish guitarist. After capturing prestigious awards, he has performed in more than 20 countries on stages like New York’s Carnegie Hall. He has been dubbed “the soul of Spanish guitar.” Come listen to Villegas at the Communnity Presbyterian Church in Ventura.
May 11, 5-7 p.m. La Bella Italia Artists’ Reception
The newest exhibit at Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital’s Meisel Gallery will open with a reception, where hors d’oeuvres and wine courtesy of Fess Parker Winery will be served. La Bella Italia features the works of 25 artists who partook in an artistic journey last May led by renowned watercolorist Cathy Quiel. The exhibit is aptly named for its rich Italian colors and contrasts of shadows and light. Click here for more information.
May 11 and 12, 7:30 p.m. Carnival
The Anacapa School Performing Arts Department presents Carnival, a musical based on the 1953 film “Lili,” which tells the story of a young orphan who joins a run down traveling carnival- The Grand Imperial Cirque du Paris! With carnival acts including a magician, sword swallower, unicyclists, hoola-hooper, snake charmer, palm reader and more, this production is sure to please audiences members of all ages!
May 12-20, Santa Ynez Valley Craft Beer Week
The craft beer movement is on the rise, and Santa Ynez Valley is dedicating a week to celebrating! With a variety of events taking place all week in Buellton, Ballard, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang, craft beer enthusiasts as well as those new to the brew won’t have trouble finding something to enjoy.
May 12, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Circle V Ranch Camp Hosts Annual Free Open House & BBQ
Take a tour of the camp, meet the staff and counselors and enjoy a free BBQ lunch. The open house will help visitors discover traditional summer camp fun for kids ages 7-13 in the Santa Ynez Valley.
May 12, 7-10 p.m. Star Parties at the Natural History Museum
On the second Saturday of every month, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History offers public observations at the Museum’s Palmer Observatory. These Star Parties are hosted by members of the Santa Barbara Astronomical Unit, who provide telescopes and their expert knowledge of the night sky. Star Parties are held in conjunction with Evening Exclusive planetarium shows.
May 12, 8-11 p.m. “Cirque de Papier”
The Waldorf School of Santa Barbara’s Third Annual Paper Ball Presents “Cirque du Papier”at the Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum. The theme captures the vibrant world of the bohemian carnival. The masterminds behind 805 Ink, J.J. Ortiz, Ken Knox, Chad Westmoreland, Nate Hudak, Chris Cruz and Jake Vantiger create custom artwork for “Cirque du Papier,” drawing references from a multitude of themes and offering up images distinct to the artist collective.
May 12, 8 p.m. Nicole Cabell
The Ventura Music Festival first engaged Nicole Cabell in 2008 and 4 years later she is returning. Her distinctive, creamy voice has been described as “liquid gold.” Come out and be amazed when Cabell performs works by Mozart, Shubert, and Britten.
May 12, 8 p.m. Nectar, Golden
Nectar, Golden honors our elders and highlights the work of the Friendship Center. Live, new and revised works by professional-level, Santa Barbara artists; dance, theatre, puppetry, visual arts and more. Witness and share in the reflection of elders.
May 12, 8 p.m. and 13, 3 p.m. Santa Barbara Symphony Season Finale
The Santa Barbara Symphony’s 2011-2012 season closes with three exquisite pieces: a new composition entitled Sidereus by Grammy-winning Argentinean composer Osvaldo Golijov, Dvorak’s Symphony No.8, and Mozart’s Concerto for Horn No. 2, with Teag Reaves acting as the weekend’s horn soloist.
May 12-13 Oliver
Santa Barbara Youth Ensemble Theatre performs their Oliver at the Lobero Theatre. SBYET presents the event as part of their yearly spring musical. Performance times: Saturday May 12 at 2 and 6 p.m., and Sunday May 13 at 2 and 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.lobero.com.
May 13, 1-4 p.m. Lazy Locals Concert and Mother’s Day Celebration
Enjoy music, wine, and mom at Castoro Cellars Winery Mother’s Day Celebration! This free event includes a performance by Guy Budd & The Gypsy SoulsGuy, mixing his childhood inspirations of blues, rock, country, and classical music. Relax in the exquisite gardens of Castoro’s Tasting Room, cuddle up in a blanket with a glass of wine and celebrate Mom all at once!
May 14, 8 p.m. David Eagleman: Incognito
If the conscious mind – the part you consider you – accounts for only a fraction of the brain’s function, what is the rest of it doing? It’s a question neuroscientist David Eagleman has spent years researching and which he’ll explore in a witty and enlightening talk filled with startling new discoveries. Author of the New York Times best-seller, Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain, he’ll take us into the depths of the subconscious to illuminate some of our deepest mysteries, such as why is it so difficult to keep a secret? And why does the conscious mind know so little about itself?
May 15, 7:30 p.m. Richard Louv Speaks on Saving Our Children–and Ourselves–Through Nature
The bestselling author of Last Child in the Woods Richard Louv will be interviewed by Orfalea Foundation Co-Founder Natalie Orfalea. A Q&A session with the audience and a book signing will follow the free event. For more information call 805/893-3535 or visit www.artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.
May 15, 6-8 p.m. “Greening the Bowl”
This month’s Green Drinks event features Eric Shifflet from the Santa Barbara Bowl, who will be talking about the Bowl’s commitment to sustainability. The event is free, and will take place at the Savoy Cafe and Deli (24 W. Figueroa). Green Drinks is a monthly gathering where co-professionals, advocates and community members can meet and network. For more information contact Dave Forston at david@loatree or check out the Green Drinks Facebook event page here.
May 16, 7 p.m. An Evening with Pico Iyer in a Conversation with Don George
Pico Iyer has written a number of renowned travel books, and his latest book The Man Within My Head explores the journeys he undergoes as he grows to understand two central figures in his life: his father and Graham Greene. Don George is an author and editor, including Travel Editor of the San Francisco Examiner & Chronicle. The two will discuss Iyer’s latest work, as well as their many experiences of travel. For tickets, visit www.lobero.com.
May 16, 8 p.m. An Evening With John Cusack
John Cusack, a highly regarded actor, producer and icon (who can forget Say Anything‘s boom-box-over-the-head scene) comes to UCSB’s campus to discuss his behind-the-scenes experiences and acting career. Along with Cusack, film critic and historian Leonard Martin will be on stage, sharing stories about show biz and his acclaimed movie guides. Sorry this event has been cancelled.
May 17, 7 p.m. Diving the Montebello: A Lecture by Robert Schwemmer
Robert Schwemmer will present historical research he has uncovered on the Union Oil Company tanker S SMontebello, which was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1941. Schwemmer will share underwater imagery of the sunken ship that sits in 900 feet of water, just south of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Richard Quincy, the last known living crew member aboard the Montebello when it sank, will be in attendance.
May 17th, 8 p.m. Jonah Lehr’s Imagine: How Creativity Works
Jonah Lehr comes out to lecture on his newest book Imagine: How Creativity Works as part of UCSB’s Arts and Lectures’ “Innovation Matters” series. In his newest book, Lehr discusses how science and imagination are undeniably linked in our present time, and how we can utilize the latest sciences to imagine a more creative company or culture.
May 17, 7 p.m. Lecture: Diving the Montebello by Bob Schwemmer
Presented by the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum.
May 18, 7:30 p.m. Echoes
Teens from local high schools and junior highs will perform Echoes, a melange of poems, monologues and songs. Directed by Waldo Demaso Figueroa and produced by City at Peace, Santa Barbara. For tickets, call 805/963-0408. Visit www.centerstagetheater.org for more information.
May 18-20 30th Annual Wine Festival and Tasting Room Open House
Spend the weekend at Castoro Cellars for three days full of vendors (including food from Stein’s BBQ & Catering and Fig Cafe Catering), wine tasting, barrel samples, and live musical performances from the Belmores and ZZAH.
May 18, 8 p.m. Observatory Viewing of Saturn
The powerful Keck Telescope at Westmont’s Observatory will amaze viewers with images of Saturn, its rings and five of its moons. Permitting good weather, spectators should be able to glimpse the gap between Saturn’s A and B rings, as well as five of the planet’s moons: Titan, Dione, Enceladus, Tethys and Rhea. The evening is expected to begin at around 8 p.m.
May 19, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Art Swap & Rummage Sale at Solstice Workshop
The new Solstice Workshop located on Garden Street will be open to the public for an art swap & rummage sale. Find trinkets and beautiful art pieces this Saturday morning and show your support for June’s Summer Solstice Festival Parade.
May 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Home Buying Fair
Coastal Housing Partnership presents the inaugural Home Buying Fair at the Earl Warren Showgrounds, providing potential home buyers with tools to help navigate the home buying process in today’s real estate market.
May 19, 1-5 p.m. “Painting with Light” by Paul J. McCloskey
Paul J. McCloskey showcases his “New Vision of the Central Coast” at the Castoro Cellars Winery Art Gallery throughout May, with an artist reception on May 19th. Come see his collection of fine art, photography, pigment prints, and photo-paintings, all depicting our beautiful California Central Coast landscapes.
May 19, 2-5 p.m. Art in the Ranch Garden
Art by Marjorie Palonen
Spend the afternoon enjoying food, wine, art and music at the home of Joyce and Harry Powell, 1380 Casitas Pass Rd., Carpinteria. Hosted by the Montecito Artists Group, this cultural experience will feature ceramics by Andy Powell and art by Dorene White, Larry Powell, Marjorie Palonen, Betty Helton, Christine Flannery and Sally Hamilton, along with guest artist John Wullbrandt. For more information, check out www.montecitoartists.com.
May 19, 2 & 6 p.m. Madeline: Lost in Central Park
Gustafson Dance students present the story based on Ludwig Bemelman’s books. Dancers between the ages of 2 1/2 and 19 recreate the adventure of Madeline through tap, ballet and jazz. For tickets, visit www.lobero.com.
May 20, 2 p.m. & 21, 7:30 p.m. Celebration of Stories
From the page to the stage, Speaking of Stories presents Celebration of Stories directed by Maggie Mixsell. The stories include, “Chivalry” by Neil Gaiman, ”The 7-10 Split” by John Sayles, “Shakers” by Daniel Orozco and “To Hell with Dying” by Alice Walker read by Michael Morgan.
May 20, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Solstice Spring Brunch
After a day of rummaging through secret treasures at the Solstice Workshop, join the Festival supporters for a delicious brunch to discuss the festival parade and this year’s theme, “Fantasy”.
May 20, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Santa Barbara Youth Symphony’s Season Finale Concert
Experience the talented young musicians of the Santa Barbara Youth Symphony in the 2011-12 concert season finale. Under the direction of Music Director Andy Radford, trombone soloist Michael Dolin will perform Launy Grøndahl’s “Trombone Concerto”, and violin soloist Sofiya Prykhitko will perform Henryk Wieniawski’s “Polonaise de Concert, Op. 4”.
May 20, 5-8 p.m. Bowlful of Sol
Dance the early eve away and celebrate this rare Annular Solar Eclipse with the Ventura Jazz Orchestra Sextet featuring Donna Greene!
May 20, 6 p.m.- 7 p.m. Santa Barbara Children’s Chorus Presents Grammy Award-Winning Phoenix Boys Choir
Don’t miss this great opportunity to see one of the greatest boys choirs in the world. Since 1948, the Phoenix Boys Choir has provided top quality music education for boys ages 7-14. In 2000, the Phoenix Boys Choir won a Grammy for Best Choral Performance for their rendition of Penderecki’s “Credo”.
May 20, 3 p.m. Imagine That!
Santa Barbara Dance Institute presents a performance about immersing oneself in imagination and creativity. Imagine That! is an original piece written by Rosalina Macisco and Rod Lathim and includes a variety of dance styles that will appeal to all audiences, from vintage through contemporary. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.lobero.com.
May 20, 7 p.m. Tab Benoit
Bluesman and Wetlands enviro-crusader Tab Benoit returns to Santa Barbara for an evening of endless entertainment at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. Presented by the Santa Barbara Blues Society, Tab Benoit is renowned for his work with Voices of the Wetlands and spotlight on preserving the Louisiana wetlands. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.sbblues.org or call 805/722-8155.
May 20, 2 p.m. The End of Time in Christian Thought
Professor Stefania Tutino of UCSB’s Departments of History and Religious Studies will give a lecture at Goleta Library on the significance of apocalyptic thought within Christianity, covering how Christians have dealt with the idea of the end of time throughout history. For more information, call 805/964-7878.
May 20-21 Celebration of Stories
Two afternoons of great stories read by extraordinary authors. Includes “Balthazar’s Marvelous Afternoon” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, read by Jeff Mills; “The Debutante’s Return” by Jay McInerney, read by Meredith McMinn; “Shakers” by Daniel Orozco, read by Joe Spano; and “The Flowers” by Alice Walker, read by Michael Morgan. Times: May 20 at 2 p.m. and May 21 at 7:30 p.m.
May 21, 6 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. (Proud to be) an American Artisan Cheese
Today there are hundreds of producers of artisan cheeses in the USA… with more and more starting up every year. The landscape is completely different than yesteryear and we’re now able to enjoy domestic cheeses that are on par with those of the old country. For May’s tasting, at C’est Cheese, we are going to spend some time exploring many of our favorite US cheeses and talk a great deal about the state of the industry, its past, and its very exciting future. Join us! Click here to purchase tickets to the American Artisan cheese tasting.
May 21, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Santa Barbara Homeowner Workshop and Barbecue
emPowerSBC is hosting a workshop and barbecue to provide homeowners with information about various energy-smart upgrades to lower utility bills and save money in the long run. For more information, call 805/568-3566.
May 22 Indah
La Petit Choulette Aerial Dance Company presents a gravity-defying showcase with live musical accompaniment and media art. How in its sixth year, the company explores modern circus and takes the audience to new heights.
May 22, 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Lecture on the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Dr. Dawn Osborn will be at Antioch University discussing how the circulation of the ocean has created a massive patch of garbage in the Pacific, and the effect that this has on marine life. For more information, click here.
May 24, 5:30 p.m. Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Public Workshop
Heal the Ocean is hosting a public meeting at the South County Board of Supervisors hearing room to update the community on the progress of the IRWM Plan, which is working to ensure that all Santa Barbara County residents have access to environmentally sound and sustainable water.
May 24-27 Three Short Plays in One Thrilling Evening
Dramatic Women presents three inspiring plays: Unfinished Business by Rod Lathim, Always. Together. by Catherine Cole and Wabi Sabi Underground by Ellen K. Anderson. Times: May 24-26 at 8 p.m. and May 27 at 2 p.m. For more information, visit dramaticwomen.org.
May 25, 7 p.m. Oregon Shadow Theatre: Thumbelina
Join Oregon Shadow Theatre in the Museum of Ventura County’s Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Pavilion as they present Art Nouveau visuals combined with ‘60s and ‘70s music in this adaption of Hans Christian Anderson’s classic fairy tale. Award-winning puppeteer Deb Chase creates magic with shadows while Mick Doherty performs live music on the hammer dulcimer, electric guitar, and percussion instruments.
May 25, 12 p.m.-2 p.m. Free CPR Training
Stop by La Cumbre Plaza downtown to receive a quick lesson in hands-only CPR! All local businesses and community members are encouraged to attend and learn this invaluable skill. Click here or call 805/681-4373 for more information.
May 26, 7:30 p.m. Fishtank Ensemble SLOFolks Indoor Concert
A truly unique group, Fishtank Ensemble channels all sorts of musical genres, including French hot jazz and wild Serbian and Transylvanian gypsy anthems. The sounds of bass guitar, musical saw, flamenco, gypsy jazz guitar, trombone, accordion, and bangolele weave together to tickle any music-lovers eardrums.
May 26 8 p.m. Sally Barris
Trinity Backstage presents Sally Barris as a part of their Acoustic Concert Series this year.
May 26 8 p.m. The Revelations featuring Tre’ Williams and Danny Schmidt
Sings Like Hell presents The Revelations featuring Tre’ Williams and Danny Schmidt at Lobero Theatre. For ticket information, visit www.lobero.com.
May 26 8 p.m. An Evening with Danny O’Keefe and Bob Lind
Touring together for the first time, two of the most highly respected and widely covered singer/songwriters in America, Danny O’Keefe and Bob Lind, will be performing at Plaza Playhouse Theater. These two veteran performers cut their teeth on traditional American Jazz-Folk. They’ve endured for more than four decades playing venues from tiny coffee houses to huge concert stages throughout the U. S. and Europe. This performance at the Plaza will be an intimate show – the historic little theatre has just 200 seats and great acoustics.
May 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Santa Barbara County General Auditions
The first ever SB County General Auditions welcomes performers of all ages to attend and audition for local companies. Actors will have 90 seconds to perform 1 or 2 monologues, or 16-32 bars of a song and a monologue. Presented by Elements Theatre Collective, in collaboration with Out Of the Box Theatre Company. Auditions will be held at Center Stage Theater. For more information and details about how to register, click here or call 805/232-4382.
May 27 8 p.m. The White Buffalo
Club Mercy presents The White Buffalo at the Lobero Theatre. For ticket information, visit www.lobero.com.
May 27, 9 a.m.-4 pm. Go for the Gold!
This year’s annual student horse show at Heart’s Therapeutic Equestrian Center features a torch relay, BBQ lunch and the students demonstrating their personal bests. The theme this year was inspired by the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
May 28 Memorial Day Services
Four Memorial Day services will be held in the area–9 a.m. at Santa Barbara Cemetery, 9 a.m. at Goleta Cemetery, 10 a.m. at Carpinteria Cemetery and 11 a.m. at the Veteran’s Memorial Building in Santa Barbara. A barbecue will be held for attendees at the Veteran’s Memorial Building after the ceremony.
May 30, 5:30 p.m. Sarah House 20th Anniversary Dinner
Join members and affiliates of Sarah House at Rockwood Woman’s Club for a picnic-style boxed dinner, wine and appetizers. This is a celebration of 20 years of care for the dying poor in our community.
Three-time grammy award winning Keb’ Mo’ and his band celebrate the holiday season by performing holiday classics as well as Keb’ Mo’ originals. The blues musician adds touches of pop, rock and jazz to his music and embraces a new form of artistic expression. He will be performing at the Lobero Theatre for only one night, so do not miss your opportunity to see the wonderful musician in action.
Massage Envy
