Ongoing through August 19 The Flying A: Silent Film in Santa Barbara
This exhibition marks the centennial anniversary of the arrival of American Film Company’s “Flying A Studio” in Santa Barbara and focuses on the history of silent film production in the Santa Barbara area through a variety of objects, artwork, images and film. Call 805/966-1601 for more information.
February 1 Richie Furay
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Richie Furay (Buffalo Springfield) takes the stage at the Maverick Saloon Tales from the Tavern Series.
February 1 Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Deriving its name from the venerable music venue located in the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter, Preservation Hall Jazz Band embodies a joyful, timeless spirit that is steeped in tradition. Under director Ben Jaffe, son of founders Allan and Sandra, PHJB commands a deep reverence and consciousness as the internationally recognized torchbearer of an enduring genre.
February 2–19 The 39 Steps
Ensemble Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning hit Broadway comedy where hilarity meets Alfred Hitchcock. With lightning-quick costume changes, this madcap farce features a cast of four actors playing more than 140 parts. Call 805/965-5400 for more information.
February 2, 7 p.m. Christine Marie, Multiplying Spectacles
San Francisco-based, integrated media artist and director Christine Marie strives to break new group in her performance Multiplying Spectacles. Based on the history of mirrors, her large-scale projected shadow theater performance is accompanied by a live score, incorporating video effects and 3D stereoscopic shadow work. The event takes place at the SB Contemporary Arts Forum.
February 2, 5-7 p.m. Inspired by the Past: Paintings by Lori Lenz & Rebecca Stebbins
This event will take place at Adama on Chapala St. in Santa Barbara.
February 3 & 4, 8 p.m. Kinesis 2012
Kinesis 2012 is a dance concert of contemporary pieces presented by Santa Barbara Dance Alliance and will take place at Center Stage Theater. Bringing fresh and sophisticated original dance works by local choreographers showcasing a progressive artistic experience unique to Santa Barbara.
February 3, National Wear Red Day
Wear red to create awareness of heart disease; the #1 killer of women.
February 5 & 11, 3 p.m. & 6 p.m. Steve Butler, World Premiere
Professor of music at Westmont college, Steve Butler, will perform the world premiere of his new work at the First United Methodist Church in Santa Barbara on the 5th and St. John’s Lutheran Church in Arroyo Grande on the 11th. The shows are open to the public and is free to attend.
February 7, 7 p.m. Affinity
This event is free! Come check out Center Stage Theater on the 7th to recharge and refresh with a dynamic LA-Santa Barbara exchange. SonneBlauma celebrates its 15th season with Affinity. Building on the phenomenal success of the inaugural year of the critically acclaimed Festival, SonneBlauma implements phase two of the project via continued artistic exchange intended to build local, regional, national and international community.
February 7, 5:30-7 p.m. Hans Skalagard/ War of 1812
The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum presents a new exhibition of oil paintings by Hans Skalagard about the one of America’s greatest conflicts at sea. This event is free.
February 8- April 11, 3-5:30 p.m. Garden Growers Training
A ten-week training program that will cover tasks involved in operating a successful retail nursery: from propagation, plant care and merchandizing to customer service. For more information call 805/682-4726 x119.
February 8, 3 p.m. “Women, Religion and Media”
Marla F. Fredrick, Harvard professor of African and African-American studies and of religions, investigates “Women, Religion and Media” in a free, public lecture. The Westmonet Gender Studies Program and Global Christianity Series co-sponser the talk. Her lecture addresses concerns related to the rise of prosperity ministries in poor communities as well as the dramatic rise of African American religious broadcasters on television.
February 8, 5:30 p.m. Mozart the Revolutionary!
Simon Williams explores the many aspects of Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro—from the subversive to the sublime.
February 9, 10 a.m. -2 p.m. SBBG Cachuma Lake Cruise
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden will host a natural history cruise of Cachuma Lake. Guests are sure to witness the many thriving habitats and a great variety of wildlife, birds, fish, trees, and plants.
February 9, 7 p.m. Rise and Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story
Santa Barbara Soccer Club presents DeMerit’s story about failed tryouts to ultimate triumph in soccer glory. DeMerit was the captain of England’s Watford FC and joined the USA team to play during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Rise and Shine features game footage, as well as cameos from other great players.
The Flat Files at Jane Deering Gallery
February 9, 6-7 p.m. Meet the Flat Files at Jane Deering Gallery
An information presentation of the special art collection in the flat files at Jane Deering Gallery (128 E. Canon Perdido St., 805/966-334) which includes affordable works by American and European contemporary artists such as Richard Aber, Gail Barker, Geoffrey Bayliss, Rana Begum, Nell Campbell, Barrie Cooke, Roger Craton, Arturo Di Stefano, Ann Diener, Linda Ekstrom, Mary Heebner, Wayne McCall, Hughie O’Donoghue, Dana Salvo, Marie Schoeff, Christina Seely, Dawn Southworth, Emily Speed, Youngsuk Suh, Joan Tanner, Juni Van Dyke, Hazel Walker and Gina Werfel.
February 10, 5:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. 2nd Fridays Artist Reception: Abstracts + Love, Tibbles
Artists, Melissa Mahoney, Peggy Ferris, Sara Lytle, and Susan Tibbles display their art at 2nd Fridays Art at the Santa Barbara Tennis Club. The entire show runs February 10th-March 3rd. For more information please call 805/682-4722.
February 10, 8 p.m. Soul Salvation with Ruthie Foster and Paul Thorn
Ruthie Foster and Paul Thorn have taken their careers to new heights in 2010, The Truth According To Ruthie Foster garnered a Grammy nomination and Thorn’s Pimps and Preachers #1 on the American radio charts. But it is their powerful live shows—this is their Santa Barbara debut—that establish this dynamic duo as two of America’s freshest and finest performers. Call 805/893-3535 for more information.
February 10-11, 7 p.m. Dance Teachers Gone Wild
Dance Teacher’s Gone Wild is a dance concert to benefit the Arts Mentorship Program to provide low income students the funds to dance at local studios. The show includes performances in jazz, hip hop, broadway, ballet and contemporary dance. All pieces are danced by local instructors and professionals. Come experience the fun at Center Stage Theater.
February 10-17 Pina Dance Film
A 3-D tribute to legendary choreographer Pina Bausch by Win Winders, taking place at the Metro 4 Theater.
February 11, 7 p.m. Quartetto Gelato
Classic in training and eclectic by design, Quartetto Gelato thrills audiences with its multi-instrument mastery. A mixture of energy of tangos, gypsy and folk songs, as well as the groups theatrical stage presence fills the Lobero Theatre this February.
February 11 Putting Down Roots: Ventura County’s Immigrant Farmers, 1800-1910 Agriculture Museum
For more than 200 years, agriculture has been enduring magnet attracting newcomers. In the new exhibit Putting Down Roots: Ventura County’s Immigrant Farmers, 1800-1910, visitors to the Museum of Ventura County’s Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula can learn about farmers who setlled here after traveling across and the country. The exhibit opens February 11 and runs through May 20 in the Finch Family Gallery.
February 11–12, 8 p.m. Santa Barbara Symphony
Performance includes Ansel Adams: America, a symphonic tribute to the cherished photographer, and Rhapsody in Blue, an embodiment of the Jazz Age’s upbeat lyricism and dance-driven energy written in 1924. Ives’s second symphony marks an exciting highlight in American symphonic literature. February 11 8 p.m., February 12 at 3 p.m.
February 11–May 6
Pasadena to Santa Barbara: A Selected History of Art in Southern California, 1951–1969
Part of Getty Foundation’s groundbreaking initiative Pacific Standard Time: Art in L.A. 1945–1980, this exhibition focuses on the legacy of two of Southern California’s leading venues for contemporary art since the 1940s, Santa Barbara Museum of Art and Pasadena Art Museum. Artists include John Altoon, Karl Benjamin, Richard Diebenkorn, Marcel Duchamp, Llyn Foulkes, Sam Francis, Philip Guston, Ed Kienholz, John McLaughlin, Helen Lundeberg, Lee Mullican, Mark Tobey and Beatrice Wood, among others. Call 805/963-4364 for more information.
February 11–12 Wagner’s Götterdammerüng
With its cataclysmic climax, the Met’s new Ring cycle, directed by Robert Lepage, comes to its resolution live in HD. Deborah Voigt stars as Brünnhilde and Gary Lehman is Siegfried, the star-crossed lovers doomed by fate. Live simulcast Feb. 11 at 9 a.m., encore screening Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. Call 805/969-4726 for more information.
February 12, 7 p.m. Los Lonely Boys
Sings Like Hells presents the Los Lonely Boys in a benefit concert held at La Cumbre Jr. High. Call 805/ 963- 0761 for more information.
February 12, 2 p.m. An Afternoon of Great French Song and Opera
UCSB Voice and Collaborative Piano Areas presents Aris, duets and rousing ensembles, a group that ranges from undergraduates through DMA candidates, as well as gifted members of UCSB’s faculty.
February 12, 2-5 p.m. “Uni-Tea” Fundraiser for Unity Shoppe
Actress/Author Mara Purl is the guest speaker for the fundraiser benefitting the nonprofit Unity Shoppe. The event is being held at a historical home in Santa Barbara, La Casa Nichita, and will include tea, refreshments and other entertainment.
February 12, 1 p.m. How Much Does Your Building Weigh, Mr. Foster?
Norman Foster, hailed as “the Mozart of modernism,” the mastermind behind the world’s largest building, the tallest bridge and the renovated Reichstag.
February 12, 3 p.m. Malls R Us
A look inside North America’s most popular and profitable suburban destination- the shopping center- a communal paradise and materialistic void.
February 14, 5:30 p.m. Opera Santa Barbara Valentines Gala
This glamorous and romantic evening will pay tribute to two of Santa Barbara’s premiere patrons of the arts: Herb and Elaine Kendall. Dinner guests will enjoy cocktails, appetizers and a silent auction dedicated to art, jewelry and fine wine. The evening will continue with a three-course Valentine-inspired candlelight dinner featuring wines by Palmina. Auctioneer Andrew Firestone will host a spectacular live auction with items ranging from a week in southern Spain to a pair of collectible Vasarely cube sculptures. For more information call 805/898-3890.
February 14, 8 p.m. Sérgio and Odair Assad
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Brazilian-born siblings Sérgio and Odair Assad. The brothers have set the benchmark for guitarists by creating a new standard of innovation, ingenuity and expression. The duo’s CAMA Masterseries program explores the brilliant works for guitar by Brazil’s most celebrated composers. Call 805/963-0761 for more information.
Random Dance @ The Granada Theater
February 15, 8p.m. Wayne McGregor | Random Dance
Wayne McGregor | Random Dance, the Resident Company of Sadler’s Wells, London, is distinguished by its radical approach to new technology, incorporating animation, digital film, 3D architecture, electronic sound and virtual dancers seamlessly into live choreography. For its Santa Barbara debut, the company performs Entity, “a great sexy beast of a piece” (Sunday Times, London).
February 15, 5-7 p.m., Santa Barbara County Arts Commission’s Annual Poetry Out Loud Competition
The competition represents the first step of a national recitation contest, a program run by the California Arts Council in the state and started by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Poetry Foundation to engage high-school students in the presentation of poetry through memorization and performance. FREE. Santa Barbara County Administration Building, Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, 4th Floor, 105 E. Anapamu St. For more information call 805/568-3990.
February 16, 8 p.m. An Evening of Poetry
“The poems are so open-hearted and marvelously conceived that they are not just beautiful themselves but effortlessly contain beauty…” The Washington Post. Jane Hirshfield, award-winning poet, essayist and translator, speaks about the core issues which are apparent in her poetry. A generous master of art, Hirshfield has written many books- her most recent Come, Thief.
February 16, 2 p.m. New Volunteer Orientations
Learn about various volunteer opportunities available at the Garden of the Blaksley Library. Take a behind-the-scenes tour and meet some of the staff who train and manage volunteers. For more information please call 805/682-4726 x119.
February 16 & 23 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Southern California’s Countless Conifers
This class will explore the conifer “hot spots” within California, provide examples of many species using living and herbarium material, and share some tricky short cuts for identifying them at the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden.
February 17, 8 p.m. The Chieftains
The Chieftains celebrate 50 years as Ireland’s “inadvertent prophets of the world-music boom” (Rolling Stone) in a concert experience filled with grace, humor, exceptional musicianship and the pageantry of visiting dancers and pipe bands. Led by founder Paddy Moloney, who formed the band from the ranks of the top Irish musicians back in 1962, the six-time Grammy-winners are musical ambassadors, cultural icons and boundary-pushers who continue to make music with a style that is as exhilarating as it is definitive. 8 p.m. at The Granada. Call 805/893-3535 for more information.
February 17, 8 p.m. The Yellowjackets with special guest Robben Ford
As of 2011, this beloved eclectic, electro-acoustic jazz band, built by keyboardist Russell Ferrante and bassist Jimmy Haslip, celebrates the ripe young age of 30, a milestone commemorated in the album Timeline. The Rhythmic Art Projects presents the Yellowjackets.
February 18, 8 p.m. Pasión
As “America’s #1 Flamenco dancer,” Timo Nuñez has performed in front of a television audience of eleven million people, was invited to perform for the royal family in Dubai and has shared the stage with Plácido Domingo. This cutting edge dance spectacular is an eclectic and honest expression involving traditional and modern Flamenco.
February 19 Music at Trinity
Suzanne Duffy on flute joins Sophia Vaillant on piano in a program inspired by Jean Jacques Rosseau that highlights music by Franck, Schubert, Krakamp, Copland, Lukas Foss and Debussy. Trinity Episcopal Church, 1500 State St. 805/965-7419, www.trinitysb.org.
February 19, 1 p.m. Alice Neel
A searing portrait of the influential American painter Alice Neel, who was marginalized until the 1960s, when she was embraced by the counterculture.
February 19, 3 p.m. Over Your Cities Grass Will Grow
Sophie Fienne’s mesmerizing portrait of artist Anselm Kiefer, who transformed a derelict industrial space in southern France into a dreamlike city.
February 19, 1-4 p.m. Flora Codman- Celebration of Life
“Unable are the loved to die, for Love is immortality.” (Emily Dickinson). Flora Codman passed away in September of 2011. The Celebration will be followed by a potluck, and some of the folk dances that Codman loved so very much. Please bring a dish to share. Flora’s husband Harold and her daughters Lisa and Karen will be attending, and look forward to sharing favorite memories and photographs with you.
February 21, 7:30 p.m. Beethoven’s Thirds
Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra presents an all-Beethoven program, featuring Symphony No. 3, the ‘Eroica’ and Piano Concerto No. 3. This performance marks the long-awaited Santa Barbara debut of pianist Tong-Il Han, a living legend who has had an unparalleled international solo career, performing with New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, Chicago Symphony, London Philharmonic and many others. 7:30 p.m. at Lobero Theater. Call 805/963-0761 for more information.
February 21, 8 p.m. Sir Ken Robinson
Creativity expert and acclaimed thinker Sir Ken Robinson, renowned for his radical ideas on education reform and innovation in the classroom, speaks about his groundbreaking book Out of Our Minds: Learning to Be Creative. 8 p.m. at Campbell Hall. Call 805/893-3535 for more information.
February 22, 5 a.m. Sundance Beach Annual Surf Video Contest
Sundance Beach is holding its 5th Annual Surf Video Contest on March 10th, 2012 at the Lobero Theater. If you love surf film classics, why not try to head on down and catch the showing of local surfer’s and videographer’s short films and see what they have to offer? Videos will be judged by industry leaders and film veterans and prizes will be award following the screening. Videos are due February 22, at 5 a.m.
February 22, 8p.m. An Evening with Tom Colicchio
A self-taught cook, five-time James Beard Award-winner for Outstanding Chef Tom Colicchio is one of the culinary world’s most celebrated figures and lead judge on Bravo’s Emmy-nominated show Top Chef. 8 p.m. at Campbell Hall. Call 805/893-3535 for more information.
February 22 Fabulous Ginn Sisters
Fred Eaglesmith returns with his Travelling Show, Fabulous Ginn Sisters, at Tales from the Tavern.
February 22, 7:30 p.m. Healing the Heart of Democracy
Courage to Lead presents the public intellectual, Parker J. Palmer, as he discusses his new book Healing the Heart of Democracy. In the book, Palmer focuses on “habits of the heart” when it comes to citizens and democracy. His talk will be followed by a dialogue with the audience.
February 23 Julia Fischer
German violinist Julia Fischer, one of the great young musicians of the 21st century, is regularly praised for her technical mastery and illuminating interpretations of classical repertoire. She is a former Gramophone “Artist of the Year” and BBC Magazine “Best Newcomer,” among numerous accolades. 8 p.m. at Campbell Hall. Call 805/893-3535 for more information.
February 23, 6–9 p.m. Home – Garden Court Endowment’s 5th Annual Fundraiser
The Garden Court Endowment is hosting Home, a special benefit event celebrating the importance of caring for local seniors. The event will honor philanthropist Michael Towbes for helping to provide Santa Barbara area residents with housing opportunities. Enjoy a unique evening of dining, wine and cocktails, as well as a silent auction that benefits local seniors in need!
February 23, 7 p.m. Nuclear Weapons and Humanity’s Future
Nuclear Age Peace Foundation presents a free lecture from a legendary peace leader, Daniel Ellsberg. Ellsberg is a former U.S. military analyst famous for releasing the Pentagon Papers in 1971 changing how the public viewed the government and the Vietnam War. The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation advocates for a world free of nuclear weapons and empowers peace leaders.
February 23-25, 8 p.m. “Animal Farm” the Musical
The Westmont theater arts program presents “Animal Farm” at Porter Theater. “Animal Farm” still resonates powerfully today even though it was originally written in 1945. Wickedness, corruption, greed, ignorance and power can turn any human into an animal. The musical features an ensemble cast of 15-student actors who are having a great time dressing up like animals and singing rock music.
February 24, 8 p.m. Regina Carter’s “Reverse Thread”
From the varied schools of classical music conservatories and R&B, this inventive violinist explores new territories as she blends world influences into the vocabulary of straight-ahead jazz. Regina Carter‘s sophisticated technique and lush tone took the jazz world by surprise; and through her albums, incessant touring and various guest appearances and collaborations, she has developed into a distinctly diverse musical personality. 8 p.m. at Lobero Theater. Call 805/963-0761 for more information.
February 25 Sings Like Hell: Matraca Berg + Anne & Pete Sibley
Matraca Berg has served as a cartographer for the hills and valleys of women’s souls, doubts, loves and sorrows her whole life, earning her first #1 hit at age 18 and a Grammy nomination at age 22. Berg has provided pivotal hits for artists such as The Dixie Chicks, Patty Loveless, Trisha Yearwood, Gretchen Wilson, Linda Ronstadt and Dusty Springfield. 8 p.m. at Lobero Theater. Call 805/963-0761 for more information.
February 25 James McVay
Trinity Backstage presents James McVay, an award winning composer, producer, and performing songwriter. McVay has spent the last 25 years scoring movies, tv shows, producing records and performing with some of the country’s top musicians including Stan Getz, Doane Perry, Jennifer Condos, David Schwartz, Kate Wallace, Caren Armstrong, Kate Markowitz, Sid Page and the list goes on. McVay has a brand new CD coming out imminently. Here’s hoping we get to hear it all.
February 25, 5-8 p.m. Observations
Come check out the Closing Reception of Observations, a photography exhibition at Brooks. Don’t miss out!
February 25, 5-8 p.m. Harbor Treasures
The Santa Barbara Maritime Museum puts on Harbor Treasures with honorary celebrity judges Tommy Tang and Michael Hutchings. There will be tastings from the finest restaurants, wineries and breweries in Santa Barbara. So either reserve a table for some fine dining or just come to taste various dishes.
February 25 & 26, 7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m. Secret Garden
Choreography by Josie Walsh, State Street Ballet’s The Secret Garden is a masterpiece of enchantment complete with dynamic visuals, cutting-edge choreography and luscious, shape-shifting costumes, set to an original cinematic score by Paul Rivera Jr. Thoughtful and heart-warming, The Secret Garden tells a story of loss, dreams, hope, and the search for happiness that transcends generations. Inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett’s famous novel, imaginative staging transforms this classic story into a modern-day ballet for all ages.
February 25–26 Verdi’s Ernani
“Met: Live in HD” screens Ernani, starring rising soprano Angela Meade opposite experienced Verdians Marcello Giordani, Dmitri Hvorostovsky and Ferruccio Furlanetto. Live simulcast Feb. 25 at 9:55 a.m., encore screenings Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. and Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. at Hahn Hall. Call 805/969-4726 for more information.
February 26 Pacific Standard Time
The Santa Barbara Museum of Art presents Dave Hickey and Peter Plagens: On Pacific Standard Time. An art and cultural critic, Dave Hickey, and painter, Peter Plagens appear in a critical conversation regarding the development of contemporary art in Southern California.
February 25- March 27 “Hilos de La Vida/ Threads of Life”
The rich textile tradition of Teotitlán del Valle, a Zapotec community in Oaxaca, Mexico, is on exhibition at the Museum of Ventura County. The exhibit features woven pieces from the Bii Dauu Zapotec Arts Center and work by local Zapotec weaver and artist Porfirio Guitierrez of Ventura. Established in 2004, the Bii Dauu Zapotec Arts Center is a cooperative dedicated to the production of textiles using only natural dyes and original designs.
February 27, 5 p.m. SciTrek Lecture
Come out to UCSB’s Corwin Pavilion to listen to a lecture by Bruce Alberts, a prominent biochemist with a strong commitment to the improvement of science and mathematics education. This event, as will as the reception after his presentation, is free and open to the public.
February 27, 3:30 p.m. Oxford Professor Explores Faith, Civil Rights
Stephen Tuck, professor of American History at the University of Oxford explores civil rights at a free lecture, “Losing My (Jim Crow) Religion: The Battle Between Church and Civil Rights Leaders in the Segregation Era.” Taking place at Westmont’s Kerrwood hall, the lecture will uncover civil rights activists who urged African-Americans to give up their Christian faith.
February 27, 6 p.m. Book Signing with Carolyn Costin
One of the country’s most respected eating disorder experts, Carolyn Costin joins the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals for an author book signing of her new book “8 Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder.” This event kicks off National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (NEDAW) and takes place at Westmont College. Along with the book signing, there will be a documentary screening and a questions and answer discussion.
February 27 & 28, 7:30 p.m. Annual Banff Mountain Film Festival
The Banff Mountain Film Festival is one of the largest and most prestigious film festivals in the world. On the 27th, All.I.Can-The short cut, Blue Obsession, Hanuman Airlines, Cold, C.A.R.C.A, and DeepSea under the Pole will be the featured films. On the 28th, the festival continues with Reel Rock: Origins- Obe & Ashima, Ski Bums Never Die, On the Trail of Genghis Khan- The Last Frontier, Kadoma and The Freedom Chair.
February 28 & 29, 8 p.m. Young Frankenstein Live
From the creators of the record-breaking Broadway sensation The Producers comes this monster new musical comedy based on Mel Brooks’ iconic movie. This new musical,is scientifically-proven, monstrously good entertainment–and the only place you’ll witness a singing and dancing laboratory experiment in the largest tuxedo ever made.
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.
A community of curators from all walks of local life selected their favorite pieces from the extensive 
