Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum (CAF) presents the work of MFA artists from UCSB’s Department of Art graduate program featuring works byTim Brown, Jared Flores, Emily Halbardier, Bessie Kunath, Jae Lee, Nick Loewen, Ruby Osorio, Rimas Simaitis and Van Tran. Also on view is Sundowner, a Bloom Projects exhibition by Susanna Vapnek. Influenced by the Tea Fire, Vapnek’s paintings reflect the apocalyptic feeling of the area’s fire season.
Works by local artists are on view for this annual competition put on by Santa Barbara County Arts Commission. Juried this year by distinguished printmaker Paul Mullowney, who received his training at Crown Point Press in San Francisco where he became master printer in the early nineties, working with top artists such as John Cage, Richard Diebenkorn and Francesco Clemente. Mullowney founded Tokugenji Press in Nara, Japan and was founding director of HuiPress in Maui, Hawaii, where he collaborated with Sandow Birk, Swoon, Judy Pfaff, Joyce Kozloff, Robert Kushner, Artemio Rodriguez and others.
Support The Arts Fund through a series of events that embody its spirit and mission by bringing art lovers and creative minds together in distinctive venues. For more information, visit
The Coastal Housing Commission is hosting a conference to discus ways to ensure that Santa Barbara workers and their families will have access to affordable housing. Click here for more information.
June 1, 8 p.m. Family Flick Night: Puss in Boots
Bring the whole family out to see a free movie at La Cumbre Plaza! You’ll need your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and favorite snacks for this free showing of Puss in Boots.
Startup Weekend is an intense 54 hour event which focuses on building a web or mobile application which could form the basis of a credible business over the course of a weekend. The weekend brings together people with different skill sets – primarily software developers, graphic, web and user experience designers, and business people – to build applications and develop a commercial case around them.
The Ventura County Agriculture Museum exhibits rare photographs and historical written/oral accounts of a time before automobiles ruled the streets, when it was up to the horses and mules of the county to get the job done. See how these four-legged animals drove the industries of agriculture, oil, and railroads before our present-day technology.
Featuring unlimited tastings from more than 20 breweries, a commemorative tasting glass and special animal encounters, this event keeps you entertained.
Comedienne Anjelah Johnson became an internet sensation with her viral video “Nail Salon,” was a series regular on MADtv and spawned another hit, “Bon Qui Qui.”
The Granada transforms into the world’s most famous opera house as Vox Lumiere dares to unmask the secrets of the Phantom, where rock concert comes together with theater and classic silent film for a spellbinding performance of modern theatrical magic.
Exploring the endlessly interesting terrain of the portrait, more than 100 photographs reveal an infinite range of human complexities and contradictory states of heart and mind. The exhibition is presented in nine themes, including basic portraiture (Clarence Sinclair Bull’s Greta Garbo in “Mata Hari,” 1931), environmental (Morris Camhi’s Young Man with Union Brochure, Farmworkers, 1972) and documentary (Irving Penn’s Balloon Seller, Paris (Marchande de Ballons, Paris), 1950).
June 3 People Portrait Studio, Sundays on the Steps at Santa Barbara Museum of Art
During Environmental Defense Center’s biggest fundraiser of the year, enjoy an afternoon at the historic Stow House indulging in hors d’oeuvres, wine, music, auctions and a short program featuring the presentation of EDC’s ENVI Award.
Enjoy a fun-filled Sunday with Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church, featuring a worship ceremony at 10 a.m. followed by a barbecue at noon and a jazz classics concert at 3 p.m.
AWC-SB will once again honor two women who have touched many local lives with their communication skills, one very publicly and the other in a quieter but no less powerful way. From Breaking News to Awakening the Muse is the theme for the 2012 Women of Achievement Awards,honoring award-winning anchorwoman Paula Lopez and poetry therapist Perie Longo.
An homage to collages, Just Put it Together showcases the process and detail that goes into combining different elements into artful pieces. Sidney Gordon’s half-century of process-oriented artwork will be on display, from his early Abstract Expressionist period to his wooden pieces to his Bay Area collection.
Santa Barbara Museum of Art becomes an unconventional theater/screening room as both live and filmed performances roll out in the back plaza. From 5–8 p.m., take a spin through the Behind the Wheel exhibition, and then hitch a ride with the accommodating actors appearing in car theater, where three original plays short are performed in an actual automobile, with actors and audience sharing the imaginary road trips. At 8 p.m., the back plaza becomes a summer screening room for American Graffiti.
Contemporary Arts Forum welcomes LA-based artist Cindy Derby to the Forum Lounge, where she combines a mix of stop-motion animation, intricate puppetry and handcrafted scenic elements to create an existential narrative told through the perspective of Edward the skeleton.
The renowned Ojai Music Festival brings together a community of artists in residence for a journey of adventurous music making and discovery with an engaged audience. Held in locations throughout Ojai, the 66th annual festival explores the musical interests and celebrates the artistic collaborations of music director Leif Ove Andsnes, one of today’s foremost pianists.
June 8, 8 p.m. Family Flick Night: The Muppets
Bring the whole family out to see a free movie at La Cumbre Plaza! You’ll need your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and favorite snacks for this free showing of The Muppets.
Animals are the Featured Creatures in the Museum of Ventura County’s summer exhibition. This look at wildlife represented in the museum’s collection includes rarely seen specimens from a tradition in which museums displayed taxidermied animals as examples of local fauna. Making their appearance again are a black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, and fox, as well as birds as big as the California Condor and as small as the Hooded Oriole. The mounted animals are paired with art and artifacts relating to California’s wildlife.
This deliciously creative festival brings together new and notable performers on the jazz scene, along with 27 local wineries offering tastings and 30 amateur chefs competing in the “Olive in the Kitchen” cook-off while providing samples to guests. Olive vendors offer olive oil and other olive-related products.
Expect a hard-rocking night with Chickenfoot, featuring guitarist Joe Satriani, drummer Kenny Aronoff and former Van Halen members Michael Anthony on bass and lead singer frontman Sammy Hagar.
Although the Solstice Celebration Weekend isn’t until the end of June, come get into the “swing” of the solstice season at the SB Tennis Club’s Solstice Tennis Tournament.
Since 1972, SBWC has given its writers an oasis of time, place and focus needed to hone their craft, confab with other writers and connect their work with agents and publishers. The conference offers classes in every imaginable genre, as well as the business side of writing. Guest speakers include Fannie Flagg, Dorothy Allison, Gar Anthony Haywood, Miles Corwin and Christopher Buckley.
June 9, 10 a.m.- 12 noon Children’s Art Class
Emily Falke, Curator and Director of Exhibits at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, will be teaching a series of art classes for children this summer. Call Emily at 805/962-8404 x111 for more information.
Three community restaurants—Carlitos Café y Cantina in Santa Barbara, Cava Restaurant & Bar in Montecito and Dos Carlitos Restaurant & Tequila Bar in Santa Ynez—will donate a portion of the proceeds to Hospice of Santa Barbara. Show your support simply by dining at one of these establishments on Dias de las Comidas. Carlitos Café y Cantina, 1324 State St., Santa Barbara; Cava Restaurant & Bar, 1212 Coast Village Rd., Montecito; Dos Carlitos Restaurant & Tequila Bar, 3544 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez.
Ensemble Theatre Company presents Frank Higgins’ heartfelt play, which tells the story of a song collector for the Library of Congress who travels the country seeking little-known melodies and encounters Pearl in a Texas prison, where she discovers dozens of musical treasures in the African tradition. Together, the two women form a bond that transcends race, class and culture.
A great way to kick off summer, this three-day concert and camping event held every year on Fathers’ Day weekend features the Grammy Award-winning Indigo Girls and more than 15 other main stage acts that represent genres ranging from folk, blues and bluegrass to zydeco, Latin, jazz and even Chinese classical music. Additional performers include Rebirth Brass Band, Carolyn Wonderland, John Doe and James McMurtry.
June 15, 8 p.m. Family Flick Night: Back to the Future
Bring the whole family out to see a free movie at La Cumbre Plaza! You’ll need your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and favorite snacks for this free showing of Back to the Future. The kids will love this classic eighties flick and you’ll remember why you fell in love with Marty McFly all those years ago.
Grammy Award winner Rodney Crowell and New York Times bestselling author Mary Karr play selections from their new album collaboration KIN. Crowell says, “I called out to her in the darkness because she was a bonafide poet I knew could write songs, and despite her professor’s pedigree, she’d ridden a bike in a mosquito truck’s fog.” Karr’s response: “An outlaw pedigree isn’t always a disadvantage for a poet…this record’s about everybody.” Indeed, given that the record features recordings by Lucinda Williams, Norah Jones, Vince Gill and Kris Kristofferson, among others, we can’t wait to see what this duo does onstage.
Twist & Shout is the definitive Beatles experience played by brilliant musicians with an inherent understanding of why The Beatles will forever be the most beloved and respected rock band in history. Beginning with the early hits, colored with film clips from the 60’s, Twist & Shout will immerse you in a complete experience from a band that look and sound like the real deal, without smoke and mirrors (or pre-recorded tracks). By the time they hit Abbey Road you’ll be completely in awe.
This musical fireworks concert dazzles with a program featuring Willi Rose on piano, David A. Gell on organ and piano, and LUX, the women’s a capella vocal group directed by Jane Hahn.
Each June, 140 gifted young classical singers and instrumentalists, selected entirely for their talent, gather for eight weeks in Santa Barbara to study and make music with illustrious guest artists, conductors, and faculty, to the delight of participating audiences.
Come to this festival and enjoy the Arts and Crafts Show, eat at our delicious Food Booths, visit the Commercial Center and listen to all the great musical talent this festival has to offer!
Kick off the Fiesta festivities early with a festive evening of fun, food, music and dancing. Stroll the beautiful historical gardens of Rancho La Patera and Stow House to sample food from local restaurants, with award-winning local wineries and bars also on-site. Enjoy performances by Spanish guitarist Tony Ybarra, Junior Spirit and Spirit of Fiesta. End the evening with dancing under the stars to popular local cover band Area 51.
Join thousands of visitors as they celebrate the longest day of the year with live bands, theatrical entertainment, craft and food vendors, a drum circle and kids’ activities. The 38th annual Solstice festivities kick off with a Friday evening event at Alameda Park followed by the extravagant and whimsical parade (the theme for 2012 is “Fantasy”) on Saturday afternoon and more festivities on Sunday.
Trinity Backstage features a lineup of local songwriters who donate their talents for this fundraiser to benefit Trinity Church, the venue that has generously hosted this intimate acoustic concert series for the past ten years.
This two-day event offers an exciting test of speed, skill and endurance for mountain bike enthusiasts of all levels, with more than $15,000 in prizes and cash. Loosely based on WRC Auto Rally and European MTB enduros, this event features predominantly downhill timed special stages linked together by non-timed liaison stages. Each rider completes the courses on the same bike without shuttles or lifts, riding along through checkpoints to the start of each timed special stage. Held at The Dirt Club near Los Olivos, a private location for mountain biking enthusiasts to enjoy their sport in a safe location completely removed from other trail users.
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is hosting a night of speed dating for single people over the age of 25. Don’t miss this chance to meet your match! For more information, call Emily at 805/962-8404 x111. To sign up, call 805/962-8404 x115.
Dedicated to promoting athletic and recreational activity within all ages and abilities, the nonprofit group Semana Nautica hosts its 75th annual event this year. Some of the sports include swimming, volleyball, fishing, inline hockey and the unforgettable Krazy Kardboard Kayak race. Join in the action or come out to support the competitors.
Explore the grounds of Carpinteria Valley Museum of History as vendors offer antiques, vintage clothing, rare books and more. It’s the perfect opportunity to shop while supporting the museum. Also July 28 and August 25.
Spend an afternoon sampling delectable delights paired with wines from Central Coast premier wineries. Proceeds benefit the museum’s exhibits and science education programs for school children.
Whether through the soul of southern Gospel, 70s funk, blues, reggae or straightforward rock and roll, Harper and his trademark Weissenborn guitar are guaranteed to stun audiences with incendiary live performances and timeless songwriting.
Wesley Anderegg’s sculptures, on view at Elverhøj Museum in Solvang, speak of everyday life and society in imaginary ways through which people connect to the real world. His art embodies the archetypal struggle between mind and matter, reason and fear, giving an expression to the human condition. “I have always been a people watcher,” says Anderegg, a resident of the San Ynez area. “In the first grade, I did not play with the other kids. I stood back and watched. And I have been watching ever since.”
“A child-like man is not a man whose development has been arrested; on the contrary, he is a man who has given himself a chance of continuing to develop long after most adults have muffled themselves in the cocoon of middle-aged habit and convention.” -Aldous Huxley
Installation by FriendsWithYou. http://www.sbseasons.com/blog
Inspired by the notion of Huxley and many other prominent thinkers that we all might be better off perceiving art with a child’s perspective—straightforward, devoid of pretense, and unflinching—Contemporary Art Forum’s (CAF’s) newest exhibit encourages adults to cast aside preconceived notions and approach the world from this unfettered child’s point of view to broaden their world perspective, stimulate their minds, and allow for greater degrees of discovery, curiosity, compassion, and wonder.
Artwork by Mindy Shapero. http://www.sbseasons.com/blog.
Flights From Wonder features an internationally recognized group of artists including Christopher Chiappa, Liz Craft, Martha Friedman, FriendsWithYou, Jon Pylypchuk, Carolyn Salas, Mindy Shapero, Shinique Smith and Phoebe Washburn. Curator Miki Garcia’s vision is that Flights from Wonder will “empower audiences to think, play, and create, and rejects the myth that contemporary art is mystifying or elitist, demonstrating instead that art is an enriching and stimulating part of the human experience.”
Installation by Shinique Smith. http://www.sbseasons.com/blog
Flights from Wonder will be on exhibit until April 22 at the Contemporary Arts Forum, 651 Paseo Nuevo, (upstairs). In addition, the CAF Satellite @ Hotel Indigo, 121 State St., is now open, featuring the work of Alejandro Diaz, Ann Diener, Stephanie Dotson, Rob Fischer, Francesca Gabbiani, Saul Gray-Hildenbrand, Nathan Hayden, Cyndee Howard, Jennifer Nocon, Zacarias Paul, Luke Stettner, Kirsten Stoltmann, Sandra Torres and James Van Arsdale. FREE.
The Waldorf School of Santa Barbara’s Third Annual Paper Ball will holding a “Cirque du Papier” at the Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum on Saturday, May 12. The Paper Ball “Cirque du Papier” theme captures the wild, vibrant world of bohemian carnival spirit. Through ingenious use of simple paper, the décor will create an opulent bedazzlement of exotic cultures colliding with the lively back lot of a traveling circus. Spectacular performances will erupt throughout the evening as spontaneous interludes of dramatic delight.
Each year, The Paper Ball invites a local Santa Barbara artist to serve as a guest visionary. This year, the masterminds behind 805 Ink, J.J. Ortiz, Ken Knox, Chad Westmoreland, Nate Hudak, Chris Cruz and Jake Vantiger will create custom artwork drawing references from a multitude of themes. In celebration of The Paper Ball founders, this year’s suggested attire will be surrealism in paper, top hats and extravagance! Prizes will once again be awarded for best paper outfit by a panel of guest judges.
The event will be held on May 12 from 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. at the Contemporary Arts Forum in Santa Barbara.
To purchase tickets please call The Waldorf School at 805/967-6656 or visit waldorfsantabarbara.org
Join Contemporary Arts Forum Executive Director, Miki Garcia and Cuba Cultural Travel, license holder and organizer, on an exclusive tour of Cuba with VIP entrance to the 2012 edition of the Havana Biennale! This unique trip is made possible through Cuba Cultural Travel, who is authorized by the US Treasury Department to operate People-to-People cultural exchanges.
Mix art and culture together by attending this vacation from May 9-14, 2012. The trip includes a 5 night accommodation at a 5 star hotel, round trip airfare from Miami to Havana, daily meals, admission to all the museums and public buildings, a local Cuban tour guide, Cuban insurance, and much more.
Space is limited for this amazing trip so be sure to reserve your spot soon! CAF’s trips are specially designed to cater to art lovers who crave rare access to contemporary art experiences led by seasoned and knowledgeable professionals. All proceeds directly benefit programs and exhibitions at the Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum. For more information call Karla Blancas at 805/966-5373 x105 or email at curator@sbcaf.org.
Look up, look down, because these murals and sculptures are all around! Public art beautifies our cities and gives us an additional reason to get outside and explore. Here is a handy guide to the local sights from south to north. Listed numbers correspond to the map in the Explore section of our Magazine.
1.Lightning Gate steel sculpture by Michael McMillen, 1990. Rincon Beach upper parking lot.
2.Sun Compass copper and stone sculpture by Michael McMillen, 1996. Summerland Lookout Park.
3.Untitled ceramic mural by Marge Dunlap, 1991. Santa Barbara Social Services Building, 234 Camino Del Remedio.
4.Chromatic Gate painted steel sculpture by Herbert Bayer, 1991. 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd.
5. Syuxtun Story Circle unglazed ceramic tile by Lori Ann David, 2009. Cabrillo Blvd. at Ambassador Park.Honoring Chumash culture, this 20-foot-wide mosaic depicting the middle, upper and lower worlds was completed over the course of three months by 100 collaborators.
6. West Beach Public Art Project. Photo courtesy of Richard Irvine and Raphael Perea.
6. West Beach Public Art Project unglazed mosaic tile inset with bronze by Richard Irvine and Raphael Perea, 2010. Cabrillo Blvd. between Chapala and Bath streets. The artist-team behind this project focused on Los Baños swimming pool, the working harbor and the environmental movement in a series of mosaics that help beautify this heavily peopled stretch of beachfront.
7.Orama II kinetic sculpture by Miles Pepper, 1999, Leadbetter Beach.
8. Untitled bridge, play structure, compass by Susan Jordan, 1998. Chase Palm Park, 325 E. Cabrillo Blvd.
9.Untitled play structures, sculpture by Scott Peterson, 1998. Chase Palm Park, 325 E. Cabrillo Blvd.
10.Shaman’s Dream ceramic tiles by Viqui McCaslin, 1987. City Community Dev. Dept., 630 Garden St.
11.I Took a Trip on a Train ceramic tile bench by Blair Looker, 1992. RailroadStation, 209 State St.
12. Municipal Court's Andalusian Waterway by Mary Heebner, courtesy photo.
12. Andalusian Waterway floor tiles and paintings by Mary Heebner, 1994.
Municipal Court, 118 E. Figueroa St.Taking a cue from the Andalusian-style architecture popular in this area and playing off of George Washington Smith’s majestic courthouse across the street, Heebner interwove themes of water with Islamic-inspired interlocking patterns that lead from the street upstairs.
13. Mural Room at the County Courthouse. Photo courtesy of Naryanan Naryanan.
13. Early California Figures painting by Channing Peake, 1985. Mural Room, County Courthouse, 1100 Anacapa St. The entire courthouse is full of art and free to the public.
14. Millenium Gate sculpture by Rich Peterson, 2000. County Administration Building, 105 E. Anapamu St.
15. Portrait of Mexico Today mural by David Alfaro Siqueiros, 1932. Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St.
16. Summer Solstice Celebration Murals by Richard McLaughlin and Benjamin Bottoms, 1995. West side of Granada parking garage. These energetic painting-murals were in storage since 1998, finally settling at their current location in 2009.
17.Jardin de las Granadas temporary outdoor sculptures. 21 E. Anapamu St.
18. Albatrosskinetic sculpture by Dustin Shuler, 1996. Santa Barbara Airport.
19–23. Fiesta Mural by Channing Peake, 1984. Santa Barbara Airport.Using the building of a new terminal as reason to flaunt our artistic treasures new and old, the presentation of Peake’s exemplary sorbet-paletted murals is the jewel in the crown. Also in the new terminal, superb works by Colleen M. Kelly (Giant Brown Kelp), Lori Ann David (Santa Barbara 360˚), George Rhoads (Good Time Clock IV) and Vidya Gauci (Santa Barbara Star Gazing).
24.Untitled mural by Richard McLaughlin, 1994. Anisq’Oyo Park, Isla Vista.
25.Sea Look Out wood sculptures by Lloyd Hamerol, 1987. Isla Vista Beach, Del Playa at Camino Corto.
26. Wind-A-Ma-Jig kinetic sculpture by George Rhoads, 1989. Goleta Beach, 5986 Sandspit Rd. Propelled by the wind to create a collage of sound and movement, this large-scale installation is a treasured landmark.
Free education-related galleries
27. Atkinson Gallery at Santa Barbara City College SBCC’s showcase for the visual arts, Atkinson Gallery exhibits international and national artists as well as artists of the region. The gallery hosts six exhibitions of contemporary art each academic year, featuring a wide range of styles and mediums, and culminating in spring with the Annual Student Exhibition. Santa Barbara City College, 721 Cliff Drive (second floor of the Humanities building). Open Monday–Thursday 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Friday–Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 805/965–0581 x 3484, http://gallery.sbcc.edu
28. Art, Design & Architecture Museum at University California Santa Barbara UCSB’s AD&Aholds an impressive fine art collection, as well as one of the largest architectural archives in North America, and includes drawings, photographs, manuscripts, and furniture by architects and designers. In addition it engages contemporary artists in exhibits and programs. UCSB. Open Wednesday–Sunday, noon–5 p.m. 805/893-2951, www.museum.ucsb.edu.
29. Contemporary Arts Forum The leading contemporary arts presenter in Central California, CAF is a nonprofit dedicated to exhibiting the highest quality of contemporary art while recognizing the artists of tomorrow with innovative exhibitions both inside its walls and throughout the community. 653 Paseo Nuevo. Open Tuesday–Saturday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday noon–5 p.m. 805/966-5373, www.sbcaf.org.
30. Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art Seeking to educate students and the larger community about the power and value of the visual arts in our world through physical, critical and spiritual engagement with the creative process and its result, Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art offers a wide variety of exhibitions. Westmont College, 955 La Paz Rd., Montecito. Open Monday–Friday 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.–5 p.m. 805/565-6162, http://westmontmuseum.org.
Come ride this special version of the “Polar Express” each day throughout the holiday season. It may not travel through the Arctic, but this festive miniature train has been a fun ride for kids and parents for the past 23 years. While you’re there check out the museum’s holiday display, Toy Trains and Teddy Bears!
She Told Them My House is not for Sale by Grady Peg
Through December 31, Exhibition: The Audacity of Process
The Santa Barbara County Arts Commission presents, The Audacity of Process: An Exploration in Diverse Practices, an exhibition of regional artists curated by John Hood. A number of local artists converge to make this exhibition vary greatly in style and subject matter. Open from November 21 through February 10, 2012 at the Betteravia Government Center in Santa Maria. The opening reception is on Friday, December 9 from 4–6 p.m.
Contemporary Arts Forum Lounge presents a free performance by Liz Casebolt and Joel Smith, who initiated their collaboration in 2006 to explore and implode conventional ideas about gender, relationships and dance-making, creating what some have called “perhaps the most entertaining, engaging (and explicative) dance theater currently on stage.”
Brazilian-born photographer and filmmaker, Ciro Coelho, presents the first in a series of outdoor, wall-size projections with stills, video and a compelling soundtrack at Casa de la Guerra. Enjoy a glass of wine with Coelho as you view the exhibit. The series features a different world capital every three months during 1st Thursdays, with this premiere event starting with his hometown of São Paulo.
Directed by Perry Miller Adato, this free film helps to provide visual and historical context for the work in Santa Barbara Museum of Art’sPicasso and Braque exhibition, evoking the generation’s colorful personalities and the thriving popular culture that inspired the Cubist revolution.
This award-winning quartet was founded in Israel in 1997 and, since then, has won numerous awards, including the Grand Prize at the Melbourne Chamber Music Competition. Come see them perform at the Mary Craig Auditorium!
This exhibition at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art traces the career of Parisian avant-garde artist Henri Rivière from his early days as a designer of shadow plays for Cabaret du Chat Noir to the albums of Parisian cityscapes and Breton landscapes with which he made his name.
While Santa Barbara is known for its extraordinary landscape, climate, history and culture, the dynamic pulse of the community comes from the artists who call it home. Artists on view at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art include Hilary Brace, Irma Cavat, Anne Diener, Michael Dvortcsak, Dane Goodman, Mary Heebner, Hank Pitcher, Keith Puccinelli, Harry Reese, William Rohrbach, Marie Schoeff, Ilene Segalove, Joan Tanner and more.
Al Weber’s passion for aerial photography had its unlikely beginning during the Korean Conflict when, as an aerial observer for the Marine Corps, the photographer witnessed the breathtaking Korean landscape from a low-flying plane. It altered his perspective and influenced the course of his 50-year photographic career. See his work on display at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.
Featuring paintings and prints by Georges Braque and Pablo Picasso during one of the most prolific and intensely experimental exchanges in the history of art, this presentation at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art focuses on how they helped invent the art form now known as Analytic Cubism.
The Wildling Art Museum has collaborated with Channel Islands National Park, Ventura County Museum of Art, Santa Cruz Island Foundation, Catalina Island Conservancy and many more groups and individuals to bring the long and rich history of the islands to life through the talents of artists, both historical and contemporary. The exhibition features artists Carl Oscar Borg, Lockwood de Forest, Merv Corning, Bud Bottoms, David Gallup, Marcia Burtt, Bill Dewey and many more.
Beginning with offshoots of Lyrical Abstraction in Europe, moving through various New York styles and ending up in Southern California, this exhibition at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art treads an eclectic course through the legacy of Abstraction. Artists include Helen Frankenthaler, Clinton Hill, Hans Hofmann, John Millei, Ed Moses, Ernst Wilhelm Nay, Kenzo Okada, Richards Ruben, John Seery, Mark Tobey, Jack Tworkov and Ulfert Wilke.
Presented by the City of Solvang, Solvang Conference and Visitors Bureau and other sponsors, events include the Julefest Tree Lighting Ceremony, Julefest Parade, Nativity Pageant, Solvang’s Holiday Wine About, and more! Don’t miss these charming holiday celebrations!
Ensemble Theatre presents this witty costume drama set in the year 1183, when King Henry II was planning to choose his successor. Packed with humor, mind games and clever plot twists, this hit play about the ultimate dysfunctional family was nominated for two Tony Awards and turned into an Academy Award-winning film. Stephanie Zimbalist stars as Eleanor of Aquitaine.
December 1 4:30 p.m. Westmont Celebrates the Christmas Season
Kick off the Christmas season with Santa Claus, warm cider and Westmont Gospel choir singing “Oh, Pickle Tree” as they highlight the 10th annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Hundreds of students, alumni, and neighbors typically don mittens and scarves to add to the festive atmosphere.
December 1–31 100 Trees for 100 Years
A kaleidoscope of decorated foliage at 100 sponsoring businesses and sites throughout the Solvang in celebration of Solvang’s Centennial. Live fir trees ranging from 5-9 feet tall in festive containers are being delivered and maintained by My Living Christmas Tree of Solvang. Tree sponsors will have the opportunity to decorate their evergreen and will be eligible for prizes in the decorating contest!
Adesso is participating in an event to support The Tribal Trust Foundation! The mission of The Tribal Trust Foundation is to fund sustainable grassroots projects that help support the living arts and cultures of indigenous people around the world. There will be gourmet food, good music, and handcrafted goods and accessories. Hosted at the beautiful, newly renovated adobe of Barbara Savage, the founder of Tribal Trust.
When solo acoustic guitarist Leo Kottke picks up a steel-stringed guitar, his fingers race across the strings with uncommon speed, developing a deep, churning groove that can at times sound like several people playing at once. Now 65 years young, Kottke has recorded more than 30 albums that showcase his barnstorming fretwork and quirky songwriting. Come see his amazing skills live at Lobero Theater!
Actor’s Corner Center presents an adventure that’s both fun and enlightening in “SOME THING TO DO.” Enjoy the magical stories of Solvang and get to know our friend Andrew, the Jelling Stone Seeker. Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m.
The much anticipated Holiday Parade once again will amuse more than 50,000 spectators as giant helium balloons float down State Street amid magnificent marching bands, fabulous floats and spectacular performance groups in elaborate colorful costumes to charm the audience as they await and cheer on the Grand Marshal, the Holiday Prince & Fairy and the arrival of Santa Claus. The parade runs down State Street, beginning on Sola Street and concluding at Cota Street.
December 2, 6 p.m. Brad Nack‘s Annual Reindeer Show
A Santa Barbara holiday tradition, this annual show features dozens of small abstract oil paintings of reindeer.
Dubbed “the rock stars of Renaissance vocal music,” this renowned group performs holiday masterpieces from around the globe. Come see this amazing group perform live at Our Lady of Sorrows Church!
Partake on an international shopping frenzy! This marketplace takes you on a cultural adventure with food, dance, and fascinating items from 50 different countries around the world. Friday from 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
December 3, 3 p.m. Wildling Art Museum Holiday Public Open House
Enjoy cookies and hot drinks as part of the Los Olivos Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration. Los Olivos will be illuminated with twinkling lights, musical performances, fresh popcorn and roasted walnuts. At 6 p.m., don’t miss the famous “lighting of the tree” in the center of town.
Models at a past First Street Leather Charity Fashion Show. Photo by Timothy John Plog
This year will celebrate Solvang’s 100 years with a “Cirque de Solvang”
theme and a recreation of the circuses of 1911. First Street Leather’s fine collection of leather apparel, accessories and goods from around the world, will be shown by more than a dozen locals, including John Mathews, Lee Ann McKinney, Polly Firestone Walker, Robert Byrnes and Deb Davis. Food and drink prepared by The Hitching Post II will be served and a cash bar will be on hand. Live musical entertainment featuring Peter Feldmann & The Very Lonesome Boys and live circus performances will round out the event.
Sample fabulous pomegranate recipes, taste award-winning wines and take care of your holiday shopping at the fun and relaxed atmosphere of Buttonwood Farm’s Pomegranate Festival and Holiday Open House.
Rudolph is a children’s ballet performed by the students of Gustafson Dance and featuring additional dancers from the State Street Ballet Young Dancers, the apprentice company to State Street Ballet. This rendition of the classic Christmas tale about the lovable red-nosed reindeer is one you and your family don’t want to miss!
December 3–4, 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., and December 4, 2 p.m. Rodelinda
Music Academy of the West is hosting a special “Met: Live in HD” screening withRenée Fleming in one of her greatest portrayals, the virtuosic title role. Also starring Stephanie Blythe and Andreas Scholl. Screenings will be held on December 3 at 9:30 a.m. with an encore screening at 6 p.m. and on December 4 at 2 p.m.
Plan on a fairy-tale evening at the Solstice Winter White Ball this year. A live band will be performing for the guests to dance to, as well as DJ Steven J. A light buffet with Santa Barbara’s favorite foods will be served and a no host bar. A silent auction will also be held at the magical event, giving you the opportunity to purchase some holiday gifts. The magical evening will be held at the Butler Event Center, 3744 State St. Don’t forget to dress in white! For information call 805/965-3396.
It’s a winter wonderland beneath palm trees overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the Zoo’s annual Snow Leopard Festival. More than 75 tons of snow fashions sledding runs, creates a children’s play area and is placed in exhibits for snow leopards, elephants, otters and other animals. For more information call 805/962-5339.
Professor Clarence Barlow frames a discussion of the historic and contemporary link between music, math and the visual arts as a parallel form of avant-garde expression to the early Cubist experiment. At the Mary Craig Auditorium, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St. Call 805/963-4364 for more information.
Simms Taback’s exhibition delights the child in al of us and looks into the world of children’s book illustrations. The artwork is brightly colored and exquisitely designed. Her books are known for their humorous asides, often portrayed in her artwork as well. This exhibit runs at the Museum of Venture County.
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.
This winter, Warren Miller Entertainment brings you its 62nd winter sports film, Like There’s No Tomorrow. Hosted by skiing icon Jonny Moseley and shot on location in India, New Zealand, Chile, Alaska, British Columbia, and beyond! Click here for details.
An evening of song with special guests mezzo-soprano Diana Tash and pianist Armen Guzelimian. At the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, 136 E. De La Guerra St. Call 805/898-3890 for more information.
December is holiday party season! Which is why C’est Cheese is hosting its Cheese & Sparkling Wine tasting for the 6th straight year. Six cheeses, three sparkling wines, and a whole lotta of fun!
The local chapter of the Association for Women in Communications (AWC-SB) will get a head start on “A BRAND New Year” at its annual holiday party at the Canary Hotel in downtown Santa Barbara. The night will honor Member of the Year, Cindy Faith Swain as well as Non-Profit of the Year, Women’s Fund of Northern Santa Barbara County.
CAMA’s International Series presents Boston Symphony Orchestra, led by French conductor Ludovic Morlot, Music Director Designate of Seattle Symphony, and joined by American pianist Richard Goode, whose emotional power, depth and expressiveness can be heard in recitals and chamber and orchestral collaborations around the world. 8 p.m. At the Granada, 1214 State St. Call 805/899-2222 for more information.
December 8, 3–5:30 p.m. Open House & Family Caregiver Holiday Party
Friendship Center Goleta is hosting an open house as a tribute to their families and caregivers! Join them for wine, hors d’oeuvres, and live music as they celebrate the everyday heroes of Friendship Center!
December 9, 7–8 p.m. Ines Roberts Join photographer Ines Roberts for a presentation of “Fata Morgana and Songs of the Sea,” island-related photography paired with music. At the Wildling Art Museum, 2928 San Marcos Ave., Los Olivos. Call 805/688-1082 for more information.
December 9 Michael Kate Winter Art Exhibit and Craft Sale
Featuring the work of 25 regional artists and crafters. At MichaelKate Interiors and Gallery, 132 Santa Barbara St.
Directed and choreographed by Susan Alexander and Christina Sanchez. At Porter Theatre, Westmont College, 955 La Paz Rd., Montecito. Call 805/565-7140 for more information.
Walk down the Champs-Elysées and into a night you will never forget, filled with everything from can-can, crepes, and discotheque dancing to Tango and Toulouse-Lautrec. Stroll over to the Eiffel Tower and watch as artists render nostalgic Parisian scenes while jugglers, magicians, and unicyclists stun you with their talents.
British singer-songwriter Teddy Thompson’s songs are often characterized by their personal and observational style and common use of black humor. He’s joined by American country music singer Elizabeth Cook, who was described by New York Times as having “a high, agile, Dolly Partonish voice, and in her ballads she chuckles where others might sob.” At the Lobero Theater, 33 East Canon Perdido St. Call 805/963-0761 for more information.
Debuting sopranos Marina Rebeka and Mojca Erdmann. Jonas Kaufmann, Marina Poplavskaya and René Pape take on the demanding leading roles of Faust in this “Met: Live in HD” screening conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Live simulcast Dec. 10 at 9:55 a.m., encore screenings Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. At Hahn Hall, Music Academy of the West, 1070 Fairway Rd. Call 805/969-4726 for more information.
December 10–11, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Holiday at the Ranch
Tour the beautifully decorated historic Stow House and enjoy photo opportunities with Santa Claus, along with crafts, cookie baking and live holiday music by Holiday Horns, Tony Ybarra and more. At the Rancho La Patera & Stow House, 304 N. Los Carneros Rd., Goleta. Call 805/681-7216 for more information.
The Hospice Tree Lighting is to be held the same day at 5:30 p.m. Both are located on Linden Ave. There is no better way to get into the holiday spirit than to come out to enjoy both the parade and the gorgeous tree lighting.
Las Posadas is the time-honored reenactment of Joseph and Mary’s search for shelter in Bethlehem as it was once celebrated in early California and is still observed throughout Mexico and South America. Join in this rich cultural tradition to experience the way Santa Barbara’s earliest Spanish and Mexican residents celebrated Christmas with song and food.
The shadow play became a popular entertainment in Paris during the 18th and 19th centuries, especially at Le Chat Noir where artist Henri Rivière was the designer. Filmmakers were also inspired by this technique, as illustrated by the films The Adventures of Prince Achmed and Princes and Princesses, both of which are suitable for all ages. 2:30 p.m. at the Mary Craig Auditorium of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. 1130 State St. Call 805/963-4364 for more information.
The 26th Annual Parade of Lights’ festivities begin with a Santa’s Village event on the pier, featuring a visit from Santa, ten tons of snow and holiday music. Distinguished judges, along with thousands of spectators, cheer on 30 to 50 boats parading along the Santa Barbara coastline. A short fireworks display follows the boat parade. Santa’s Village from 3 p.m., parade begins at 5:30 p.m. Santa Barbara Harbor on Cabrillo Blvd. Call 805/897-1962 for more information.
December 11, 1:30–4:30 p.m. Studio Sundays on the Front Steps
Visitors of all ages are welcome to participate in this hands-on workshop with Santa Barbara Museum of Art teaching artists on the museum’s front steps. Each month, explore a different medium. Also on Jan. 8 and Feb 12. At Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St. Call 805/963-4364 for more information.
A benefit for music education in the schools and the SB Vocal Jazz Foundation at the Free Methodist Church with special guest, Debbie Denke on piano! Help support the cause!
C’est Cheese is back with a second tasting event for December and this time it’s caviar! Join them in tasting five different types of caviar back-to-back, which is the best way to compare and contrast the nuances between them so that you can figure out what styles you like. Also enjoy warm blinis, hard-boiled egg, and two glasses of bubbly, bien sur.
December 13, 7:30 p.m. FREE S.B. Chamber Orchestra Concert Tickets
Santa Barbara! Come hear what will surely be the bench mark performance of this work! Bax is praised for creating a ravishing listening experience with his lyrical playing, insightful interpretations and dazzling facility.
December 13 and 14, Baking Bread and a Bread Baking Class
Pascale & Montecito Country Kitchen is hosting bread baking classes that will teach attendants to make a regular organic wheat Boule and an Olive, Pistachio, Herb Boule. Each person will take home some of the bread that’s baked. In addition, class participants will receive a Lodge cast-iron duel-purpose baker in which to bake future loaves at home, a fresh starter for your next batch, and a copy of The Tartine Bread Book that contains all the recipes from the class. The class is NOT posted on the Country Kitchen website so call 805/965-5112 for more information and reservations. Delicious!
Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra presents vibrant pianist Alessio Bax who will be performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 (The Emperor). Maestro Ohyama has also programmed Georges Bizet’s brilliant First Symphony in C Major. Mr. Bax delighted audiences last May with his performance of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 27 at the Lobero. Of Bax’s work, the Spanish publication El Tiempo said, “[he is] a complete artist, powerful and subtle, a master in all fields” and Gramophone Editor’s Choice said, “his playing quivers with an almost hypnotic intensity.” Click the link above for more info.
Get ready for revelry! Take a journey with Santa Barbara Revels to explore the roots of modern Christmas with songs, dances, and stories that originate in the Nordic/German traditions and come flavored with the spices of Europe. Sankt Nikolaus, his helper Knecht Ruprecht, and The Christmas Revels cast of 70 actors, singers, dancers, and instrumentalists invite you to laugh and enjoy as we welcome the Winter Solstice! December 17 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and December 18 at 1p.m. and 5 p.m.
The story of Clara and her nutcracker prince is a holiday classic brought to life by State Street Ballet performers. This holiday favorite remains true to the classic ballet while bringing forth new inspiration and sophistication. Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. The Granada, 1214 State St. Call 805/899-2222 for more information.
Twelve wine tasting rooms will feature premium wines over the 2-day wine tour through the village of Solvang. Ticket includes a 2-day passport along with a a souvenir wine glass. This holiday festival will put you in the Christmas spirit as there 100 colorful Christmas trees throughout the village.
A musical party with Santa Barbara Symphony and guest conductor Robert Bernhardt, who is in his 29th season as Principal Pops Director of Louisville Orchestra and as conductor of Chattanooga Symphony. At the Granada, 1214 State St. Call 805/899-2222 for more information.
Adam Phillips
December 18, 2:30 p.m. Free Christmas Concert with Adam Phillips
St. Mark’s Church presents this free performance as part of a year-round community concert series. Adam Phillips will perform along with local favorites Blaine Sprouse and David West in a night of traditional Christmas music in a fresh, acoustic format. This concert features classics such as O Come, O Come Emmanuel, O Holy Night, The First Noel, as well as music from Adam Phillips’ recently released album “Songs of Old: A Christmas Album.” A reception after the concert will include an opportunity to meet the musicians!
31 Days and 75+ Ways to Celebrate Cuisine, Libations & Culture
This October, Santa Barbara serves up another edition of epicure.sb. The region’s top restaurants, wineries, gourmet purveyors and galleries present food and wine festivals, cooking classes, winemakers’ dinners, seasonal menus, epicurean-inspired art exhibits and many more ways to taste the very best of The American Riviera®. For the full event line-up and special epicure.sb lodging packages, visit www.epicuresb.com.
Santa Barbara’s abundant natural bounty brims during the month of October, and harvests from the fields, orchards, vineyards and sea are the essential ingredients of this deliciously rich month. Mix in the community’s focus on sustainability, add a dash of ideal “Indian Summer” weather, serve against a stunning Santa Barbara backdrop, and epicure.sb presents a unique culinary festival experience celebrating a tastefully refined way of life.
CUISINE: Seasonal dishes, tasting events and winemakers’ dinners are on the menu at dozens of participating restaurants. Tackle the “Eat Local Challenge,” presented by Edible Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Certified Farmers’ Market, and brush up on sustainable living with educational events including cooking demos presented by Whole Foods and gardening classes at Fairview Gardens’ Center for Urban Agriculture. The second annual SOL [Sustainable-Organic-Local] Food Festival (Oct. 1) features exhibitors and vendors representing every aspect of the food system, a farm animal petting zoo, inspiring workshops and a chef competition. Join in more lively, food-centric fun at the California Avocado Festival (Oct. 7 – 9), Harbor & Seafood Festival (Oct. 8), California Lemon Festival (Oct. 15 – 16) and Santa Barbara Chowder Fest (Oct. 23).
LIBATIONS: Wine, microbrews and spirits take center stage at dozens of special tasting and pairing events throughout October. Join the wine-country buzz during the Celebration of Harvest (Oct. 8), or stay downtown and go car-free with Santa Barbara Pedicab, offering special rates for Urban Wine Trail tasters all month. Celebrate the season with Oreana Winery’s Rocktoberfest (Oct. 1) or Carr Winery’s Italian Sunday (Oct. 2). Sample regional microbrews at the Santa Barbara Beer Festival (Oct. 15), and learn the craft at WholeFoods’ DIY Beer Making Class (Oct. 8). Please the palate at Margerum Wine Company’s “Wine & Chocolate Pairing Classes,” and get loose at Wildcat Lounge’s 3rd Annual Mai Tai Tasting (Oct. 20). Sip, swirl & save with discounted tastings and special wine pairings at area restaurants throughout October.
CULTURE: Feed your mind and soul with epicurean-inspired art exhibits, live performances and cultural events. Discover “Julia Child’s Santa Barbara” on Road Scholar’s multi-day, educational tour. Uncover Santa Barbara’s “dry” past at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum’sSpeakeasy & Stills: Prohibition in Santa Barbara exhibit highlighted at a scandalous reception with whiskey and wine (Oct. 13). Let the artistic juices flow at with Pies & Paint, a pie-tasting and painting session (Oct. 15). Get out of your gourd at the Contemporary Arts Forum’s Pumpkin Carving Contest and Fall-Themed Wine Tasting (Oct. 28). Sip & stroll through downtown Solvang on Third Wednesday & Wine Walk (Oct. 19). Gallery hop at 1st Thursday (Oct. 6), a monthly evening of art and music that takes a special focus on the culture of food and drink in October at more than 30 participating downtown venues.
Reserve your seat at Santa Barbara’s table with special epicure.sb hotel packages which combine accommodations and discounts on dining and wine tasting. For the complete list of offers, visit SantaBarbaraCA.com/epicuresb/hotels.
Through November 5, Mollie Favour: New Works Cabana Home, in collaboration with Edward Cella Art +Architecture, presents a solo exhibition with contemporary painter, Mollie Favour. Favour has exhibited since 1976 at numerous galleries around the United States, France, and Italy. In this current exhibition, Favour combines the careful observations of a botanist and the imagination of an artist to create lush and sensual abstractions of leaves, flowers, and figs. Click here to visit the exhibit website for more information.
November 1, 8 p.m. So Percussion
This Brooklyn-based quartet is both genre-defying—playing compositions by John Cage, Steve Reich and original music—and versatile—enjoyable for all ages.
The Goleta Valley Chamber hosts a breakfast at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. Register for the event at the link above.
November 2, 8 p.m. Creole Choir of Cuba
Blending Caribbean melodies with rich textured harmonies, this group of 10 singers and dancers celebrates the Haitian tale of those enslaved from West Africa. Including laments, protests and ritual prayers, this Grammy-nominated group is a movement of color and sound.
The luminous, emotive, effortlessly lyrical and always supremely refined the music of Ludovico Einaudi has attracted an ever-growing audience over the last two decades. He has released a series of chart-topping albums with sales of over 750,000 copies, sells out the most prestigious concert halls worldwide, composed a string of award-winning film scores and routinely tops audience polls becoming an internet phenomenon. In his Santa Barbara debut, Ludovico will perform a program of original repertoire for solo piano at the Lobero Theatre.
Educational psychologist Loretta Red shares her insights on Speaking with sense, sex and soul. The event is hosted by the Santa Barbara chapter of the Association for Women in Communications. Redd has 35 years of experience and discusses communication in personal and professional settings. The event will take place at the Canary Hotel in Santa Barbara.
Sullivan Goss, an American gallery, presents its newest exhibition of local artist Nicole Strasburg. The name of this exhibit is: islands valleys home. Come enjoy this wonderful art from now until the New Year.
Join us at the Art, Design & Architecture Museum and UC Santa Barbara for a festive evening of art and culture at the Jane Deering Gallery’s new location on 128 E. Canon Perdido in Downtown Santa Barbara. View the current exhibition “Phil Argent-Container Love” and enjoy free refreshments and entertainment. UCSB 1st Thursday is open to the public and students are welcome!
Peter Glantz of the Imanginary Company. Photo by Frank Mullin.
Influential theater and film director Peter Glantz presents a multimedia solo performance. FREE.
November 4–9 New Noise Santa Barbara Music Conference & Festival
This annual conference brings together emerging artists and people from the technical and music businesses to share “their thoughts on the future of music, tech, life, love and the pursuit of happiness” and listen to music.
November 4–December 9 Keith Puccinelli
Keith Puccinelli’s first solo exhibit in Santa Barbara is sure to be one you won’t want to miss. Through drawings and mixed-media sculptures, Puccinelli catalogues the human experience, capturing everything from humor and compassion to anger and pathos. Check out the reception, Friday, November 4 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Speaking of Stories transforms the stage into a 1940′s radio station complete with live sound effects. The classic detective radio plays are sure to give everyone an evening of mystery. $50 patron tickets, $22 for general tickets, and $15 for students.
The students at UCSB will occupy the FM dial in Storke Plaza on campus. Bring a lunch, a battery operated radio and be ready for a picnic as the students play music through the airwaves. This event is in collaboration with SB Contemporary Arts Forum’s Wireless art exhibit.
The gallery of the Left Coast Books is pleased to announce their exhibition, “Fragments from the West Coast: A Peculiar Surf Vernacular” by Russell Crotty, an internationally-known artist. The exhibition focuses on the art, sport and lifestyle of surfing over the last thirty years. Crotty, an active surfer himself, brings his experience of surfing into his drawings and depicts the shoreline from the waves point of view.
November 5, 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. VocalPoint Annual Benefit Concert
The Santa Barbara Vocal Jazz Foundation presents VocalPoint, a unique vocal jazz ensemble directed by Kim Collins. All of your favorite popular jazz arrangements will be performed through vocal harmonies at the Fe Bland Forum
located on the West Campus of Santa Barbara City College. Proceeds go towards various music education programs for students. You may call 729-2627 to reserve now. Mastercard and Visa accepted. Seating is limited so be sure to reserve early!
November 5, 8 p.m.Gil Shaham, Solo Violin
Worldwide acclaimed violinist Gil Shanham, winner of both the Avery Fisher Award and a Grammy, combines flawless technique with inimitable warmth and generosity of spirit as he performs a Bach Sonata and Partitas for solo violin.
November 5–January 8 Wireless
In honor of the UCSB radio station’s 50th anniversary, Contemporary Arts Forum presents artists concerned with the transmission of ideas, memories and objects across distances long and short. Also check out the featured Bloom Project artist, Kathleen Yorba.
November 5, 9 a.m. and November 6, 2 p.m. Wagner: Siegfried
Part three of Metropolitan Opera simulcast presentations follows Wagner’s hero, sung by Gary Lehman, on his adventure for the conquest of Brünnhilde, sung by Deborah Voigt. Conducted by James Levine and with use of Robert Lepage’s revolutionary morphing stage machine, it is quite the show.
Anyone can attend the 5K Walk, which begins and ends at the Zoo. Organizers ask walkers to raise or donate a minimum $100, which will earn the walkers a T-shirt, lunch, entertainment and admission to the Zoo for the day.
November 5, 8 p.m. Toad the Wet Sprocket with special Guest Zach Gill
The nonprofit Santa Barbara Birth Center presents the second annual benefit concert with Toad the Wet Sprocket at the Lobero Theatre. Last year’s show was a sold-out success and raised $90,000 for the Birth Center. Toad the Wet Sprocket began in 1986 in Santa Barbara. They went on to have breakout commercial success then parted ways in 1998. Recently they have regrouped and are working on material for their first album in 15 years while they tour the US.
November 5, 8 p.m., Bluesman Kenny Neal and Harmonica Legend Lazy Lester
The SB Blues Society presents second generation bluesman Kenny Neal, son of stellar Louisiana harmonica player Raful Neal.Born in Baton Rouge in 1957, Kenny learned the blues at the knees of his dad’s pals, blues greats Buddy Guy, Lazy Lester, and Slim Harpo. To quiet down a crying 3 year old, Slim gave Kenny a harmonica. A true prodigy, Kenny was soon proficient on harmonica, guitar, bass. trumpet, and piano. By the time he was 13 he was playing in his father’s band, and at 17 he became Guy’s bass player. Earl Warren Showgrounds.
King Bee will be rockin’ it at Reds, a tapas bar. This is a fabulous venue for cocktails, beer, wine and great appetizers. There will be beef sliders, artichoke dip and hot pretzels, so come to the funky side of town on Helene Ave.
This tasty, fun event will help to raise money for the Mini Grants program for the Santa Barbara Peace Corps Association. There will also be a free raffle. This event will take place at Vino Divino Wine Shop.
A discussion of access and free speech in the contemporary media landscape with public radio and sound designer panelists. The Wireless curator, Elizabeth Lovero, moderates. This event is hosted at the Canary Hotel’s Valley Room in conjunction with the New Noise Music Conference.
The Met: Live in HD presents Siegfried, the third installment of the Ring Cycle. This followed the adventures of the opera’s ultimate hero, a valiant warrior who doesn’t know the meaning of the word fear. The all-star lead is cast to Jay Morris in his first Met performance of the title role. The show runs approximately five and a half hours with two intermissions.
November 6, 3 p.m. Charlotte’s Webb
Based on the classic children’s book, Theaterworks USA’s production follows a pig named Wilbur as he escapes ending up as pork chops with help from his friend, the little grey spider Charlotte.
November 6, 7 p.m. Cinematic Titanic
Featuring the original cast of Mystery Science Theatre 3000, Cinematic Titanic presents Doomsday Machine, a feature-length movie-riffing production that plays with the unfathomable, horribly great and just plain cheesy movies from the past.
These great authors talk about, read from and sign their newest books for children an young adults. Come out and meet the award-winning authors, as well as purchase their newest books. This event is being held at the Curious Cup in Capinteria.
Join MCK in the kitchen for two wonderful cooking classes where you will learn to prepare the perfect autumn meal. The class on the 14th will feature a holiday menu, so get ready to learn to cook you and your family that flawless seasonal meal.
November 8, 9 & 11, 8 p.m. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Back by popular demand, the London-based theatre group performs The Comedy of Errors, a fast-paced and extremely funny production that explores such themes as mistaken identity, coincidence and the importance of family.
You’re in for a unique experience in theatre entertainment! Women of all ages and “stages” will find their spirits lifted by the show’s light-hearted look at menopause. This laughter-packed 90-minute production features parodies of classic songs from the 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s. The disco hit “Stayin’ Alive” becomes “Stayin’ Awake,” the Motown favorite “My Guy” is transformed into “My Thighs,” and much more! At the Lobero Theater in Santa Barbara.
November 10, 8 p.m. Pink Martini
This Portland-based group of 12 musicians is wildly diverse and intoxicating. Classically trained pianist Thomas Lauderdale and vocalist China Forbes lead the group through another “rollicking-around-the-world musical adventure.”
November 10 5:30 p.m. “Hot Topics and Highlights in Public Education”
Come listen to a free lecture about the hot topics regarding recent issues in public education. Michelle Hughes, an assistant professor of Education at Westmont, discusses the current education climate, teaching quality and acts such as “No Child Left Behind”. The lecture will be held at the University Club on Santa Barbara St.
Professor of Marine Technology, Don Barthelmess, presents a lecture about the advancements in underwater technology, as well as Santa Barbara’s establishment in underwater commercial diving industry. Watch Barthelmess explore the ideas and innovations involving deepwater diving.
November 11, 2 p.m. Free Veteran’s Day Concert
There is a free concert at First Methodist Church on the corner of Anapamu and Garden Streets. Celebrate the remarkable sacrifices made by veterans!
November 11, 7:30 p.m. and November 13, 2:30 p.m. La Bohème
The most touching love story in opera follows four young bohemians living an idealistic life in pursuit of love and art. Puccini is at his most tender, providing heart-piercing music.
November 11, 11 a.m. Veterans Day Parade
The parade starts off at the corner of State St. and Sola St. and continues down State St. until Cabrillo Blvd. Any and all veterans are invited to march in the parade. Veterans are encouraged to wear their uniform, caps and jackets. Come out and support those who have served our country, as well as those who still serve.
November 11-13, 27th Annual Vaquero Show and Sale
Come and enjoy various equestrian demonstrations in honor of the distinctive style of apparel, tack, saddles and other horse equipment developed by Vaqueros (cowboys) on the expansive cattle ranchos of Central California! All proceeds from the Vaquero Show benefit the non-profit Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum.
The Easton Gallery has represented the work of contemporary landscape artists for 20 years. The gallery is located in Santa Barbara and exhibits art from 20 local artists. The gallery is open weekends and by appointment. Currently, the gallery features excellent work by Michael Enriquez.
November 12, 11 a.m. Goleta Library Presents Childrens Dance Showcase
Children ages 3 and older are invited to the Goleta Public Library to enjoy a morning of learning flamenco, hip-hop-jazz, and latin dance. A showcase will follow with dances performed by prize-winning students of the inspiring local dance teacher, Rose Marie Cruz. Get ready to be amazed by these young dancers as they display their fast-paced footwork, fun choreography, and beautiful costumes to Spanish dance music. this even is free and open to the public.
November 12, 4 p.m. Urban Roots
The Casa Esperanza Homeless Center is screening the film Urban Roots at SBCC’s Fe Bland Auditorium in honor of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Urban Roots is a documentary about the hypothetical possibilities after the collapse of the industrial era. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy this intriguing film and help support Casa Esperanza Homeless Center in the process!
November 12 Santa Barbara Marathon
Get ready! Get set! And get pumped for Santa Barbara’s marathon! Starting in Goleta’s orchards, the trail runs through Santa Barbara’s Mesa community, finishing with a two-mile descent to the ocean. The event includes a full and a half marathon, as well as an elite rehab relay.
November 12, 2 p.m. UCSB Presents Cloud Nine
The UCSB Department of Theater and Dance presents British playwright, Caryl Churchill’s Cloud Nine, which explores power, sexuality, gender and self-identity in the times of Victorian colonialism in Africa and 1979 London. Cloud Nine was one of the earlier dramatic works that established Churchill’s place in modern British theatre. In fast-paced scenes, some of which are punctuated by musical numbers, characters attempt to navigate from repression to acceptance as their culture faces revolutionary changes. These changes are brought into high relief as 100 years pass between the two acts. The award-winning dark comedy will showcase at UCSB Performing Arts Theatre, 522 University Rd. For more information call 805/893-3022.
The first Santa Ynez Valley Art Week will highlight events such as: the 27th Annual Vaquero Show & Sale, the Diversity & Community Photographic Awards, Sanford Art & Wine workshops and many more excellent events. Download their Art Week Map for a schedule of all the events by clicking on the link above.
Alan Parsons had an incredible start to his career working with some of the biggest names in rock including The Beatles, The Hollies and Pink Floyd. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience this rock legend in concert at the Lobero Theatre—and all for a great cause.
The St. Mark’s Episcopal Church invites the public to attend a concert in honor of Veteran’s Day and all of those who have served our great nation as well as those who continue to serve. The featured artists are Kathleen Dollahon, with the viola, and Larry Hill, on the trumpet. This evening of music will be enjoyable for people of all ages.
UCSB Performing Arts presents Carl Churchill’s Cloud Nine directed by UCSB faculty member, Anne Torsiglieri, for nine performances only. CLOUD NINE explores power, sexuality, gender and self-identity. This award-winning, full-length dark comedy was one of the earlier dramatic works that established Caryl Churchill’s place in modern British theatre.
November 13, 7 p.m. A Night in Treme
Spend a night in Treme (pronounced truh-MAY), the neighborhood of New Orleans that’s known for its African-American music and culture. This concert headlines Rebirth Brass Band, a group who mixes traditional brass band sound with jazz, funk, soul and hip-hop. Joining them is a selection of performers featured on the HBO series Treme.
November 13, Human Rights Watch Annual Dinner, Doubletree Resort
The Voice of Justice Awards honors human rights defenders from around the world who put their lives at risk to protect the rights and dignity of others. Honoring: Consuelo Morales from Mexico, Sussan Tahmasebi from Iran, with special guest Prince Moulay Hicham of Morocco. For more information call, 805/284-4232.
The Santa Barbara Youth Symphony, under the direction of Andy Radford, will present its Winter Concert on November 13. The night will feature a performance of Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony and soloist Katrina Schaefer, a senior at Crossroads School in Santa Monica, will perform Ravel’s Tziganne.
November 14, 8 p.m. Stephen Petronio Dance Company
Inspired by the songs of pop balladeer Nick Cave, choreographer Stephen Petronio’s Underland is a sexual world of dance, music and visual imagery.
Come Fly Away is the new Broadway musical conceived, choreographed, and directed by Tony Award-winner Twyla Tharp and featuring the timeless songs of Frank Sinatra. Come Fly Away follows four couples as they fall in and out of love during one song and dance filled evening at a crowded nightclub. Blending the legendary vocals of Frank Sinatra with a live on-stage big band and 14 of the world’s finest dancers, Come Fly Away weaves an unparalleled hit parade of classics, including “Fly Me To The Moon,” “My Way,” and “That’s Life,” into a soaring musical fantasy of romance and seduction.
Spain cheeses are some of the best worldwide and only recently have they made it out to our Santa Barbara shores. So, it’s time to come explore the best cheese that Spain has to offer. You can purchase tickets online or by calling 965-0318.
The Lobero Theatre Foundation presents the new broadway musical Come Fly Away at the Granada Theatre. This one-of-a-kind experience combines the seductive vocals of “Ol’ Blue Eyes” with the sizzling sound of a live big band and the visceral thrill of Tony Award-winner Twyla Tharp’s choreography. You will experience the exhilaration of a first kiss, the excitement of a first dance, and the bittersweet moments of a first good-bye in a world of sparkling romance and astonishing beauty. Come Fly Away features a host of beloved Sinatra classics including “Fly Me to the Moon,” “My Way,” “New York, New York” and “Witchcraft.” Click the link for more info!
November 15, 8 p.m. Whose Live Anyway?
The cast of the hit ABC television show Whose Line Is It Anyway comes to Santa Barbara for hilarious improvisational comedy. With games famous from the television show and entirely new skits, get ready for some audience participation—and maybe even join the crew onstage.
Presented by the Santa Barbara/Ventura Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, this annual event honors the spirit of philanthropy and volunteerism. For more information call 805/308-9782.
Women’s Economic Ventures and Z Folio Gallery invite you to a free network event held at the Z Folio Gallery. Come eat, shop, explore WEV client business and check out the Czech art glass. There will be silent auctions of fine products and services.
In its early years, Solvang never advertised its Danish heritage or architecture. However, that is what Solvang is known for nowadays, from the delicious Danish cuisine to the Danish-style windmills that line Copenhagen Drive. Now, it is time to celebrate the Danish heritage that surrounds the community of Solvang by walking around the village and admiring what it has to offer. This free event will be held at Copenhagen Square in downtown Solvang.
November 18, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Camerata Pacifica
For its final fall performance, Camerata Pacifica’s world-class ensemble performs Rossini’s String Sonata 3, Lutyens’ Driving Out the Death, Wiegold’s Earth and Schubert’s Piano Quintet in A Major. With the mission statement “To affect positively how people experience live performances of classical music,” it’s sure to be a great show.
November 18 Dream Foundation’s Celebration of Dreams
Help make dreams come true for adults with life-threatening illnesses at this evening of fashion, entertainment and dreams.
Born out of collaboration between Joy Williams, a California girl, and John Paul White, a native Alabaman, The Civil Wars is a folk-pop duo that combines a stripped-down sound with some big ideas. Their song “Poison & Wine” was featured on an episode of the hit show Grey’s Anatomy, and brought their signature sound to a whole new audience. Don’t miss your chance to get to know this group up-close and personal! For more info, click the link.
November 18, 8 p.m. Club Mercy Presents the Civil Wars
Born out of collaboration between Joy Williams, a California girl, and John Paul White, a native Alabaman, this folk-pop duo combines a stripped-down sound, sans back-up band, with big ideas and equally big national interest. Their song “Poison & Wine” was featured on an episode of the hit show Grey’s Anatomy, and brought their signature sound to a whole new audience. Lobero Theatre.
It’s time to learn more about the diving history of Santa Barbara. This helps to honor the diving pioneer, Dan Wilson, as he made a huge impact on the diving industry in Santa Barbara. The opening reception includes food and Spanish guitar music.
Santa Barbara-based artist Stephanie Dotson speaks on the conceptual territory of printmaking echoed in non-print work. Dotson subverts the narratives inherent in her processes with an arsenal of working techniques to create opposition in realities which parallel from her own life.
November 18-19, 8 p.m. & November 20, 2 p.m. Genesis West presents A Number
Human cloning is the subject of this hour-long thriller that blends the scientific and the relationship between a father and his three sons- two of which are clones of the other. A Number by Caryl Churchill is the first true play of the 21st century.
The Wilding Art Museum invites the public to spend the weekend in Santa Barbara County’s wine country for touring of the studios of 30 area artists. Get acquainted with the local artists’ personally, visit their studios and enjoy delicious local wines. There will also be beer tasting through the Figueroa Brewing Company. These area artists reflect all types of work from watercolor to oil paintings to mixed media art.
November 19, 8 p.m. and November 20, 3–5 p.m. Beethoven Emperor
Nir Kabaretti conducts two Beethoven highlights in one evening, with Music Academy of the West alumnus Hong Xu on the piano. Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor” follows Symphony No. 6 “Pastoral,” a spiritual depiction of nature.
November 19, 10 a.m. and November 20, 2 p.m. Philip Glass’ Satyagraha
In the final MET encore production of the fall, Richard Croft is Gandhi in Philip Glass’ beautiful opera.
According to Charleston City Paper, “A guy like Ryan Bingham comes along every now and then — the type of songwriter that listeners immediately appreciate, hearing their own stories in the lyrics. Guys learn their songs on guitar to impress the ladies, while their girlfriends secretly imagine the real thing.” Hear him for yourself on November 19 at the Lobero Theatre.
This is the 18th annual Marketplace taking place at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. The event features of 30 artisans with unique, homemade creations, as well as coffee and baked goods. The Market is the perfect place to find some of your holiday gifts.
As Westmont launches its new concert series The Rising Stars, the 24 year-old world-renown guitarist, Mak Grgić, kicks it off. He distinguishes himself as versatile guitarist, playing classical and improvised music. Grgić received his bachelor’s degree at a Performing Arts School in Austria and continued on for his master’s at USC Thornton School of Music. Come check out Grgić at Westmont College!
November 20, 3 p.m. Ozokidz
This event had been CANCELED.
As a part of a year long anniversary celebration of 85 years, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden holds its final free day of the year. Along with free entry, visitors can partake in tours of the garden, participate in children’s craft activities and will receive a free souvenir just for coming. This is the last one of the year, so come check it out while it’s free.
November 21–23, 8 p.m. Blue Man Group
There really aren’t any words to describe the wonderfully weird world of Blue Man Group, a unique form of entertainment guaranteed to be like nothing else you’ve ever experienced. This performance abounds with a matchless explosion of comedy, music and technology. Bring the whole family—you won’t want to miss it.
November 24, 9 a.m. Thanksgiving 4 Miler
Get active this Thanksgiving and burn off some of that turkey before you even eat it! This fun run, starting at the park by Magnolia Shopping Center, takes you around the flattest part of Goleta.
The Santa Barbara Zoo hosts the pumpkin smash. Watch as elephants, gorillas and other of zoo animal favorites play with and pulverize pumpkins on this special holiday. Come visit your favorite zoo animals and have a smashing good time!
The eclectic band the Headless Household finds its groove in the 19th annual Christmas concert this year. The band effortlessly mixes up elements of jazz, avant-Americana, funk, Brazilian and more. The band has been around for more than 25 years and they don’t plan on going anywhere.
Live at the Granada Theatre, the legendary B.B. King. King has developed one of the world’s most identifiable guitar styles. His precise and complex vocal-like string bends and his left hand vibrato are today indispensable components of a rock guitarist’s vocabulary. His economy, his every-note-counts phrasing, has been a model for thousands of players from Eric Clapton and George Harrison to Jeff Beck.
November 30, 6 p.m., Adam Silverman Opening & Reception
Cabana Home, in collaboration with Edward Cell Art + Architecture, announces a solo exhibition for noted contemporary Los Angeles based potter, Adam Silverman. The exhibition presents a new collection of hand thrown pots with explosive, experimental glazes that epitomizes Silverman’s distinctive aesthetic connecting ancient and modern sensibilities. The opening reception of this exhibit and a talk from Silverman himself, will be held at the Cabana Home.
November 30, 8 p.m. David Gergen
Currently editor-at-large of U.S. News & World Report, director of Center for Public Leadership at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and senior political analyst for CNN, David Gergen offers a bipartisan analysis of politics in American today and what this means for the future.
November 30, Tales from the Tavern presents Wil Ridge with a special slide show presentation by Henry Diltz
All Tales from the Tavern shows take place at the Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez.
November 30, 8 p.m. Pianist Hélène Grimaud
CAMA’s Master series at the Lobero presents in recital Mozart’s Piano Sonata No. 8 in A minor, K. 310; Berg’s Piano Sonata, Op. 1; Liszt’s Piano Sonata in B minor and Bartók’s Romanian Folk Dances, BB 68 (1915).
November 30-January 14, Adam Silverman: New Pots Cabana Home, in collaboration with Edward Cella Art + Architecture, announces a solo exhibition for noted contemporary Los Angeles based potter, Adam Silverman. The exhibition features a new collection of hand thrown pots with explosive, experimental glazes that connect ancient and modern sensibilities and epitomize Silverman’s distinctive aesthetic. The Opening Reception will be on Wednesday, November 30 from 6–8 p.m. Exhibit hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Free and open to the public.
Ongoing: performances of ”Andrew the Jelling Stone Seeker” at the Jelling Stone Museum, Solvang
Presented by Actor’s Corner Center at Solvang’s new Jelling Stone Museum, this family event for the young and young-at-heart is a fantasy, interactive, experience which begins from the moment guests enter the museum. Historically Jelling Stones are ancient Danish ruin stones dating back to the 10th century in Jelling, Denmark. Come meet Santo Cervello the artist and the artistic creator of the museum as he tells the story of “Andrew the Jelling Stone Seeker,” a nine year old boy who lives his dream. The show is 35 minutes and runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. For more information call 805/686-2409 or visit www.actorscornercenter.com.
Presented by the UCSB Department of Theater and Dance and Santa Barbara Dance Theater, this critically acclaimed dance-theater piece explores the act of looking up, the act of holding up belief, and the act of putting your foot down and claiming your own destiny in a world seemingly composed of random coincidences. Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.
October 1, 8-11 p.m. Studio 54, Disco Queens and Kings Dance All Night Long -THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Help raise money for Santa Barbara Dance Alliance Youth Programs by dancing the night away on the Lobero Stage to the heart-pumping disco sounds of *Area 51,* which recall the New York City scene in the 60′s and 70′s. The divas of *La Petite Chouette* will writhe and whirl above as you dance into the night. Tickets are on sale now at the Lobero Box Office.
Just in time for the fall planting season, The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden will hold the largest sale of native plants between Los Angeles and San Francisco. This year’s Fall Plant Sale marks the first time the Garden Growers Nursery is selling native California plants exclusively. Featuring over 450 species and more than 5,000 plants, this event offers a terrific range of drought-tolerant and interesting native species adapted for our Mediterranean climate
Cabana Home, in collaboration with Edward Cella Art + Architecture, presents a solo exhibition with contemporary painter, Mollie Favour. Favour has exhibited since 1976 at numerous galleries around the United States, France, and Italy. In this current exhibition, Favour combines the careful observations of a botanist and the imagination of an artist to create lush and sensual abstractions of leaves, flowers, and figs. Click the link to visit the exhibit website for more information.
Through October 28, Small Images This competition usually receives over three hundred entries, all of works that must be smaller than 18 inches in any direction. Miki Garcia, director of the Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum, decides and presents the winners at the awards ceremony September 30 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Through October 3, The Moving Wall Vietnam War Memorial at Chase Palm Park
Honoring those from Santa Barbara County who died during the Vietnam War will be the mission of the five-day visit of The Moving Wall, the original replica of the national memorial designed to honor the sacrifice of the more than 58,000 men and women who died in that conflict. Visitors can go to The Moving Wall 24/7 during the five-day stay and UCSB ROTC members will stand guard at The Moving Wall, as it will be illuminated throughout the night and volunteer docents will be on hand to help guide visitors locate a name and provide information on the memorial itself.
October 1-31 Epicure.SB
Returning for its 3rd year, Santa Barbara’s annual culinary festival presents 31 days of food and drink festivals, cooking classes, winemaker dinners, special seasonal menus, book signings, lectures, epicurean-inspired art exhibits and many more tasty opportunities to sip and savor the bounty of The American Riviera. The region’s top restaurants, wineries, gourmet purveyors and galleries collectively gather for this community-wide fest celebrating Santa Barbara’s cuisine, libations and culture.
October 1-31, Mahrokh Targhibi Bonderson at the Faulkner East Gallery (Santa Barbara Public Library)
Joe Woodard says Bonderson’s “exuberant, unrestrained paintings are thickly laid with paint, swirling impressions and ornamentations. We get the sense of being lost in loud thoughts, as demanding as they are ambiguous.” She says, ”My work is a reflection of my strong sense of belonging to my land, the anxiety of the loss of a country, and the longing to bring it to life and keep all of its natural glories vivid. For these reasons, my favorite acknowledgement was being called a “raw talent” by my peers who could see my passion for my homeland (of Iran).” Her work is on view at the Faulkner East Gallery for the month of October.
October 1, 4 p.m. Blake Mycoskie
TOMS Shoes’ founder Blake Mycoskie revolutionized the consumer world by promising to give a pair of new shoes to children in need around the world with every pair sold. He explains why his seemingly counterintuitive ideas, such as giving more in tough times, are actually winning strategies.
October 1 AIA ArchitecTOURS
Take a guided tour of six notable properties and gain a deeper appreciation of the extraordinary legacy of great architecture in Santa Barbara.
October 1, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Plein Air Exhibition
This special event combines plein air art production and sale from many well-known local artists. Take in the natural beauty of the preserve while watching artists paint and examining the beautiful new works that are for sale. Bring your own paints and join in also! Live music, picnic lunch and a beer and wine garden are also part of the event. 50% of sales are being donated to the Preserve.
October 1 Sol Food Festival
Celebrate the local farmers and food at this one day event created to raise awareness of sustainable, organic and local food. Engage in workshops and discussions to learn more about how a food system based on energy from the sun instead of fossil fuel is better for both our bodies and environment, as well as the economy.
October 1, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Plein Air Exhibition at Arroyo Hondo Preserve This special event combines plein air art production and sales from many well-known local artists. Take in the natural beauty of the preserve while watching artists paint and examining the beautiful new works for sale. Live music, picnic lunch and a beer and wine garden are also part of the event.
October 1, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Christian Writer’s Conference
Join the Christian Writers Gild of Santa Barbara for their 15th annual writer’s conference. For information, call 805/682-0316.
October 1 and 2, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Chumash Inter-Tribal Pow-Wow
Honor Native American traditions and culture with a fun day for the entire family at the 16th annual pow-wow. Although pow-wows are not traditionally Chumash, other Native American tribes have gathered for decades to dance, sing, socialize and heal. The Chumash Inter-Tribal Pow-Wow provides our local band with an annual opportunity to share and celebrate its culture through a variety of traditional foods, drumming and dance performances, and beautiful handmade native crafts.
October 1-January 1 Al Weber: Lofty Views
The first in a yearlong series of photography exhibits to explore the unique artistic view of Southern California photographers, Al Weber’s passion for aerial photography is the theme. A well-known photographer of the Monterey Bay area, Weber explains, “To make a successful photograph of a common subject is my co-pilot. To bring forward features of the common, and make then uncommon with grace and simplicity with the best craft available.”
October 1-January 8 Echoes of Japan: The Prints of Henri Rivière
Henri Rivière was just one of the many artists of the artistic Parisian avant-garde movement of the late 19th century. He delved more deeply, however, producing print albums of the Parisian cityscapes through the Japanese woodblock technique. Trace his career path in this exhibit, following his early years as a designer of shadow plays for the Cabaret du Chat Noir all the way to those famous cityscapes.
UCSB Arts & Lectures presents a free lecture by African peace activist Leymah GBowee on “Mighty Be Our Powers–How Sisterhood, Prayer and Sex Changed a Nation at War,” which is the topic of her memoir.
This family friendly event features music from local artists Haddon Cord, False Puppet and others, as well as great food, a rock wall, photo booth, carnival games, bounce houses and more.
October 3, 8 p.m. The Infernal Comedy
Actor John Malkovich takes you on a journey through the life and mind of a thoroughly charming and utterly manipulative man. The intriguing play tells the story of serial killer Jack Unterweger, who, after being paroled from a life sentence, went on to kill 11 more women. This real-life story unravels through the works of Beethoven, Haydn, Weber, Vivaldi and Mozart.
Opera Santa Barbara’s Opera on the Go series will explore “the bohemian life” in a talk hosted by Simon Williams. The talk will explore the enduring appeal of Puccini’s La bohème and consider the novel that served as his inspiration, its other operatic incarnations, and some of the real-life stories that lent both realism and romance to these starving-artist tales. The series is co-sponsored by the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.
October 5, 7:30 p.m. Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson at the Arlington Theatre
This new film by Chris Paine, the director of “Who Killed the Electric Car,” goes behind closed doors at Nissan, GM, and Tesla to get the story of the global competition to produce the best new models and dominate the growing market for electric vehicles.
October 6, 8 p.m. Cambodia’s Khmer Arts Ensemble
This performance of The Lives of Giants originates from the Reamker—the Cambodian version of the ancient Sanskrit epic Ramayana. Through elaborate dance and music, mythology and contemporary global politics merge in this reflection of Cambodia’s turbulent past.
An exhibition of works from artists who were born in the 1920s, including Bob Frame, Leonard Edmondson, Robert S. Neuman, Margaret Singer, Ken Nack and others.
The Los Olivos Rotary Club and St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church invite the public to attend a very special benefit concert for Arts Outreach at the church located at 2901 Nojoqui Avenue at the corner of Alamo Pintado Avenue in downtown Los Olivos. The featured performers are renowned pianist Francesco Attesti and organist Matteo Galli.
October 7, 8 p.m. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Ave
Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews plays a high-energy, jazz, funk-rock show with his six-piece band, Orleans Avenure.
October 7-9 Avocado Festival
As the third largest avocado-producing county in North America, it’s only fitting for one of the largest festivals in California to be located in Carpinteria. Three days of family fun including great food and music, this is one of the few community festivals still happening in the heart of downtown. This year, over forty non-profit groups will benefit from the event.
October 7-January 1 Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands
Colorful descriptions of American flora and fauna in the colonial era appeared in this celebrated 18th century work. Also keep an eye out for “Arctic Sanctuary: Images of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge,” opening late fall.
October 8, 6 p.m. The Seedless Summer 2011 Tour, Slightly Stoopid with Rebelution and Shwayze & Cisco, Santa Barbara Bowl
October 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Harbor & Seafood Festival
Come to the 10th annual festival featuring a ton of family fun. Enjoy the fabulous seafood while listening to live music and participating in arts and crafts. You can also go on free boat rides or tour a tall ship. And don’t forget to enter the raffle for a kayak!
October 8, 1-4 p.m. Celebration of Harvest
Each year the Santa Barbara County Vinters’ Association puts on this event right at the heart of winegrape harvest season. A showcase for the latest wines, also enjoy local specialty foods, live bands and a silent auction to benefit local food banks.
October 8 and 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Reiki Clinic at Return to Freedom
Learn about the history of Reiki, the Universal Laws of healing and energy work, and how to work on yourself and others. This level teaches hands on and off the body healing techniques. Also learn how to scan the body for energy blocks and a form of applied kinesiology.
October 8-9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ojai Studio Artists Tour
This self-guided tour spans Ojai Valley as well as surrounding areas. Refer to your included map for the location of all participating artists’ studios.
October 8, 8 p.m., Shakespeare 150 Gala Benefit at Theater 150
Join Ojai’s finest actors for a wild excursion in the wonderful world of Shakespeare.
October 8, 1p.m.-5p.m. Ojai Raptor Center, For the Birds
ORC presents an annual fundraiser in support of our local wildlife. This benefit helps benefit 1400 birds and other wildlife. Special musical performances by Rain Perry and The Get Outside Band.
October 9, 3 p.m. Riders in the Sky
Best known for their album Woody’s Round Up, featured in Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 2, these Wild West cowboys are favorite children’s entertainers, both on television and the radio, as well as live!
October 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Old Time Fiddler’s Convention and Festival
The festival turns 40 this year and therefore welcomes back festival founder Peter Feldmann and his group The Very Lonesome Boys. It’s a day to dance and appreciate Old Time acoustic music. With one of the premier Old Time music contests on the West Coast, workshops all day and delicious barbeque, this day long celebration of traditional American folk music brings the community together to encourage a love and learning for our country’s rich musical heritage.
In June, as he was embarking on his final tour before retiring, legendary country star Glen Campbell went public with his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Now, as part of his farewell world tour, the “Rhinestone Cowboy” will perform in Santa Barbara at 7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 9, at the Lobero Theatre, in a concert benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association, California Central Coast Chapter.
Francis Jansen, sculptor of the “Monument to Forgiveness,” which garnered international acclaim and stood adjacent to the Santa Barbara Mission from 1993-1995, will unveil her newest sculptural achievement, Pillars of Providence. Comprised of two eight-foot tall lime stone pillars, the elaborately detailed mythic figures embody the divine aspects of the masculine and feminine and their interconnection with the natural world, all sculpted between capstones imprinted with sacred geometry. Jansen is the artist-in-residence at La Casa de Maria and has been working on the pillars for the past two years.
October 11, 8 p.m. the New Gary Burton Quartet at the Lobero Theatre
October 12, Healing Hands for Arthritis
Massage Envy has joined forces with the Arthritis Foundation to host Healing Hands for Arthritis, a one‐day national event to build awareness and raise funds to fight arthritis. On World Arthritis Day–October 12–Massage Envy Spas in Santa Barbara County will donate $10 from every one‐hour massage and facial to the Arthritis Foundation.
October 13, 5-7 p.m., Jazz at the Plaza featuring Vocal Point & Jazz All Stars
La Cumbre Plaza’s popular jazz series features free music and special $15 wine tastings withproceeds benefitting local nonprofits.
In recognition of his contributions to the world of film, Michael Douglas will be bestowed with his father’s honor, the 2011 KIRK DOUGLAS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FILM from the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. This is the 6th annual black-tie Gala dinner.
A one-man comic mystery that transcends the ages. Underneath the Lintel, by Glen Berger will star Tim Bagley, acclaimed his recurring role on “Will and Grace.” This off-Broadway hit was chosen by Time Out New York as one of the “Top Ten Plays of the Year in 2001. For reservations and information call the Ensemble
Box Office at 805/965-5400.
October 13, 5:30 p.m. Free Green Building Workshop from Allen Associates
Allen Associates is hosting another free public workshop on the latest in green building approaches, products and systems. This workshop, to be held at a recently completed LEED for Homes Platinum project. Please call Karen at 805/884-8777 ext. 121, to reserve your space and to learn the workshop location.
Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation will host its 6th annual fall fundraising event…with a twist. It will be An Evening of Laughter and Love at the Lobero Theatre, honoring Carol Burnett, an icon in the world of comedy, with special guests to make guests laugh their way through this night to remember. Glee star and fabulous funny woman Jane Lynch will introduce and honor Carol. Dennis Miller once again joins the foundation to emcee the evening and to remind guests that laughter is the best medicine and the foundation has the prescription: an evening of laughter and love at Lobero Theatre.
October 14, 5:30 p.m. Planned Parenthood’s Politics, Sex & Cocktails
Cecile Richards, one of the country’s leading voices in the political battle for the support of women’s rights, sex education and reproductive health, discusses the current status of sexual and reproductive health care and what the future holds for Planned Parenthood.
Revisiting the Finish Fetish and Light and Space movements of recent decades, painter/sculptor R. Nelson Parrish interprets the California art-gestalts with a perspective all his own. Reception October 14, exhibition will be on view through November 5.
The second concert of the season, Camerata Pacifica’s ensemble tries to focus on an intimate and personal connection for the audience to the music and musicians. On that note, join pianist Adam Neiman as he introduces selections from Liszt’s Transcendental Etudes.
October 14-16 CALM Antiques and Vintage Decorative Arts Show and Sale
The west’s finest dealers gather at Earl Warren Showgrounds to sell everything from period furniture, garden artifacts, decorative accessories, paintings estate jewelry, silver, textiles, linens, glassware, china, porcelain, and more. All proceeds benefit CALM, a local nonprofit agency specializing in the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect.
This year Community Counseling and Education Center’s (CCEC) Gala Benefit Motown Downtown will celebrate 27 years of service to the Santa Barbara community by dancing All Night Long with Area 51 at the Cabrillo Arts Pavilion.
October 14, 1p.m. and 7:30p.m. pianist Adam Neiman
Camerata Pacifica presents pianist Adam Neiman, hailed as “a pianist who can reveal music as drama” (New York Concert Review) and as “…a genuine rarity…he plays with imagination and authority, not just an extra helping of technique” (Chicago Tribune). Neiman has performed regularly with Camerata Pacifica since 2008.
October 15, 12-4 p.m. SB Beer Festival
Gear up for a great afternoon of sampling the best brewers in the west. All proceeds generated from the ticket revenues go toward two local nonprofits, Elings Park and the Santa Barbara Rugby Association.
October 15, 8 p.m. Mary Oliver
With a connection to the natural world described in evocative and precise imagery, Mary Oliver’s poetry makes the everyday magical. One of the best American poets, she has won both the Pulitzer Prize as well as a National Book Award.
October 15, 10 a.m. and October 16, 2 p.m. Anna Bolena
Missed the live event? Now you can catch an HD screening of all the shows you weren’t able to see the first time around. The opening show of the MET: Live in HD season is Donizetti’s production of the ill-fated Anne Boleyn as she is driven insane by her unfaithful king.
October 15 and 16 Lemon Festival
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, don’t miss the biggest celebration in Goleta! Be a part of the fun family atmosphere while enjoying the food and activites. Golteta fall classic car and street rod show. Pie-eating contest, NEW green business trade show.
Starring Academy Award® Nominees Eric Roberts and Sally Kirkland, with Peter Stormare and Jsu Garcia, “The Wayshower” will have an exclusive free preview screening at the Arlington Theatre followed by a Q&A with co-director/co-writer/star Jsu Garcia and co-writer/co-director Dr. John-Roger, along with selected members of the cast & crew. This film recently won the Las Vegas Film Festival’s highest honor, the Golden Ace Feature Film Award and also the Best Ensemble Cast at Hollywood’s First Glance Film Festival earlier this summer.
October 15-23, Peer Gynt
Westmont College Festival Theatre and Lit Moon Theatre Company present Henrik’s Ibsen’s epic masterpiece in a multi-part, multi-venue production. Part 1 will be performed at the Porter Theatre on the Westmont Campus and part 2 will be performed at Center Stage Theater.
Caly Poly Arts presents one of the world’s most acclaimed and innovate ensemble of performers with and without disabilities. Artists from the company, Rodney Bell and Sonsheree Giles, were dancers on the widely popular television show “So You Think You Can Dance.” Axis Dance Company will make you rethink the possibilities of the human body. This performance will take place at Faye and Spanos Theatre at Cal Poly.
October 16, Community Free Day at the Santa Barbara Botanic GardenOctober 16, 4 p.m. Los Angeles Philharmonic with Gustavo Dudamel
Community Arts Music Association brings director Gustavo Dudamel back to Santa Barbara right after his debut last May. This time he brings with pianist Yefim Bronfman with him. Described as infectious and credited with having made the LA Philharmonic the most interesting orchestra in America, Dudamel is sure to impress yet again.
Sponsored by MarBorg Industries.Along with free entry, visitors can participate in docent tours at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., visit an authentic Japanese Tea House and watch an actual Tea Ceremony, and receive free reusable grocery bags compliments of MarBorg Industries. Santa Barbara Channelkeeper will have an “examination station” by Mission Creek for visitors to explore water bugs and other critters and learn about the watershed. This month’s “Community Free Day” is taking place in the midst of the Fall Plant Sale, as the Garden’s courtyard turns into a native plant wonderland featuring more than 400 varieties. With fall planting season upon us, the Master Gardeners’ table is a great place to get horticultural questions answered and grow native in your home garden.
Eat delicious German food, sample microbrewed beers and fine wine, and enjoy lively music by the Biergarten Musikmeisters in the Lobero Courtyard. They”ll have dancing and singing, bratwurst, sauerkraut, and apfel strudel, fabulous door prizes, and exciting auction items. Come in costume (Victorian Vogue is offering a 10% discount for costumes for this event)! Bring your friends! All proceeds will benefit Santa Barbara Revels and support The Christmas Revels.
Advanced Dancer Daniel Ulbricht and pianist Alan Moverman will explore a mixture of choreography.
October 18 Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra presents Maestro Mozart! 7:30 p.m. Lobero Theatre
The 2011-2012 Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra concert season begins on October 18, 2011, with Maestro Mozart!, a program celebrating the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on the 220th anniversary of his death. Maestro Ohyama has programmed overtures from four of Mozart’s best-loved operas (The Marriage of Figaro, Idomeneo, The Impresario, and Don Giovanni), as well as Mozart’s Symphony No. 35, the ’Haffner,’ and his Piano Concerto No. 23, K. 488 in A Major. Please visit www.sbco.org or call (805) 966-2441 for more information.
October 18 and 19, 8 p.m. New York City Ballet MOVES
This new enterprise includes a select 25 performers from NYCB’s principals, soloists, corps and musicians. Its first season includes two, live-music, vibrant programs. This event will take place at Granada Theatre.
The old Mission of Santa Inés and its surrounding area has become a highly successful agricultural community. The easy-to-walk pedestrian path connects over 2 dozen sites. The Heritage Trail honors the institutions, attractions and points of interest that tell the educational and compelling story of the area’s rich cultural heritage.
Benefitting the Mental Health Association in Santa Barbara County, this event features work by local artists Chris Potter, Wyllis Heaton, Kurtis Ashley Hughes and Kevin Gleason,with 50% of proceeds supporting the Mental Health Association.
October 20, 2 p.m. and October 29, 10 a.m. Don Giovanni
The second show of the season of MET: Live in HD, the video encore presentation of shows you might have missed, features Mariusz Kwiecien playing Mozart’s timeless anti-hero. Directed by Tony-Award winner Michael Grandage and conducted by James Levine.
La Cumbre Plaza’s popular jazz series features free music and special $15 wine tastings withproceeds benefitting local nonprofits.
October 20, 5–7:30 p.m. Colors of Santa Barbara Art Show & Sale
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and the Mental Health Association of Santa Barbara County present Colors of Santa Barbara! Stroll the lush grounds of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, enjoy live classical guitar, sip on wine, and sample delicious hors d’oeuvres all while viewing plein air artists create works on site. The event features work by local artists Chris Potter, Wyllis Heaton, Kurtis Ashley Hughes and Kevin Gleason. Tickets are $45, artwork will be on sale, and 50% of proceeds will support the Mental Health Association.
October 21, 6–12 p.m.Community Environmental Council’s Green Gala
Welcome to the eco-chic Gypsy Village, which focuses on repurposed, borrowed and recycled elements throughout its fortune tellers and tarot card readers, musicians, servers and exotic tent setting. The event helps the Community Environmental Council with its goal to transition our region off fossil fuels in one generation.
Santa Barbara Youth Music Academy presents the second annual Youth Battle of the Bands to benefit the Santa Barbara Youth Music Academy. Celebrity judges include JR Richards (Dishwalla), Bruce Kulick (Kiss, Grand Funk), and Howie Rosen (promoter).
October 21, 8 p.m. Mary Robinson
The first woman President of Ireland and a former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson is a world leader and strong human rights advocate who puts humanity at the forefront of her politics.
October 21-23 Boo at the Zoo
For a safe, traffic-free night of trick-or-treating, look no further than the zoo. Filled with fun events to participate in like Trick & Treat Trail, the Boo-Choo-Choo train, Spooky Storytelling, Costume Parades and more, it’s sure to be a fun spook-tacular event.
This 57-member orchestra showcases its diversity by performing a variety of music using a wide range of instruments. The conductor, Paul Mori, has been featured on public radio stations for his prestigious “Music in Maryland” series. At Westmont, throughout this whole year, he conducts chamber ensembles and coaches the brass and winds sections.
Just in time for Halloween- the costumes from the PCPA (Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts) extensive warehouse go public. There are an assortment of costumes from various plays and decades, as well as a great selection of shoes, masks, wigs and hats.
Based on Craiglist “missed connections” personal ads, this modern day art show is presented on animation acetate cels , acrylic, aerosol and mixed media. It is co curated with special guests Alex Goetchius, Nathan Vonk and Andi Garcia. The proceeds go to benefit ‘Heart2Hand’ Youth Arts Fund.
Trinity Backstage Coffee House welcomes critically acclaimed songwriter Peter Bradley Adams. Formerly of the duo Eastmountainsouth, the inspiring writer is set to release his fourth solo album, Between Us, on June 14. Come see him perform live!
With opening act Kristi Rose & Fats Kaplin. A fourth generation Californian, Dave Alvin, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and self-described “barroom guitarist,” is widely considered to be one of the pivotal founders of the current Americana music scene. Since forming the highly influential roots rock/R&B band The Blasters, and throughout his long and critically acclaimed solo career, his 30 years of recordings and live performances move through loud, aggressive rock ‘n’ roll to contemplative acoustic storytelling. His songs have been recorded by a “who’s who” of contemporary roots artists from Los Lobos, Little Milton and Joe Ely to Dwight Yoakam, James McMurtry and X; while they have also been featured in many movies and television shows including The Sopranos, True Blood, The Wire, Justified, Six Feet Under, Crybaby, Miss Congeniality and From Dusk to Dawn.
October 22 United Way’s Red Feather Ball
This annual event focuses on Fun in the Sun, a collaboration of more than 30 public and private agencies that offers life-changing summer activities for homeless and poverty-level children.
October 22, 2 p.m. Let’s Talk Dance!
The Brian Brooks Moving Company does minimalist works with an unexpected and delightful sense of whimsy. The company is well-known for live performances that incorporate video, animation, visual art, music, and sound design to create pure synergy. Hear insider tips on what he’ll be bringing to his upcoming DANCEworks residency at the Lobero and ask your questions.
October 22, 8 p.m. Peter Bradley Adams
Formerly one half of the duo, Eastmountainsouth, Peter Bradley Adams since released three solo records and many of his songs have appeared in films and television shows. You will not want to miss this fast developing songwriter!
October 22, 8-10 p.m. and 23, 3-5 p.m. Fantastique Opening
Nir Kabaretti conducts one of today’s top cellists, Lynn Harrell, through three magnificent pieces. The concert opens with contemporary American composer John Adam’s Tromba Lontana, followed by Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto. The night ends with Berlioz’s romantic piece Symphonie Fantastique, which follows an artist as he escapes hopeless love.
October 22-23, Ecotopia: Creating Conscious Communities
A two-day festival in the mountains of Ojai celebrating a balance between social and ecological well-being that embraces both ancient wisdom and state-of-the-art technology.
This is sure to be a great show as very talented artists share their work with the community. There will be art wear, jewelry, accessories, handbags, clothing, lotions and tasty treats to choose from. This event is free and is a wonderful start to finding all those holiday gift items.
October 22, 1-4 p.m., The Art of R.W. Firestone
Robert Firestone is an artist who utilizes a variety of images and impressions and whose insights into life are a very personal offering to others. At this release party, come meet Robert and taste new wines at his art reception. This event will take place at the Artiste studio on Los Olivos. Tickets are free to members and $15 for guests.
October 23, 2-4 p.m., Author Barbara Greenleaf Signs Good-to-Go Cafe
In the second book in her series for business-minded teens, Barbara Greenleaf’sGood-to-Go Café follows a half-Jewish/half Hispanic teenager as he tries to find himself and success as a chef. You’ll recognize Santa Barbara in this funny, inspirational, and informative novel. Chaucer’s Books, 3321 State St.
October 23 Chowder Fest
Don’t miss Food & Home Magazine’s 2nd Annual Chowder Competition. Last year, a whopping 26 local restaurants made it extremely difficult for a panel of judges to decide who to award for the two categories: Clam and Creative. There’s also a separate award for the People’s Choice. The Boathouse at Hendrie’s Beach currently displays the revolving trophy for their divinely delicious Whiskey Crab Chowder. Proceeds benefit Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County.
Before catching the show on the 25th, the talented Hubbard Street dancer, Penny Suanders, teaches a contemporary dance class open to the public. If you have ever wanted to learn to dance with guidance from a professional, now is a better time than any to learn!
October 25, 8 p.m. Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
One of the world’s most original forces in contemporary dance, this group of 16 dancers are known for their unparalleled versatility as well as for having the highest artistic standards. Innovative and diverse, this group is sure to thrill.
October 25, 7 p.m. Reading to Feature Author, Salmon Fisher
Leslie Leyland Fields is an author, speaker, editor and an active participant in the salmon fishing industry in Kodiak, Alaska. At Westmont College, Fields will read from her most recent essay “One Skiff, Two Women, Wild Ocean: A Life in Alaska.” The lecture is sure to be inspiring and stimulating.
UCSB Arts & Lectures presents the Santa Barbara debut of Planet Money LIVE, the entertaining and humorous live stage version of National Public Radio’s economics radio show at UCSB Campbell Hall in a presentation titled The Economy, Explained. Did somebody just say economics? Don’t worry! Once these lively explicators get started, they keep things witty, easy to understand and rolling along.
October 26 & November 2 &9 Free Noontime Bohéme Concert
As rehearsal begin for La bohéme, Opera Santa Barbara is offering free noontime concerts featuring members of 2011 Studio Artists Program. The concerts will take place in Granada Theater.
Based on Sam Raimi’s 1980s cult classic films and presented by Out of the Box Theatre Company. Center Stage Theater, 8 p.m.
October 28, 5:30 p.m. Contemporary Arts Forum’s Free Pumpkin Carving Contest and Autumnal Wine Tasting
Join CAF for a family friendly night of ghoulish delights, crafted with fun activities for all ages. Free activities include wine tasting from Kunin Wine’s premiere selections, face painting and hair tinseling by Paul Mitchell the School. Carved pumpkins may be submitted the day before or carved at the pre-party session on October 27 at 7 p.m.
Renowned pumpkin carver Dennis Banning will instruct a “grown ups-only” pumpkin carving class at Oreana Winery. Banning has held seminars at Chicago’s Smith & Hawken for many years and has even made an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show! There will also be a screening of Creepshow, the 1982 black comedy straight from the mind of Stephen King and directed by George A. Romero. Fabulous new Oreana wines, toasted pumpkin seeds, and fresh-popped corn will be available. For ages 21 and older.
October 28, 6 p.m. Invasion: An Extraterrestrial Halloween at Canary Hotel!
On Friday, October 28th from 6–11p.m., Canary Hotel is rolling out the landing pad for an otherworldly invasion in what is surely going to be their best Halloween bash yet! There will be a costume contest, drink specials, a DJ dual featuring Matty Matt vs. Pat Swayzak, and more! Alien inspired attire is encouraged, so get your E.T. costume and your Martian dance moves ready! Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the door.
Rob Kapilow captivates his audience full of both adults and children with his classical music. He unravels the beauty of this music genre and help listeners to appreciate it in all new ways. This event will take place at Lobero Theater and a lively Q & A will follow the performance.
Want to get your children to the theater? Well, now is your chance. The Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra incorporates sophisticated references to classical and popular music into a parable about prejudice. Come watch and enjoy Rob Kapilow’s version of this Dr. Suess classic.
October 29, 7-8:30 p.m. Van Jones Presents Green For All: The Next American Economy
A benefit event for Sustainable Vocations, a sustainability and leadership training program for young people. Van Jones is a globally recognized, award-winning pioneer in human rights and the clean energy economy and the event will be held at the Marjorie Luke Theatre. Tickets are available at the Lobero Box Office, online or by calling 805/963-0761.
October 29 Summit for Danny
Hit the trail to help raise funds for the first outpatient treatment center for teens in Santa Barbara, the Daniel Bryant Youth and Family Treatment Center. Includes three hikes that range from easy to advanced, each followed by a community barbecue.
Get into the Halloween spirit and don’t miss the SPOOktacular activities like costume contests, trick or treating and magic tricks at the Boocara Bar. There will also be an outdoor movie screening of the Nightmare Before Christmas. All of these fun activities will take place at the Bacara Resort & Spa.
Ever heard of a flash mob? Well, a couple days before Halloween, people around the world will simultaneously perform Michael Jackson’s Thriller to celebrate a one-of-a-kind global dance experience. This year’s Santa Barbara event benefits San Martin Chiquito. It’s not too late to join in the Thriller dance practices! No experience needed.
October 29 and 30 Concours d’Elegance
Luxury automotives come to Santa Barbara this October. The top antique, vintage, classic, exotic and modern American and European automobiles come together with fine food and wine, are and fashion.
On the 29th, The Kingston Candy Company hosts a wonderful Arabian night with Princess Jasmine. Come enjoy candy, cake and a special reading by the beautiful Princess herself. On the 30th, expect a visit from Captain Voltaire from Star Wars. The best part? These events are completely free!
This year’s fair comes just before Halloween and offers a haunted house, petting zoo, face painting, pumpkin carving contests, batting cages and even a cake walk. There is also a Coyote Club Corner, a play area designed for preschoolers. With live music, ice cream and BBQ, there is something for every member of the family. Admission is free and open to the public. This event is located at Crane School in Montecito.
October 30, 4 p.m. Screening of the film classic “Nosferatu”
The Santa Barbara International film festivals presents a pre-Halloween screening of the silent film “Nosferatu.” Live music and sounds effects will be performed by Scott Foppiano on the pipe organ. The silent film, shot in 1922, still continues to pack theaters with spectators all over the world. Tickets are available at the Arlington box office.
Tovaris is an international dance legend and choreographer. He has choreographed world tours of artists like Britney Spears, the Pussycat Dolls and Janet Jackson. He has also worked with So You Think You Can Dance, MTV and American Idol. He will hosting different level dance classes as well as holding autograph and photo sessions for his fans.
Join Pascale in the kitchen and learn to prepare a great seasonal meal, which includes wild mushrooms in parchment parcels, roasted persimmons and a vanilla-lemon crème Fraiche.
Rocco Landesman, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, announced that Opera Santa Barbara has been recommended for a grant of $28,000 to support its April 2012 production of Christoph Willibald Gluck’s Orphée et Eurydice. Opera Santa Barbara is one of three Santa Barbara-based organizations recommended for a grant as part of the NEA’s second round of fiscal year 2011 grants. The other two local groups are the Lobero Theatre and the Contemporary Arts Forum. In total, the Arts Endowment will distribute more than $88 million to support 1,145 projects nationwide.
Updated 5/26/11- Contemporary Arts Forum received a $20,000 grant in support of the Forum Lounge, a free monthly series of performance-based multi-disciplinary events.
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Video of the Month
Santa Barbara SEASONS takes a look at the history of the Oak Group painters and their quest to preserve open space in Santa Barbara.
June 2–September 16 Portrayal/Betrayal
June 6, 11:30-1:30 p.m. 2012 Women of Achievement Awards: From Breaking News to Awakening the Muse
June 7–10 Ojai Music Festival
June 22-24 Summer Solstice Festival and Parade
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.
November 5, 8 p.m. Toad the Wet Sprocket with special Guest Zach Gill
The St. Mark’s Episcopal Church invites the public to attend a concert in honor of Veteran’s Day and all of those who have served our great nation as well as those who continue to serve. The featured artists are Kathleen Dollahon, with the viola, and Larry Hill, on the trumpet. This evening of music will be enjoyable for people of all ages.
November 14, 
The Wilding Art Museum invites the public to spend the weekend in Santa Barbara County’s wine country for touring of the studios of 30 area artists. Get acquainted with the local artists’ personally, visit their studios and enjoy delicious local wines. There will also be beer tasting through the Figueroa Brewing Company. These area artists reflect all types of work from watercolor to oil paintings to mixed media art.
November 30-January 14, 
Through-October 2, 
October 1-31, 
October 9, 7 p.m. 
October 14, Motown Downtown benefit for 
This 57-member orchestra showcases its diversity by performing a variety of music using a wide range of instruments. The conductor, Paul Mori, has been featured on public radio stations for his prestigious “Music in Maryland” series. At Westmont, throughout this whole year, he conducts chamber ensembles and coaches the brass and winds sections.
October 23, 2-4 p.m., Author Barbara Greenleaf Signs 
October 26, 8 p.m. 
