Through August 4 2nd Fridays Art
Come to the artist reception July 13 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. to celebrate the kick off of Second Fridays Art for the month of July. The three talented artists part of “Summer Eclectic” include Dorothy Churchill Johnson, Rod Lathim, and Sharon Schock. For more information call 805/682-4722.
Through August 4 Another Beautiful Day in Paradise at Art From Scrap
Come to Art From Scrap to see the work from Santa Barbara artists. The featured artists include: William Bermant, Inga Guzyte, Dan Levin, Tara Patrick, Peter Price, and Phil Taylor.
Through August 8 Figure Fragments: The Part As the Whole
Santa Barbara County Arts Commission presents an exhibition focusing on fragmentation and what it reveals of our lives. The local artists featured include Sky Bergman, Steve Cushman, David Brown, Rebecca Erbstoesser, Nat Fast, James Hapke, Ian Hassett, Alissa Massey, Libby Smith, Patrick Trimbath and Seyburn Zorthian. Explore this exhibition at the Betteravia Government Center in Santa Maria.
Through August 12 Scenery, Story, Spirit: American Painting and Sculpture from the Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Through August 12 Behind the Wheel
Through August 17 Santa Barbara Printmakers 19th Annual Juried Exhibition
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.
Through August 2012 Open Dialogue Summer Salon Series
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 Arts Fund website.
Through September 8 Five Photographers
Come by Cabana Home to check out the new work by photographers William Berry, Gerald Incandela, David Mitchell, Alex Slade, and Joni Sternbach! Cabana Home and Edward Cella Art+Architecture together present this stunning, free exhibition open to the public. See the unique photographic approaches and visions by each artist, and how they each have their own distinct style.
Though September 30 Wesley Anderegg: The Escape Artist
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.”
Through October 7 Summer Group Show
Summer Group Show at the Easton Gallery is holding its opening reception July 27 from 6-8 p.m. The artists in this show include: Whitney Brooks Abbott, Phoebe Brunner, Rick Bury, Chris Chapman, Patricia Chidlaw, John Comer, Bill Dewey, Michael Enriquez, Sonya Fairbanks, Whitney Brooks Hansen, Glenna Hartmann, Patricia Hedrick, Tom Henderson, John Iwerks, Pamela Kendall Schiffer, Rick Schloss, Arturo Tello, and Kevin Turcotte.
August 1, 7:30 p.m. Them!
For an unusual way to spend a hot summer night, attend the free series of science fiction film classics of the 1950s (presented by UCSB Arts & Lectures, Santa Barbara County Park Foundation, Santa Barbara County Arts Commission and the Community Services Department of Santa Barbara County). An atomic test in the desert spawns a nest of giant radioactive ants and in a climactic battle, federal agents are sent to destroy the colony in the sewers of Los Angeles. One of the first and best of the “creature feature” movies. (Gordon Douglas, 1954, 94 minutes)
August 1–5 Old Spanish Days Fiesta
Dedicated to preserving Santa Barbara’s history, culture and spirit, the 2012 Fiesta theme, “Viva La Familia” (long live the family) emphasizes the strength and roots of this long-standing community celebration. Savor traditional Spanish and Mexican-American foods while listening to live music and enjoying dance performances at the mercados. The rodeo, El Desfile Histórico (historical parade), El Desfile De Los Niños (children’s parade) and La Fiesta Pequeña at the Mission are always highlights.
August 2, 9, 2 p.m. Music Academy of the West Concert Series
Music Academy of the West presents an intimate hour long features Music Academy of the West Fellows performing at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Tickets are required at this free event, and tickets will be distributed at a first-come, first-serve basis starting at 1:15 p.m. at Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s Park Entrance.
August 2, 5–10 p.m. Celebración de Los Dignatarios
Presented jointly by Old Spanish Days and Santa Barbara Zoo, this fundraiser honors Santa Barbara’s elected officials and features live entertainment, dancing, mariachis, margaritas and tempting treats from more than 20 local restaurants.
August 3, 3 p.m. La Musica Antigua de Espana Old Spanish Days’ Fiesta concert
Come enjoy this concert of old Spanish, Mexican and early Californian music incorporating voice, classical guitar, piano and organ. The concert will take place at Trinity Episcopal Church on 1500 State Street.
August 3, 7:30 p.m.; August 5. 2:30 p.m. The Rake’s Progress
The Music Academy of the West presents Igor Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress. This spectacular showing will take place at Santa Barbara’s Granada Theater. Conducting is Alexander Lazarev, the former artistic director of Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre, and joining him is stage director David Paul, a Juilliard faculty member. The 45-member opera orchestra consists of Music Academy instrumental Fellows. For more information call 805/969-8787.
August 3, 7–9:30 p.m.Castanets and Cocktails at the Courthouse
Santa Barbara Courthouse Legacy Foundation invites guests to view the excitement of Las Noches de Ronda from the elegant second-story Loggia while savoring margaritas, sangria and spicy tapas.
August 4, 3 p.m. La Música Antigua de España
Celebrate the twenty-ninth annual Old Spanish Day’s Fiesta concert featuring vocal, piano, organ, and classical guitar music from Old Spain, Mexico, and Early California. This exciting event takes place at Trinity Episcopal Church. For more information call 805/965-7419 or 805/687-0189. ¡Via la fiesta!
August 4–September 30 Mario Ybarra: The Tio Project
Wilmington-based artist Mario Ybarra Jr. presents a museological tribute to his family, specifically his uncles. Inspired by a recent trip to the archaeological Moesgård Museum in Denmark, Ybarra creates a built environment at Contemporary Arts Forum displaying both fictional and non-fictional objects from his uncles’ lives.
August 5, 2:30 p.m. Facing Facts: Panel Discussion
Participate in a discussion with an eclectic group of panelists including artist, Tony de los Reyes, UCSB Professor of Critical Theory and Integrative Studies, Colin Gardner, Nevin Schreiner, a writer and USC School of Cinematic Art Adjunct Faculty, and Sameer Pandya, a UCSB Professor of Asian American Studies. The conversation allwoys everyone to share their favorite portrait of all time in addition to their favorite picture from Santa Barbara Museum of Art’ s Portrayal/Betrayal exhibition. This event is free for Santa Barbara Museum of Art Members.
August 9, 3-6 p.m. 2012 Legislative Summit
The bank of Santa Barbara sponsors the 2012 Legislative Summit held at the Bacara Resort & Spa. It features a panel of local and regional officials, discussing municipal bankruptcies, unfunded liabilities, pension reform, and the state budget. The speakers include Ed Easton, Mayor of Goleta, Helene Schneider, Mayor of Santa Barbara, Janet Wolf, 2nd District County Supervisor, Das Williams, State Assemblyman, John Chiang, State Controller, and Lois Capps, US Congresswoman.
August 7, 7 p.m.Norah Jones
One of the music world’s most consistently intriguing singer-songwriters, Norah Jones has a new album, Little Broken Hearts, which is a fascinating next step in her artistic evolution. Always a local favorite, Jones has won nine Grammy Awards and has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide.
August 7–12 15th Annual Ojai Playwrights Conference Summer New Works Festival
Under the guidance of artistic director/producer Robert Egan, carefully selected playwrights congregate in Ojai for an intensive two-week in-residence workshop to develop new works for the American theatre. This process culminates in OPC’s popular Summer New Works Festival, a weeklong celebration of new plays and creative collaboration featuring world-premiere plays, special performance events and a family theatre day.
August 7- November 18 The Dragon Awakens: Exhibit of George Stuart Manchu Figures
Check out The Dragon Awakens exhibit at the Museum of Ventura Count, and see the one-quarter life-size figures portraying important figures in China during the Manchu Dynasty. Hear the exhibit-related monologues by George Stuart Secrets of the Forbidden City, September 11, and The Last of the Manchus, October 16 at 2 p.m., located at the Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Pavilion. For more information call 805/653-0323.
August 8 & 10,7:30 & 8:30 p.m. Invasion of the Body Snatchers
For an unusual way to spend a hot summer night, attend the free series of science fiction film classics of the 1950s (presented by UCSB Arts & Lectures, Santa Barbara County Park Foundation, Santa Barbara County Arts Commission and the Community Services Department of Santa Barbara County). Conformity and paranoia mix in this classic film about a small-town doctor who begins to suspect that his patients may be alien duplicates. (Don Siegel, 1956, 81 minutes)
August 9, 6 p.m. Cabaret
This signature fundraiser supporting Music Academy’s full scholarship program features cocktails, a gourmet dinner under the stars and performances by the academy’s Voice Program.
August 9-11 Memphis Meets Margerum!
August 9, 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Concerts in the Park
Youth bands False Puppet, Bad Jack and Brandi Lentini & Stolen Thunder will be bringing a night of rock music to Chase Palm Park in this week of the Concerts in the Park series.
August 10-26 The Provoked Wife
Transport Theatre presents The Provoked Wife, a restoration-era comedy by John Vanbrugh. An outrageous play from 1697 about a wife stuck in an abusive relationship and must choose between leaving her perfectly respectable lifestyle or taking a younger lover. Showing Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.
August 11, 10 a.m.-Noon Mission Creek Critters: Family Exploration and Discovery
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden offers a hands on class about the creatures living in Mission Creek. Stream biologist, Diana Kennett, and SBBG Director of Education, Judy Sanregret, teach participants more about Mission Creek and give them the opportunity to examine the critters they find under microscopes. Participants are encouraged to wear water shoes and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after class in the garden. Registration is required by calling 805/682-4726 ext. 102.
August 11, 3:30 p.m. Anthony Baldwin Concert
Come enjoy British organist and composer Tony Baldwin’s performance at Trinity Episcopal Church on 1500 State Street!
August 11, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Art From Scrap One Night Stand
Join Art From Scrap at Gallery 27 at Brooks Institute of Photography for an unforgettable One Night Stand. Work from over 200 artists from across the country will be exhibited for one night only, and all proceeds benefit Art From Scrap.
August 12, 4–7 p.m. Summer Fundraiser
Take a stroll through the beautiful Casa del Herrero gardens while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and wine.
August 15 & 17, 7:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. Forbidden Planet 
For an unusual way to spend a hot summer night, attend the free series of science fiction film classics of the 1950s (presented by UCSB Arts & Lectures, Santa Barbara County Park Foundation, Santa Barbara County Arts Commission and the Community Services Department of Santa Barbara County). A starship crew goes to investigate the silence of a planet’s colony only to find two survivors and a deadly secret. Based on Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Stars Walter Pidgeon and Anne Francis and features Robby the Robot. (Fred McLeod Wilcox, 1956, 98 minutes)
August 16, 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Concerts in the Park
To close out this wonderful summer concert series at Chase Palm Park, Sgt. Pepper will be performing a tribute to the Beatles.
August 16, 6 p.m. The Turning Battles in the Pacific: Midway & Guadalcanal
In order to pay tribute to the men and women who made history, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is hosting a lecture by MC Brigadier General Fred Lopez with speakers Lieutenant John Wayne “Top Gun” Blankenship, Col. Dupre, USMC (Guadalcanal) and Col. Havey Walseth, USMC ( Guadalcanal) will tell of their experiences and show 2 short films on the battles of Midway and Guadalcanal. This event is $10 (members & veterans), $15 (non-members) and food & beverages are included.
August 17-18, 7:00 p.m. Shadows: An Original Musical
Experience the struggles of Mario and the gang to rescue Princess Peach, with a bit of added edge.
August 18, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Woodies at the Beach Car Show
This 12th annual event is unlike any car show you’ve ever seen! The cars park on a grassy lawn overlooking the beach, which gives it a family-friendly atmosphere. Proceeds from a raffle and silent auction are donated to local charities, in addition to funding a scholarship for SBCC.
August 18, 8 p.m. Sinbad
Ranked by Comedy Central as one of the “Top 100 Standup Comedians of all Time,” Sinbad has built a loyal following by taking the trials and tribulations of an audience’s day-to-day life, tossing them back with his own unique take and insight, and causing an uproar of comedic hysteria in the process.
August 18, 7:00 p.m. Fourth Annual Kids for Kids Benefit Concert
Talented young individuals come together to produce a fundraiser benefitting Rubicon’s Education and Outreach and a special tribute to Education and Outreach Director Brian McDonald. Special guest performances include Deedee Magno Hall, Broadway star of Miss Saigon.
August 18, 8 p.m. Sings Like Hell: Wheeler Brothers and The Dunwells
Fresh from winning the Austin Music Awards honor for best new band, Wheeler Brothers returns to Santa Barbara with their unique blending of gutsy indie-vibe modern central Texas sounds and the longing strains of time-honored Texas tunes. Joining them is the eclectic folk band The Dunwells, who went from playing the pubs of Leeds, England to an American record deal and a stunning debut album in just two short years.
August 19, 4-6 p.m. Arts Fund Salon Series / 2012: A World of Ideas
For the third event of this series, Paul and Annie de Bruyn Kops are opening up their award-winning Riviera home to engage architect Jeff Shelton and his brother David Shelton in a discussion about architecture and their creative approach to working with clients. Stone carver Andy Johnson and glass designer Saul Alcaraz will join, and Santa Barbara Architectural Foundation Executive Director Nancy Clare Caponi will moderate.
August 21, 5-8 p.m. Open Studio with Jonas Jungblut
Photographs depicting Jungblut’s recent adventure in China, as well as other work from his series Compressed, Straight from the Minibar and King Monkey and the Infinite Sunshine will be on display at Wall Space Gallery. Come in to view the newest work by the photographer and catch up with him on his exciting travels.
August 22 & 24, 7:30 & 8:30 The Incredible Shrinking Man
For an unusual way to spend a hot summer night, attend the free series of science fiction film classics of the 1950s (presented by UCSB Arts & Lectures, Santa Barbara County Park Foundation, Santa Barbara County Arts Commission and the Community Services Department of Santa Barbara County). When businessman Scott Carey begins to shrink after being engulfed in a mysterious cloud of radiation and insecticide, medical science is powerless to help him. (Jack Arnold, 1957, 81 minutes)
August 24, 4–6:30 p.m. Annual Wine Down
Wine tasting, hearty hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction; all accompanied by live music by the Montecito Jazz Project, with proceeds supporting expansion of the center’s services.
August 24, 8 p.m. Hot Spanish Nights
The Granada Theatre Concert Series is heating things up this summer with Hot Spanish Nights!, a musical journey of Latin music ranging from Spanish and Nuevo Flamenco to traditional and contemporary sounds of Mexico.
August 25, 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sixth Annual Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project
Help keep Leadbetter beach “barefoot friendly” with a morning beach cleanup, followed by a celebration at Endless Summer Café, complete with Barefoot Wine and surf-inspired fare.
August 25 Brother Sun at Trinity Backstage
August 25-26, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Santa Barbara Studio Artists 11th Annual Open Studios Tour
Enjoy a self-guided driving tour, visiting your choice of up to 40 leading artists’ private studios. Discover an award-winning collection of landscape, contemporary and figurative painting, as well as sculpture and assemblage. For collectors or anyone who appreciates world-class original art.
August 25, 7:00 p.m. and 26, 2:00 p.m. Speaking of Stories’ “A Night at the Opera” in Stories and Music
A medley of opera tunes and themes intertwined with stories from classics such as Age of Innocence and Madame Bovary makes this “Night at the Opera” dramatic and intriguing.
August 25, 5:30–11 p.m. Zoofari Ball XXVII: Spots & Stripes Fur-ever
It’s a rumble in the jungle at the zoo’s annual Zoofari Ball featuring colorful cocktails, a gourmet dinner, and silent and live auctions. Revelers are encouraged to dress in their best animal-inspired wardrobes.
August 25, 8 p.m. Jim Kweskin and Geoff Muldaur
Don’t miss Jim Kweskin and Geoff Muldaur, with fiddler Suzy Thompson, perform at Lobero Theater August 25. Hear their extensive repertoire of jugband, ragtime, and old-time country music. They are joined by local blues duo Tom Ball & Kenny Sultan for the first of the Lobero LIVE American Roots Series.
August 25–December 2 Scene/Seen on the Street: Doug Busch
Doug Busch’s large-format black and white photographs, taken with a special camera that the artist designed and built himself, are images of great subtlety and irony. Through a combination of Busch’s photographic sensibility and his impeccable technique, the ordinary is raised to a monumental scale. The street scenes presented in this exhibition open our eyes to the beauty and subtlety of the everyday.
August 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Trails ‘n’ Tails at the Botanic Garden
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden hosts its annual Trails ‘n’ Tails event, where dogs and their well-behaved humans can enjoy a stroll around the lush gardens and a festival with fun activities, vendor booths, yummy treats and discounted admission to the Garden.
August 26, 1-5 p.m. Hospice of Santa Barbara
Brander Vineyard in Los Olivos hosts its popular Bouillabaisse Festival to benefit Hospice of Santa Barbara. Join in an afternoon of sunshine, wine, music and fabulous bouillabaisse, a delightful seafood soup.
August 26, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Wags ‘n’ Whiskers Festival
Hosted by the nonprofit, C.A.R.E.4Paws, the fourth annual Wags ‘n’ Whiskers Festival at Girsh Park in Goleta features adoptable pets, agility shows, flyball demonstrations and unique pet contests. (Hint: Last year’s canine kissing booth was a huge hit!) Girsh Park, 7050 Phelps Rd., Goleta, 805/968-2273.
August 27 St. Vincent’s 11th Annual Golf Classic
Join St. Vincent’s at La Cumbre Country Club for their 11th Annual Golf Classic. This fundraiser benefits St. Vincent’s Children’s and Family Services, and will include a lunch buffet, round of golf and awards reception. For more information, contact Laura Romano at 805/683-6381 x107 or lauraromano@sv-sb.org.
August 31-September 28 SBCC Art Faculty Biennial
The highly regarded Art faculty of Santa Barbara City College will exhibit their artworks in the Atkinson Gallery. On view will be a diverse array of media and styles by these noted artists whose works have been seen nationally as well as regionally.
August 31 Shark Tale
Free movies on Stearns Wharf. Dress warmly and bring your blankets and beach chairs. Popcorn and movie snacks will be available for purchase. Parking on the wharf is free after 7 p.m., movies start at dusk.
