March 1, 6-8 p.m. The Frameworks & Jane Deering Gallery
Bring in your own artwork and Christi Westerhouse, a master framer, will take you through the many possibilities for framing your work. Refreshments will be served and The Frameworks will offer a 20% discount on framing.
March 1 Paul Anka at Chumash Casino Resort
One of the biggest teen idols of the late 50′s, legendary artist and songwriter, Paul Anka comes to the Chumash Casino to perform.
March 1 & 2, 8 p.m. & 3, 2 p.m. “Animal Farm” the Musical
The Westmont theater arts program presents Animal Farm at Porter Theater. “Animal Farm” still resonates powerfully today even though it was originally written in 1945. Wickedness, corruption, greed, ignorance and power can turn any human into an animal. The musical features an ensemble cast of 15-student actors who are having a great time dressing up like animals and singing rock music.
March 2, 7-9 a.m. Robert Gates to Speak at President’s Breakfast
The trusted advisor of 8 U.S. presidents is the keynote speakers at the annual Westmont President’s Breakfast held at the Grand Ballroom of Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort. Gates is considered one of the most respected leaders in recent U.S. history and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Obama during Gates’ retirement ceremony. The Westmont Foundation and area businesses sponso the breakfast to promote discussion and consideration of current issues among local community leaders.
March 2, 8 p.m. Don’t Fence Me In
Few places in the world capture the imagination like the American West. Don’t Fence Me In celebrates the American West’s musical and oral culture. Cowboy songs, yodeling, the swing fiddle and Tex-Mex polkas are all performed by a group of exceptional artists. This event takes place in Campbell Hall on the UCSB campus.
March 2-4 Solvang’s Spring Fling Square Dance Festival
This year’s Spring Fling features Ken Bower and Buddy Weaver and takes place at Veteran’s Memorial Hall.
March 2-4, Nanas and Papas II
The Foundation for Grandparenting and Grandparent Productions presents Nanas and Papas II! Created and Produced by Carol Kornhaber.
March 3, 7:30 p.m. Michael McDonald
American Medical Response presents Michael McDonals, a five-time Grammy award winner. He is certainly one of the most popular singer/songwriters of our time, not only solo, but he was also a member of the Doobie Brothers. All proceeds from this evening will benefit Doctors Without Walls- Santa Barbara Street Medicine.
March 3 Durango Songwriter’s Festival and Concert
Takes place at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriot Ballroom.
March 3,4,9 & 10 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. Configuration
The Art Mentorship Program and Dance Arts presents Configuration, a fun show for the whole family. It features the pre-professional student companies from Dance Arts with their energetic Hip Hop, sassy Broadway, emotional contemporary and more. All four shows sold out last year, so get you tickets fast! Times: March 3, 9 & 10 , 7 p.m., March 4 & 10 2 p.m.
March 4, 6 p.m. A Spring Celebration of Dance
This annual choreography concert at the Lobero Theatre features innovative choreography by well-known choreographers performed by young dancers of State Street Ballet. Rodney Gustafson directs this year’s work, alongside resident choreographer Josie Walsh, who was named one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to watch.” This season is particularly exciting because one piece will appear in the National Regional Dance America Festival in Montreal in May.
March 4, 1 p.m. Eames: The Architect and the Painter
Best known for their mid-century furniture creations, Charles and Ray Eames are modernist design icons. This James Franco-narrated film offers a glimpse into the unconventional marriage of the hyper-creative husband and wife and their LA studio, dubbed “The Eamery.” The film will be shown at Pollock Theater at UCSB.
March 4, 3p.m. Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman
Narrated by Dustin Hoffman, this film is a joyful and fascinating portrait of the world’s greatest architectural photographer, whose images brought modern architecture into the mainstream, including the sleek marvels of modernist legends such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra and Frank Gehry. The film is to be shown at Pollock Theater at UCSB.
March 5, 8 p.m. Anonymous 4
CAMA Masterseries presents a combination of musical, literary and historical art with a contemporary twist. Enjoy the virtuosic vocal blend and ensemble singing of the women of Anonymous 4 as they celebrate 25 years together at the Lobero Theatre.
March 6, 8 p.m. Raymond Kurzweil
Raymond Kurzweil is considered one of the leading inventors of our time and has written four bestselling books, which have been recognized both in science and philosophy. With numerous awards under his belt—he received the Lemelson-MIT prize and was inducted into the National Inventor Hall of Fame in 2002—Kurzweil is an inspiration to us all. He is speaking at Campbell Hall on the UCSB Campus.
March 7 Travelling Light
Directed by Nicholas Hytner and featuring award-winning actor Antony Sher, this is a fascinating tribute to the Eastern European immigrants who became major players in Hollywood. This will take place at Lobero Theatre.
March 8, 8 p.m. George Kahumoku Jr.
The four-time Grammy award-winner, George Kahumoku Jr. is a master slack key guitarist. He loves the tones of the lower bass and strums a huge 12-string guitar to capture the sounds of Hawaii. Dennis Kamakahi, Uncle Richard Ho’opi’i and Bobby Black, from the Grammy-winning CDs Masters of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Vol. 1 & 2, join him in concert.
March 8 Willie Nelson at Chumash Casino Resort
Legendary country music star, winner of 6 Grammy awards and member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Willie Nelson comes to Chumash Casino.
March 9, 1-4 p.m. John Prizlaff Award & Symposium: Conservation in the Time of Climate Change.
Taking place at UCSB, SB Botanic Garden presents an event in honor Daniel Botkin, the winner of the annul John C. Prizlaff Conservation Award in 2011. Other featured speakers includes UCSB professors from Biology, Ecology and Environmental Studies programs. There will be an open discussion following the presentations.
March 9, 6-8 p.m. Jane Deering Gallery: The New MFAs Opening Reception
The eighteen artists exhibited in the show are students pursuing their Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree. This intensive degree program allows students to fulfill their artistic potential. The gallery, with work of students from both UC Santa Barbara and UC Davis, offers a chance to view a wide variety of mediums including: drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, video, installation and ceramics.
March 9, 7p.m. and 10 at 2 & 7 p.m. Configuration
A fun show for the whole family to enjoy, featuring the pre-professional student companies from Dance Arts. Energetic Hip Hop, Sassy Broadway, Emotional Contemporary, and six works of inspiring Student choreography round out this exciting show. Four shows sold out last year, so get your tickets today!
Three-time Grammy winner Bruce Hornsby will grace the Granada Theatre’s stage for a solo performance.
March 10, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. San Marcos Parent-Child Workshop
The Fleischmann Auditorium at the Sanat Barbara Museum of Natural History will be holding its 23rd annual party and silent auction, Through the Looking Glass. Auction items will include: vacation getaways, hotel stays, restaurant certificates, spa treatments, wine tastings, party packages and much more. This event is the primary fundraiser for the nonprofit San Marcos Parent-Child Workshop.
March 10, Humorist Polly Frost
One night only! Tickets are available through TicketHub.
March 10, 7-10 p.m. Chocolate de Vine
The Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center presents their 4th annual Chocolate de Vine. Come join in the delicious celebration of wine and chocolate. The evening includes a chocolate creation competition, wine tasting, and a live auction. The event will take place at the Music Academy of the West.
March 10, 6 p.m. 5th Annual Surf Video Contest
Sundance Beach presents the 5th Annual Sruf Video Contest. If you love surf classics, why not try to head down and catch the showing of local surfers’ and videographers’ short films. Each film is a maximum of five minutes and the screening will last approximately an hour and a half.
March 10, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 19th Annual Partnership for Excellence
Comes out to the DoubleTree Resort to support the Foundation Roundtable. This year’s focus is collective impact–a model where businesses, nonprofits and schools join together to create solutions to our community’s most pressing problems.
March 11, 1 p.m. In a Dream
In a vibrant neighborhood of South Philadelphia, 50,000 square feet of concrete are covered with mirrors and tile mosaics created by Isaiah Zagar, an eccentric, tormented artist. As shown in this film, these works represent his love for his wife and hint at a darker side of his extraordinary imagination. Pollock Theater.
March 11, 3 p.m. Fold Crumple Crush: The Art of El Anatsui & The Future of Mud: A Tale of Houses and Lives in Djenne
Susan Vogel, art historian and anthropologist, pairs two films: the powerful remarkably personal story of acclaimed African artist El Anatsui, who converts used bottle tops into huge opulent wall hangings, and the African tradition of mud architecture in Mali.
March 11, 3 p.m. Santa Barbara Youth Symphony A Spring Concert.
Santa Barbara Youth Symphony presents A Spring Concert at Lobero Theatre. With 80 gifted young folk, the SB Youth Symphony performs two concerts a year. So, check out this gifted ensemble who plays a wide range of music, from Bach to Beethhoven.
March 11, 3:30 p.m. J.S. Bach Birthday Bash concert
Music at Trinity 2012 presents the J.S. Bach Birthday Bash concert, which honors the legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach and family.
March 11, 2 p.m. & 12, 7:30 p.m. Stories by Kurt Vonnegut
Come enjoy a collection of stories by Kurt Vonnegut, celebrating this great American author. Stories include “Shout About It from the Housetops” read by John Brindle, “Tom Edison’s Shaggy Dog” read by Pamela Dillman Haskell, “The Honor of a Newsboy” read by Tim Whitcomb, and more.
March 12 at 6pm, Monthly Workshop & Social Extravaganza
The Program: Copyrights, What Artists Need to Know: Two local attorneys, with art backgrounds, Ian Smith and Shannon Liu Senn, field your questions about the rights to artistic and intellectual properties in the age of digital media. Meet Fishbon: The leaders of this unique art, science and technology collaborative where they will tell a bit about who they are and why (until now) they’ve been undercover.
March 12 Copyrights: Why Can’t I Just Use It?
Art Without Limits presents a business workshop open to the public about the why and how of copyrighting, as well as how to get licensing and permission to use others’ material.
March 11-12 The Stories of Kurt Vonnegut
An evening celebrating the works of great American author Kurt Vonnegut, courtesy of Speaking of Stories. Center Stage Theater.
March 13-14 BASH Dance Works
The hottest dance works in Santa Barbara featuring: Oswaldo Balcaceres, Lauren Breese & Hector Sanchez, Kaydie Carr, Felipe Castaneda, Carmen Curtis, Derrick Curtis & Teresa Johnson, Louvie Hernandez, Ninette Paloma, Tamarr Paul, Diana Tere Porter & Jorge Zaragoza, Jamie Powers, and Betsy Ann Woyach at Lobero Theatre.
March 14-18 20th Annual Taste of Solvang
Join Solvang locals and visitors for a food and wine celebration at this year’s Annual Taste of Solvang. Advanced tickets are highly recommended.
March 15, 7 p.m. Joshua Roman, cello
Having earned a national reputation on the cello, Joshua Roman commits to communicating the essence of music at the most organic level. He was a principal cellist of Seattle Symphony and was selected as a 2011 TED Fellow, joining a select group of next-generation innovators who have shown unusual potential to positively affect the world. Roman constructs music that reflects his eclectic range of musical influences and will be performing at Hahn Hall at Music Academy of the West.
March 15, 7 p.m. Lecture: The California Abalone Industry. A Pictorial History by Scrap Lundy
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum presents the lecture.
March 15, 6:30 p.m. 2012 Central Coast ADDY Awards
At Center Stage Theater in Santa Barbara, the ADDY Awards will honor winners in the advertising profession. Come view the competition entries, enjoy drinks, appetizers and mingles with other advertising professionals in our community.
March 16, 7-9 p.m. Dessert Reception
Scrumptious Dessert Reception at the Solvang Veterans Hall, 1745 Mission Drive, offering delicious sweet treats, wine and live musical entertainment all evening.
March 16, 8 p.m. Schoolhouse Music Evenings Concert Series
Concert Series featuring violinist Helen Callus and pianist Max Levinson at St. Mark’s in-the-valley Episcopal church.
March 16, 7:30 p.m Rob Kapilow’s What Makes it Great?
Rob Kapilow takes listeners inside the music: he unravels, slows down, and recomposes key musical passages to discover why they are so extraordinary. Great music rewards great listeners, and Rob Kapilow’s What Makes It Great? is about great listening.
March 16, 8 p.m. St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church “Schoolhouse Music Evenings”
Schoolhouse Music Evenings originated in the historic Los Olivos school building on the nearby Dunn School campus, thus giving the series its name. The 31st annual event features performers are Helen Callus, Violist and Max Levinson, Pianist.
March 17 Rob Kapilow’s FamilyMusik: At the Zoo (And, Furthermore, They Bite!)
Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra presents Rob Kapilow as he educates and entertains with his excellent enthusiasm and energy. This is truly a romp around the animal kingdom. Watch and listen as the composer gets in touch with his wild side at the Lobero Theatre.
March 17, 12-5 p.m. Art Career Day Conference
The Art Career Day Conference is for teens thru college aged students interested in a career in the arts. They will have talks and roundtable discussions with well known artists; David Starkey-Poetry, Kip Fulbeck-film/artist/writer, Andy Davis-film producer/director, David Grossman-Grammy’s/Symphony, Ulrike Kerber-graphic design, Michael Irwin-painting/sculpture, Ann Dusenberry-acting/theater.
March 17-18, 8 p.m. & 3 p.m. Latin Passion
Santa Barbara Symphony presents “Latin Passion,” the story of a miller’s faithful wife and the seduction of her by an in-love magistrate. Derived from the famous ballet “The Three-Cornered Hat,” this piece brings Andalusian folk music to the stage. Expect some of the most colorful and bright contemporary concert music performed by Michael Daugherty and José Pablo Moncayo.
March 17, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Walking Smorgassbord
The Walking Smorgaasbord features 40+ taste stops around the quaint European village of Solvang. Tickets purchase includes detailed map and menu plus valuable coupons for “day of” specials and some coupons for future dates as well.
March 17, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Building Bridges- Orchid Show Reception & 
Auction
Each year the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s signature even is held at the Earl Warren Showgrounds in conjunction with the SB International Orchid Show. This year’s event will features orchids from all around the world, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, local wines, live entertainment and a silent auctions. Funds are raised for the Building Bridges project and will support the rebuilding of the historic Campbell Bridge.
March 17, 1:30 p.m. & 7 p.m. Spring Gala
The Goleta Ballet Theatre, the pre-professional training company of the Goleta Schools of Ballet presents a program of selected works to the music of Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky and Faure. Tickets are $20 adult, $16 children. All seating is general admission.
March 17 & 18, 5 p.m. & noon Walking Wine Tasting Room Tour
The downtown village of Solvang with 9 local tasting rooms pours their vintages into your souvenir Taste of Solvang etched wine glass. The tour continues throughout two days.
March 17, 12-2 p.m. Theater Dance Audition Workshop
The third of Audition Workshop Series will focus on providing dance training related to musical theater. Participants will learn part of the original choreography of the musical A CHORUS LINE with local choreographer and dance instructor Jessica Hambright and take part in an interactive lecture with a well-known figure of the Santa Barbara Dance Community with extensive experience both here and in New York. This workshop is suited for high school and adult dancers at all levels.
March 18 It’s Magic!
It’s Magic! has delighted families for more than five decades. A unique live stage magic show, it showcases professional magicians from all around the globe. Parents who saw It’s Magic! as children now bring their children and grandchildren. This year’s lineup of magical acts is sure to astonish spectators, and they’ll leave believing in magic.
March 18, 3 p.m. Cinderella
The classic tale of Cinderella comes to life on stage in a full-scale musical production. The American Family Theater’s original work follows Cinderella and her new friend Mortimer Mouse as they sing and dance their way from the kitchen of her stepmother’s house to the brilliance of Prince Charming’s ball.
March 19th, 6:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Cheese of Holland
One of the most enjoyed styles of cheese throughout the world, Dutch Gouda’s are a testament to the long, rich tradition of great cheese making in this small (yet tenacious) country. The abundance of water, and therefore grass, in the Netherlands makes for some excellent milk, and a lot of it! Come explore the history of this cheese-centric nation while tasting through some of its best offerings and paired beers.
March 19, 6 p.m. Pub Sing
Sing along to familiar sea shanties, Irish favorites, and folk classics, led by incomparable Revels song leader Ken Ryals with keyboard accompaniment by Anna Abby.
March 21, 8 p.m. Ani Difranco
Having written hundreds of songs, Ani Difranco has captured the imaginations of her followers, while working alongside orchestras, rappers, rock-and-roll idols, jazz poets, pop superstars and many others. In her new album, Red Letter Year, she explores her creativity even more than in the past, making this album a multi-layered sonic achievement.
March 21 Hello! My Baby
Rubicon Theatre introduces Hello! My Baby, one event among many included in the Tweet Seat nights. If you have ever had an itch to update your twitter during a live performance, then this performance is for you. Feel free to tweet as much as you want during Tweet Seat nights.
March 21 The Refugees and Michael Smith
Hunker down at Santa Barbara County’s quintessential cowboy bar, for the tavern’s annual concert series featuring the Refugees and Michael Smith.
March 21 Solvang’s Third Wednesday
On the 3rd Wednesday of every month, Solvang shops and restaurants offer specials all day. Discover some of Solvang’s unique stores and boutiques. Also, experience the Wine Walk which includes tastings at 5 places of your choice.
March 23, 8 p.m. Tierney Sutton, Hubert Laws and Larry Koonse
Jazz at the Lobero presents this captivating trio representing one of the most creative forces in jazz today. With Tierney Sutton’s enchanting vocals, Hubert Laws’ recognized flute talents and Larry Koonse’s stellar guitar, this exploration of jazz and chamber music is sure to knock your socks off. The genre blending creates an inherent intimacy, resulting in an unforgettable event.
March 23-24, 7 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano
Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano have existed for more than 50 years and they return to Santa Barbara for ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara!. Their popular performances always include the best in classic mariachi, dance, humor, and a unique connection with the audience that brings people together to celebrate this important tradition.
March 23 & March 25 The Marriage of Figaro
Opera Santa Barbara presents a classic production of Mozart’s great comic masterpiece. The Granada Theatre March 23 at 7:30 p.m. and March 25 at 2:30 p.m.
March 24 Sings Like Hell: Lori McKenna
Lori McKenna has an exquisite way of articulating the love, pain and pathos of domestic life. Initially reluctant to sing at open mic nights, McKenna has become a staple in the folk music community. Artists such as Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw have recorded her compositions. McKenna’s sixth album is the most personal of them all, bringing her professional and private life into her lyrics.
March 24 Solvang’s Double Century Bike Ride
Participate in the 200-mile bike ride along Southern California’s most popular and scenic cycling routes.
March 24, 7 p.m. Variety United
Creating fresh and provocative theatre, this event is supported in part by the Marjorie Luke Theatre’s Dreier Family Rent Subsidy Fund.
March 24 Janet Feld
Trinity Backstage presents Janet Feld’s 100th show during their Acoustic Concert series this year.
March 24, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Días de México: A Family Festival
Westmont celebrates the 150th anniversary of Cinco d Mayo and Mexico’s vibrant culture with a day of fun activities, crafts, music, dance, storytelling and food! This is free and open to the public. There will be mariachi bands, a Vera Crux performance, a fashion show, crafts for children and special foods.
March 26, 8 p.m. Pierre-Laurent Aimard, piano
CAMA Masterseries presents the widely acclaimed pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard. Aimard, who enjoys an internationally celebrated career performing all over the world each season with various recognized orchestras and conductors, has recently been invited to play at Carnegie Hall.
March 26-31 Solvang Spring Bike Tours
Come check out the most popular routes among bikers by taking a bike tour of Solvang. This is where the pros train!
March 29-April 15 Creditors, A Psychological Thriller
The story begins with the young artist Adolph, who is frustrated with his marriage and questions his wife’s love for him. Gustav, a mysterious figure, gives instruction to Adolph on how to regain the upper hand in his relationship. In the end of this comic-drama, no one is entirely certain who has the power. Jonathon Fox directs a modern adaptation on one of August Strindberg’s most powerful plays. This play can be seen at the Ensemble Theatre.
March 30, 7 p.m. James Harman
The Santa Barbara Blues Society presents James Harman and his band in celebration of the SBBS’ 35th birthday. Harman has been a star exemplar of the West Coast blues scene for over 3 decades and has had multiple Blues Music Award nominations. The show features a large dance floor, BBQ snacks and a birthday cake to compliment the great music and will be held at Warren Hall at the Earl Warren Showgrounds.
March 30-31, 8 p.m. DANCEworks: Brian Brooks Moving Company
Superhuman physicality and intricate movements are infused in the work of Brian Brooks Moving Company. The company is well known for their performances, which incorporate dance, video, animation, music and bright colors. Over a month-long residency, the company will create a brand-new work entitled Big City exploring the physical and emotional destruction observed in nations, communities and individuals.
March 31, 5:30 p.m. An Evening of Note
The Ventura Music Festival presents An Evening of Note, a lively evening of art, music and good times. It features a silent auction, cocktails, gourmet dinner and a live auction of this year’s fine art exhibition: Visions on Screen. So come out to the Four Points by Sheraton for some jazz music and great food. The attire: chic and sassy.
March 31–April 30 Annual Native Plant Sale at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Spring is just beginning with the late rains bringing moisture to the soil. Now is the time for home gardeners to work overtime to catch up with nature’s bounty. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden offers a terrific range of more than 5,000 California native plants that are conservation-wise and drought-tolerant along with many other interesting additions for local gardens as the season warms. Come and enjoy shopping all throughout the month of April as the Garden’s courtyard is transformed into a botanical wonderland stocked with fascinating plants
from growers across the state, with many grown locally at the Botanic Garden. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily.
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.
