If last week was any inclination, spring is just about ready to be sprung. Ring in the new month and season with March’s 1st Thursday celebrations, happening throughout the downtown area from 5–8 p.m. on March 7.
Courtesy of SB Downtown Organization
If you’re already missing DANCEworks and the latest residency by Keigwin+Company(I sure am), be sure to visit the Paseo NuevoCenter Court for an alluring performance by Santa Barbara Dance Alliance. Find toe-tapping music up and down State Street, with locals’ favorite Kat Devlin at the corner of State and Anapamu and Panzumo on the Marshall’s patio. Devlin generates a country-hipster vibe, while Panzumo offers a variety of musical genres (many including drumming!) such as West African Drum and Dance, Bollywood and Djun Djun Mamas.
With all the talk these days about Greek austerity measures, we Santa Barbarans can only wonder what could be going wrong in that ancient Mediterranean land. For most residents, the closest we ever get to Greece is the annual Santa Barbara Greek Festival held at Oak Park. It’s one of the most joyful weekends of the summer—an epicurean celebration of sumptuous foods, distinctive drinks, soulful music, lively dancing and memorable costumes.
And festival organizers assure us they’re not about to go all stoic on us this summer in Santa Barbara. A tradition for nearly 40 years, Santa Barbara Greek Festival won’t cut back on its 39th annual presentation of Greek food and culture to the community.
The festival originated in a fundraising brainstorming session with parishioners of St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, long before they built the remarkable Greek village sanctuary nestled into the Mediterranean foothill setting.
Longtime festival director Mike Pahos gives full credit to Helen Stathis for coming up with the idea that started it all. “She said, ‘You know, on the Saturday before Fiesta week, there are a lot of people here in town, because Fiesta starts on Sunday, but there is not much going on. Let’s have a little picnic at Oak Park; we will serve Greek food, have music and everything, and we will call it The Santa Barbara Greek Fiesta BBQ,’” Pahos recalls.
Photograph by Nell Campbell
”The first festival was from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and afterward, even though we all fell, exhausted, to the floor, we were pleasantly surprised that everyone seemed to enjoy the food, the singing and the dancing.”
That single fundraising barbecue grew into a major annual event for the parish, requiring months of preparation—including planning, publicity, cooperating with a maze of bureaucracies, cooking up old family recipes, and selecting and presenting an array of talent on two stages for two full days of non-stop entertainment. Add managing a small army of volunteers who run an assortment of booths—from the labor-intensive food line to the well-oiled machine that is the pastry booth, the boutique with fine jewelry and even the small chapel where religious items are offered—and the parishioners certainly have their work cut out for them!
Pahos notes an unexpected aspect of Santa Barbara at just the right time that helped ensure the success of the Greek Festival, “There was a very active folk dance community in Santa Barbara, and those dancers were a constant presence on the dance floor, which taught us a valuable lesson: never stop the music!” When the late, great Plaka Restaurant was founded—which featured owner George Alexiades performing his famous table dance—many Santa Barbarans learned the art and considerable fun of Greek dancing. And they couldn’t wait to show off their skill every summer at the Greek Festival.
Photograph by Cheri Rae
The rest is history. The Greeks were joined by the Italian, the German, the Thai, the Chinese, the French, the Caribbean and the Jewish communities—all of which produced similar festivals at Oak Park. “Summer in Santa Barbara was filled with ethnic festivals, unique in the entire country,” says Pahos. “It was magic.”
The heyday of Santa Barbara’s ethnic festivals was a special time of unique collaboration among the festival chairs, who would meet once a month to share notes, work with the police and health departments and hammer out the many complex issues that arose in running their shows. They agreed to use local vendors whenever possible and freely exchanged vendor information with all at the table. As Pahos observes, “We never considered ourselves competitors, but part of a unique alliance; each of us could do better because of the grand scope of the different festivals, all at the same place.”
But for various reasons, one by one all of the ethnic festivals dropped out—though the French Festival will be back this year after a hiatus. Luckily the Greek Festival continues going strong. Planning has been underway for months—lining up talent, tweaking the menus, getting ready for the yearly bake-a-thon of baklava and other distinctive Greek treats.
Photograph by Nell Campbell
Now that the original ethnic festival at Oak Park is one of the last ones standing, it has only strengthened the resolve of the younger generation to carry on the traditions founded by their parents. Pahos’s daughter Maria helps run the festival these days, and Helen Stathis’s daughters Patti and Karen take their places as singers on the entertainment stage—and since they were in elementary school, Stathis’s grandchildren have staffed booths and entertained as dancers, musicians and singers. Of course, they’ve been joined by hundreds of additional volunteers over the years—and this one is no different.
The ancient Greek Epicurus (342–270 B.C.) observed, “Not what we have, but what we enjoy constitutes our abundance.” So even if times are tough in the center of the Hellenic world, here in Santa Barbara, we can be Greek for the weekend at this classic family affair, July 28–29. No belt-tightening necessary—after enjoying all those Greek treats, it wouldn’t be possible anyway.
Santa Barbara County Arts Commission released new online applications for grants in three categories: Community Events and Festivals, Organizational Development, and Community Arts.
The Community Events and Festivals Grant Program is offering a grant of up to $40,000 to local nonprofits that put on events, festivals, or programs that attract tourism, enhance Santa Barbara’s culture and preferably take place in tourism’s off-season between Memorial Day 2012 and mid-May 2013.
The Organizational Development Grant Program is focused on cultivating Santa Barbara’s artistic and administrative development, stability, and vitality. This up-to-$18,000 grant is intended to help support new programs and audience-development initiatives in all artistic disciplines.
Community Arts grants of up to $6,000 are available for organizations or individual artists with projects aimed at making art more accessible to underserved communities.
There will be three Technical Assistance Workshops, mandatory for first-time applicants, throughout May, and the application deadline for all three grants is June 11. Click here for more information, or contact Linda Gardy at gardy@co.santa-barbara.ca.us or 805/568-3990.
The charming Hampstead Village now has a beautiful new location at 1100 State Street on the corner of Figeuroa in downtown Santa Barbara.
Hampstead Village Owner Angela Torin
In addition to a wide variety of Fine British Goods they also now offer Floris perfumes and aftershaves. Established in London in 1730, Floris has held a much sought after warrant to supply the British Royal Family with fragrances for over 200 years.
British delicacies just in time for the holidays.
And for this festive time of year for they have Christmas Puddings, Brandy Butter, Mince Pies, Bendicks Mints, Christmas Crackers and so much more! It is the largest selection of British Food on the Central Coast.
For the author of the film’s source material, a semi-autobiographical novel of the same name, the post-Sideways trajectory has been a bit bumpier.
Vertical and Sideways Author Rex Pickett. Courtesy Photo
“People think I’m rich,” says Rex Pickett, affably chatting on the phone with me from his one-bedroom apartment in Santa Monica. “I live a modest life … I made less than 100 grand off of that book.” Though he did make more from selling the film rights, the novel was still unpublished when the movie was about to come out and Pickett says he was pressured by the movie studio (Fox Searchlight) to sell the rights for just $5,000, a decision he regrets today.
“If I had waited and rolled the dice when that movie came out, I’ve been told by numerous publishing agents that it would have gone for a million bucks. Had I just said no to five grand—and I almost did.”
The road to publication for his newest novel, Vertical, was not much smoother the second time around. Originally sold to Knopf, where his editor told him, “if you had that ending, we will not publish your novel,” Pickett decided to retain his creative vision and go it on his own, ultimately finding an investor and creating Loose Gravel Press.
A wildly entertaining and surprisingly poignant sequel to Sideways, Vertical takes place seven years later. Miles, like Pickett, has written a novel that has been made into a wildly successful movie, and the movie has changed his life.
His best friend Jack is divorced, with a kid and a career on the skids. Meanwhile Miles’s mom has suffered a stroke that’s left her wheelchair-bound and desperately wanting to go live with her sister in Wisconsin.
They trio set off, along with mom’s pot-smoking Filipina caretaker Joy and her high-spirited Yorkie, on an ill-advised road trip from San Diego to Oregon’s Willamette Valley, where Miles is master of ceremonies of the International Pinot Noir Festival.
Pickett knows the landscape well, witnessing firsthand the impact that Sideways has had on the local wine regions since he first began visiting Santa Barbara County in 1990 on a series of golf trips to escape his life in Los Angeles.
“When I wrote Sideways I was broke, I was nothing, I had nothing. I should have just killed myself,” he says.
The new book, Vertical, “goes to a deeper place than Sideways, there’s no question about it. But you have to also understand too, the truth of the matter is I had no one looking over my shoulder with Sideways, so I could just let it all hang out. I knew that Sideways has millions of fans. I get it every day, even seven years later. It’s huge that thing and can you imagine, you feel a certain responsibility, and you feel that you owe a debt in a way to the characters. But if you embark on a sequel thinking about that, you are going to end up with some low common denominator type of novel.”
At just over 400 pages and delving into some pretty intense subject matter (alcoholism, impotence and assisted suicide, to start), Vertical definitely doesn’t pander to the least common denominator.
The level of depth in the novel was quite intentional, but Pickett acknowledges he took a commercial risk.
“People who are reading it are really loving it; a lot of people are in tears actually.
I don’t think they expect the story to go where it goes, but it’s hard to get people to read a book that is 150,000 words, which is long for a book. Just 20-30 years ago that would have been considered an average size novel but by today’s standards it’s considered a long novel,” he says.
“I get asked a lot of questions about ‘what’s your next novel’ and I say there isn’t going to be one. … There’s a kind of way of reading which I term deep immersive reading, and it’s very simply you turn off your computer, you turn off your web-based phone and you turn off your TV and you sit in the chair and you read. And that kind of reading is unfortunately kind of going away,” says Pickett.
Disenchanted with people’s reading habits and the book business, Pickett says he is turning his energy to writing an HBO series set in the wine world of Napa Valley. “It’s about a famous wine critic who suffers from social anxiety disorder so acutely that he has to have a psychiatric service dog. So it’s funny, but it’s also going to be a real kind of insider look at the wine world and what it is all about.”
In addition, he is working on a theatrical play of Sideways, which he expects to premiere at the Ruskin Group Theatre Co. in Santa Monica in early 2012. “It’s a definite 100% go. It’s not like, ‘yeah I wrote a script and I got Johnny Depp attached.’ This is a definite go,” says Pickett, who just hired Amelia Mulkey to direct. “And here’s the wonderful thing; I’m so excited about the whole thing.”
“For me, Vertical is even more personal than Sideways. The overindulgence in wine which caught up with me during Sideways—and I went through a tough decade. Suddenly you have success, you don’t have kids you don’t have a wife and you have money. And worse, you wrote a book that deifies somebody who is passionate about wine and a lot of it, and suddenly everybody wants to give me wine and more wine and expensive wine. Pretty soon you become like Miles in Vertical. For me the most powerful thing is when he does sober up, it becomes a very raw emotional journey with him and his mother. … These books are very personal to me.”
Author’s Note: If Pickett looks anything like his author photo, he is probably the only person in Hollywood history to have a fatter, less handsome version of himself in his movie doppelganger. Not that I don’t love Paul Giamatti, but I look forward to seeing who they cast in the play.
Santa Barbara Seasons magazine presents a conversation with artist Keith Puccinelli and the Atkinson Gallery’s Dane Goodman. Puccinelli explores his career, influences and artistic decisions in anticipation of his upcoming solo show at the gallery on the Santa Barbara City College campus.
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. Exhibition runs from Nov. 4 to Dec. 9. For information, call 805/965-0581 ext. 3484 or visit http://gallery.sbcc.edu.
Peeking inside an artist’s studio is always a treat, and the quirky sense of humor and uniquely twisted perspective that Keith Puccinelli brings to his sculpture, installations, drawings and the home he shares with his wife Fran delights the senses in a multitude of ways.
Here’s an intimate visit with Keith inside his artist studio.
Seasons Magazine takes you behind-the-scenes in the studio of artist Keith Puccinelli in anticipation of his upcoming show at the Atkinson Gallery at Santa Barbara City College.
As always, there are LOTS of cool things to check out for tomorrow night’s First Thursday. High on our list is a very creative exhibition from Santa Barbara County Arts Commission, Few Chosen by Many: A Berkus Selection, at Channing Peake Gallery ( 1st floor of the Santa Barbara County Administration Bldg., 105 E. Anapamu St., open M-F 8a.m.-5 p.m. ).
“I hope that viewers to the exhibition come away with the realization that liking and choosing art is not an activity limited to a few special people; that each of us makes choices each day; we all respond to different colors, images, and mediums. Many do this without a background in art history or curating. They have taught themselves over a lifetime to look at art critically and to appreciate it,” says Rita Ferri, who organized the exhibit and is Curator of Collections for the County of Santa Barbara.
Definitely worth checking out.
As a side note, an essay by Seasons Magazine contributor Joe Woodard (see his story on artist Keith Puccinelli in our fall issue) appears in the color catalog which was designed by The Lily Guild Temple of Design. It is available from the County Arts Commission at www.sbartscommission.org or by calling 8-5/568-3990.
The art scene has never been so action packed! Los Olivos’ 25th Annual Quick Draw Art Festival is here along with its main events—literally a “Quick Draw” creative challenge. Artists have only 60 minutes to create a painting, sculpture or drawing from a model, photo or simply pure imagination, while the public is encouraged to watch and cheer the artists on, which always lends to exciting and lively interaction. As soon as the hour is up, each piece is auctioned off to the highest bidder. Get a glimpse of some of what you might see by checking out this year’s participating artists:
To allow room for all the activities, this year the festival runs two days—August 19 and 20. Creative art, wine, shopping and hospitality are featured throughout downtown Los Olivos. The festival kicks off Friday, August 19th with an art, wine and dessert pre-show reception. Saturday the 20th features the main event, with artists beginning their Quick Draw works around 11 a.m. and followed by the auction at 12:15. The afternoon is then dedicated to free artistic demonstrations and the chance to purchase more art. Proceeds support Los Olivos’ on-going beautification efforts, with a strong emphasis on the arts of course.
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.
Happy American Craft Beer Week! Santa Barbara is privileged to have several craft breweries to help us wet our whistles, and we celebrated a few of our favorite brewmasters and local breweries with our Cheers to Beer! video. Keep your eye out around town for special beer events and tastings, talks with brew masters and connoisseurs, and discounts on hoppy goodness.
A community of curators from all walks of local life selected their favorite pieces from the extensive 
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,