Celesta Billeci and Edouard Lock at the Granada Theatre, photographed by Fran Collin
IT TOOK 50 YEARS for UCSB’s Arts & Lectures series to come out of classroom annexes and into the heart of our community. Today, after 11 years with Celesta Billeci at the helm, it’s safe to say that the campus organization has become the most thorough purveyor of cultural offerings in town—from highbrow theater (The Old Globe) to lowdown blues like the popular Roots series. Dance troupes, comedy extravaganzas, films, renowned lecturers and world-class performances from every arena of entertainment followed where the music led.
Billeci, a former dancer turned events publicist at UCLA, came to town in 2000 determined to make a splash and kicked off her tenure with a live revue generated by Ry Cooder’s sociolo-rhythmical documentary Buena Vista Social Club, moving the big show from the confining quarters of Campbell Hall into the iconic center of Santa Barbara’s entertainment zone, Arlington Theater.
More quickly followed, with amazing vocal range, from David Byrne and Elvis Costello to perhaps her grandest coup, the Vienna Philharmonic at the Granada last spring.
And in a traumatized economy, too. Billeci has found Santa Barbara audiences willing to follow her anywhere. “What amazes me now is how much easier it is to get people to come out and see something they don’t know, rather than buy big tickets for people they do.” Take the Big Easy series for instance. “Who ever heard of Trombone Shorty? People showed up. How about Carolina Chocolate Drops? We did well with them too.”
She’s perhaps proudest of nurturing audiences and even stars over time. “ We brought Lang Lang when he was an unknown and then back as an international star,” she explains. Although her hardest sell has been the great jazz events, Billeci is very proud of how people turn out to see a bewildering variety of artists. For instance, Yo Yo Ma in four different configurations, including the Silk Road tour.
Billeci is nothing if not wildly eclectic. Her wish list for the future includes downright fantasies, but also intriguing possibilities— she would like to see Ry Cooder, Tom Waits and Bonnie
Raitt someday, all unplugged. In the meantime, she’s aiming for the rich and deep schedule. “I think we try to have something for everybody,” she says. “But what I want is for people to be totally unable to say, ‘I can’t go.’”
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.
April 2, 6 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Cheeses of Northern Italy Come visit the regions of Piedmont, Lombardy & the Veneto for this delicious tasting! Given the lush topography and rich soil of Northern Italy, the cheeses of these regions really are some of the best in all of Italy. Enjoy the tastes through a delicious selection alongside a tasty new red wine from Piedmont.
The Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra showcases the concertmaster Sheryl Staples. Having appeared as a soloist in more than 40 orchestras, Staples performs on one of the world’s great instruments, a Guarneri del Gesu, here in Santa Barbara.
UCSB Arts & Lectures presents renowned pianist Jonathan Biss performing in the Stephen Hahn Memorial Concert at 8 p.m. at Hahn Hall at the Music Academy of the West.
Karen Telleen-Lawton, principal with Decisive Path Fee-Only Financial Advisory, will provide guidance for 2012 and beyond when she speaks on the topic, From Anxious to Adept: Financial Planning Tips for Women, at the Canary Hotel.
Ciro Coelho presents the newest installment in his Travelbooks series, depicting photographs of one of the world’s most famous capitals: Paris. Coelho, a Brazilian-born photographer and filmmaker, will be present at the showing.
WATERFALLS, the international debut of a breathtaking new body of paintings by the critically acclaimed artist, opens this Thursday at Sullivan Goss, An American Gallery. Goldyne uses the Chinese symbolism associated with waterfalls as influence in his collection of astonishing, six-foot-tall paintings.
"Window on Ellwood" by Dan Levin
April 5, 5-8 p.m. Dan Levin, Mischievous Allegory II
The first “1st Thursday” at lola (1221 State St. at the back of Victoria Court) features the work of assemblage artist Dan Levin, who typically integrates man-made artifacts that have been discarded as no longer viable. Recently, however, he gravitates primarily towards materials extracted from beaches, streams, mountains and deserts. Whether commenting on the mysteries of the natural world or simply producing an abstract that is aesthetically pleasing, the artist is driven to orchestrate relationships between objects that may never have been in close proximity – forming a singular composition or metaphorical device. The work will be on view all month.
Kat Devlin performs while Maria Arroyo and Todd Mehl serve samples of scrumptious yet healthy plant-based shakes. Local art adorns the walls of the Sojourner Cafe, making this First Thursday a multifaceted cultural event.
Monica Bill Barnes and Anna Bass present a whimsical dance theater piece set to live recordings of the Rat Pack that blends deadpan comedy, space-devouring choreography, and awkwardly strenuous partnering. Center Stage Theater with a pre-performance Happy Hour at CAF, featuring La Tour Wine, music by Warbler Records, and an opportunity to peruse the exhibition Fights from Wonder.
April 5, 8 p.m., Yo-Yo Ma Reflecting on a Life in Music
The most celebrated classical musician in the world, cellist Yo-Yo Ma returns with an inspiring lecture-demonstration titled Creating a Life With Music that will incorporate video, performance and discussion to address the role of music in today’s global culture
The Community Environmental Council and Traffic Solutions presents an annual grassroots film festival about saving our plant, improving our environment and being green. As one of the Earth Day kick-off events, the Green Shorts Film Festival has been described as one of the most heartwarming environmental events in our region. So, come walk the green carpet, enjoy the film screening and stay for the after party! Stay Green!
State Street Ballet presents an annual choreography concert, featuring innovative choreography on young dancers from the apprentice company of State Street Ballet. This year the works are choreographed by Rodney Gustafson and Josie Walsh.
Anna Netrebko’s dazzling portrayal of the tragic heroine in Laurent Pelly’s new
production comes to the Met from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. Piotr
Beczala and Paulo Szot also star, with the Met’s Principal Guest Conductor, Fabio
Luisi, on the podium.
Jonathan McEuen brings his own refreshing and innovative take on blues to the OYES stage. Fusing folk, rock, bluegrass and country, Jonathan’s seamless talent on the guitar provides an eclectic, enlivening night of music.
For an entire month, UCSB Arts and Lectures will be showcasing twelve human rights films, ranging in topic from sex trafficking to the “War on Terror” and genocide. Screenings occur at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on select days at the UCSB Pollock Theater. One of the highly anticipated film screenings includes the Oscar-winning Hell and Back Again.
Singer-songwriter Thad Beckman brings his beautiful vocals and slide-guitar talents to Ojai, playing his own unique blend of folk and blues. He’s known for giving an exceptional show, weaving in real life stories with his heartening lyrics.
The Soul Queen of New Orleans has her Santa Barbara debut courtesy of UCSB Arts & Lectures.One of America’s most distinctive and classic singers, Irma Thomas is a treasure from the golden age of soul music. From her 1960s hit “Time Is on My Side” (later covered by The Rolling Stones) to her 2006 Grammy-winning album After the Rain, the “Crescent City’s long reigning queen of soul” (Rolling Stone) remains as compelling and powerful as ever. Campbell Hall, UCSB.
Join James Wapotich as he gives a thorough and informative presentation on the oft-forgotten Santa Barbara mountains and trails. Wapotich’s talk will cover the San Rafael and Dick Smith wildernesses and will include a Q&A portion with tips for the novice and experienced hiker alike.
Live Nation brings in Tim Minchin, an Australian, musician, actor, comedian and writer. He has been performing his unique brand of musical comedy in front of appropriately excitable and ever-growing audiences since 2005. He won the Director’s Award at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for his break-out show Darkside.
Making her Santa Barbara debut, Ajjani sings Ella style vocals with a few “surprises.” Featuring stellar local favorites Debbie Denke, Kim Collins, James Antunez and Carl Villaverde.
The season finale of the State Street Ballet will feature works ranging from classics to premieres that celebrate the breadth and diversity of State Street Ballet, and honor the vision of artistic excellence.
The Santa Barbara Dance Alliance presents an annual extravaganza featuring over one hundred of Santa Barbara’s finest dancers. The BASH showcase brings the best of the local professional dance and exhibition groups together on one stage at the Lobero Theatre.
The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden invites you to a self-guided tour of native plant gardens from Goleta to Carpentaria. Experience these beautiful private gardens firsthand and gain inspiration about using these amazing plants in your own landscape.
The Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club (LAVMC) will host its first-ever “Big Band Dance” at the clubhouse located at 429 Leslie Street at the corner of Centennial Street in downtown Los Alamos. The Rose Garden Dance Band will be performing live classic swing, ballroom and Latin music hits from the 1930-50s including selections from such greats as Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Glenn Miller and Duke Ellington. The event is a fund-raiser for the LAVMC—a local philanthropic membership group open to men, women and families—dedicated to preserving the town’s unique character and hospitality and providing scholarships and funding to local students and community service organizations.
Honoring people who have enriched the welfare of animals in our community, this luncheon is capped by a silent auction of lifestyle and recreation goodies. Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network is a nonprofit volunteer organization that rescues and rehabilitates injured wild birds and small mammals in Santa Barbara County.
Slow Food’s annual mushroom hunt and pranzo is back on this year despite fears of cancellation. Join the foodie community for a Sunday full of delicious food, wine, and Bob Cummings’s highly anticipated mushroom expertise.
Speaking of Stories presents Nothing like a Good Surprise!, stories that will give you a surprise on the journey from beginning to end. Direct by Maggie Mixsell, some of the stories include, “Can Can” by Arturo Vivant, “Trusty” by Ron Rash, “Mercy” by Pickney Benedict, and more.
With a concentration on the areas of Auvergne & Rouergue this delicious tasting will be one you surely don’t want to miss. Home to perhaps France’s most famous cheese, Roquefort, this area has a wonderful variety of interesting cheeses that have literally been in existence for centuries.
UCSB Arts & Lectures, in conjunction with KCRW, presents Seun Kuti, the son of legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, and Egypt 80 at UCSB Campbell Hall in an evening of unstoppable beats and raging, funky rhythms.
Arts & Lectures is thrilled to bring the Santa Barbara debut of Ballet du Grand Theatre de Geneve, the world-renowned Swiss company that is rarely seen outside of Europe. The engagement will feature Les Sylphides and Spectre de la Rose by acclaimed New York City Ballet dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied.
Educate yourself in the newest research in Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases at this day-long conference, offering many influential keynote speakers (including Marc Jacobson, Ph.D.), workshops, and information regarding all aspects of caring or living with these disorders.
American jazz icon, Charles Lloyd, and the doyenne of Greek song, Maria Farantouri, join forces and spirits to create a bridge of sound spanning third century Byzantine prayers to Lloyd’s own 21st century compositions in the Western premiere of Amarando.
The Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1948 and is Korea’s oldest and most prominent orchestra. The Seoul Philharmonic’s composer-in-residence is Unsuk Chin who received the Grawemeyer Award – dubbed the “Nobel Prize for musicians” – in 2004, and the Arnold Schoenberg Prize in 2005.
Join three renowned playwrights as they each read one of their plays at the Alhecama Theatre. On April 18, Constance Congdon will read 2 Washington Square, Laura Marks will perform Bethany on April 19, and Jeffrey Hatcher will read his play The Good Soldier on April 20. All readings are free. For more information visit www.ensembletheatre.com
A Luncheon and symposium moderated by Colonel Noel Zampot, Commander of Edwards Air Force Base Test Pilot School; introduction by Maj. Gen. Phil Conley, USAF, (Ret) and Lt. John W. Blankenship, USNR. Come here the amazing stories of these highly decorated veteran’s in a once in a lifetime opportunity. These men were among the rare few who were clearly the best fighter pilots.
Join Hospice of Santa Barbara and the Alliance for Living and Dying Well for the Five Wishes Community Workshop. Five Wishes is an easy-to-use advance health care directive. Five Wishes trained volunteers will be available to help people complete their Five Wishes documents and provide more information about funeral homes, cemeteries, notaries, pricing and more.
One of the great, generous-hearted and ingenious comedies of the English language, Oliver Goldsmith’s She Stoops to Conquer offers a celebration of chaos, courtship and the dysfunctional family. Hardcastle, a man of substance, looks forward to acquainting his daughter with his old pal’s son with a view to marriage. But thanks to playboy Lumpkin, he’s mistaken by his prospective son-in-law Marlow for an innkeeper; his daughter, for the local barmaid. The good news is, while Marlow can barely speak to a woman of quality, he’s a charmer with those of a different sort. And so, as Hardcastle’s indignation intensifies, Miss Hardcastle’s appreciation for her misguided suitor soars. Misdemeanors multiply, love blossoms, mayhem ensues.
As is the tradition with fringe festivals, Westmont will be wowing audiences with fresh and vivid dance pieces, ten-minute plays, design projects, live music, art walks and devised theater throughout this three-day festival. Spread out across five venues on campus, the Fresh-ly Sliced festival will be sure to depict incredibly creative, brilliant, and unique performances, all created by the students themselves.
April 19, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. “Hat’s Off” Luncheon
The Lobero Theatre Associates will honor award-winning writer and producer Cheri Steinkellner for her upcoming musical “Hello My Baby” during their annual gathering with delicious food and great company. The luncheon will take place at the Montecito Country Club. For more information, call 805/698-3884.
This elegant seated dinner honors the contributions of community members and affiliate honoree of the year Dick Jensen for their support of Planned Parenthood and its mission to combine medical services with education and public advocacy to enhance the quality of life for individuals and their families.
Westmont College will be opening the doors of its observatory to give visitors a chance to view Mars through its powerful Keck Telescope. In addition to the red planet, visitors will have a chance to see a triplet of galaxies beyond our own.
Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 218 Santa Barbara will celebrate Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day with a BBQ at Santa Barbara Elks Lodge. Enjoy chicken, hot dogs, green salad, beans, garlic bread, potato salad, dessert, and the great tunes of the 50s, 60s and 70s. Proceeds benefit VVA Chapter 218 Santa Barbara (including a scholarship program for college-age children, The Vance Fund for disabled veterans and the restoration project of the Vietnam-era Huey Helicopter).
Earth Day is right around the corner, and this year Santa Barbara has a huge range of musical performances, workshops, exercise classes, home improvement demonstrations, food demonstrations, book readings and other performances gracing the stage for two full days. Come out and celebrate the beautiful area we live in! For a full schedule of activities, click here.
Nir Kabaretti conducts Pavel Haas’ Study for String and Orchestra, Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings, and Mozart’s “Coronation” Mass. Featuring soprano Rena Harms, mezzo-soprano Nina Yoshida Nelson, tenor Benjamin Brecher, and the Santa Barbara Choral Society.
Times: April 21 at 8:00 p.m., April 22 at 3:00 p.m.
Teenagers reveal their alluringly melancholy story of self-discovery and coming-of-age anxiety in Spring Awakening, a rock musical. Set in repressive 19th-century Germany, these students attempt to reckon with the thrilling, complicated and confusing time of their adolescence. This is a powerful celebration of youth and rebellion in a daring fusion of morality, sexuality and rock & roll.
Times: Thursday, April 19, through Saturday, April 21, at 8:00 p.m., Sunday, April 22, at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 26, through Saturday, April 28, at 8:00 p.m., Sunday, April 29, at 2:00 p.m.
Come out to Carr Wineery and raise your glass to an enjoyable evening of fine wines and gourmet appetizers. This event supports the vital work of the New Beginnings Counseling Center and their homeless outreach programs.
The Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce presents the 8th Annual Taste of Pismo. Guests can experience the delicious cuisine of Pismo Beach and the delightful world of Central Coast wine. There will be three special events over three days, “Farm to Street,” “Premier Wine & Culinary Event” and “Pancake Breakfast.”
With live performances by some of the most prominent flamenco artists today, this performance brings the excitement of flamenco music and dance into the lives of children. This matinee performance is designed to encourage discussion of world cultures and cultural diversity; inspire creativity and expression; introduce the historic relationship between Spain and Santa Barbara; and present the emergence of flamenco as a major component of America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.
At the Museum of Ventura County’s Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Pavilion, the Gizmo Guys, master jugglers, will take he stage with their high-energy performance. Known for their humor as well as technique, these guys tour worldwide and have appeared in more than 2,500 live performances. The performance is for both adults and children.
UCSB Arts & Lectures presents acclaimed R&B powerhouse Bettye LaVette at UCSB’s Campbell Hall. The 1960s soul singer made a major comeback with her Grammy-nominated album, Interpretations: The British Rock Songbook.
Earth Day in Santa Barbara deserves the best lyrical performances, so the Santa Barbara Children’s Chorus will be wowing audiences in two locations for the Earth Day festivities. Be sure to use this Sunday to celebrate the beautiful area that we live in and the children whose voices are just as enchanting.
The Alliance for Living and Dying Well gathers the community together to celebrate the Five Wishes, an advance health care directive. The Five Wishes program helps patients and families alike cope with illness and educates them on how to make medical decisions. Guests speakers include County Supervisor Salud Carbajal and the CEO of Cottage Hospital, Rob Werft.
“Derby Day” is this year’s theme for the 15th annual event. The Mad Hatter Luncheon supports the effective diversified programs and services that Transition House provides to homeless families with children. Four Seasons Biltmore Coral Casino, 1260 Channel Dr.
“FAIR-y TAils come true” at the 23rd annual Santa Barbara Fair & Expo at the Earl Warren Showgrounds is a happy place that will put a smile on your face! Exciting carnival rides, bewitching fair food and enchanting farm animals are waiting for you!
April 25, 5:30 p.m. Master Class with Mark Morris Dance Group
Join the Mark Morris Dance Group for an evening of dance instruction at Santa Barbara Dance Arts. Co-presented by UCSB Arts & Lectures and Santa Barbara Dance Alliance. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 805/966-6950 or visit www.sbdancealliance.org.
Hospice of Santa Barbara is hosting a wine-and-cheese reception for local photographer Betsy Mooney’s new exhibit. Titled “On Tender Wings” and featuring an array of photographs of butterflies, the exhibit will run through mid-July.
The Westmont Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of John Douglas, performs a mixture of standard and eclectic jazz pieces. The group will also feature an original song by Rutherford (vocals and cello).
The sheer brilliance and wealth of Morris’ choreographic invention is a joyous expression of classical refinement and thrilling musicality. Presented by UCSBArts & Lectures at the Granada Theatre.
Mitchell Thomas and Maurie Lord (co-founder of Genesis West) collaborate to produce The Fever, a one-man show begging the question: “Is it possible, or even right, for a sensitive person to be happy in today’s world?” Mitchell Thomas, an award-winning actor, director, teacher, and Chair of the Westmont College Theatre Arts department, will perform the monologue.
Featuring the work of Santa Barbara artists Neal Crosbie, Brad Nack, Bill O’Malley, Barry Spacks, and Ron Robertson; Local Legends promises to be one of the most eclectic and dynamic exhibitions of the year. The show runs through June 15, 2012.
In Gluck’s Orphée et Eurydice, based on Greek mythology’s central character, Orpheus’ grief at the death of Eurydice is so profound that the god of love and allows him to journey to the Underworld and bring her back to life. But there is a catch: he cannot turn back to look at her. He is unable to resist and pays the ultimate price. Performed in French with English supertitles.
UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Joshua Bell and the acclaimed Academy of St Martin in the Fields. The concert marks the orchestra’s first appearance in Santa Barbara since Bell took over for Sir Neville Marriner as the new music director – and its first tour with the renowned, Grammy-winning violinist at the helm.
April 28, 12:00 p.m. Heart of the Matter Gala
A fitting tribute to donors, sponsors and the lives of those affected by heart disease. This event attracts community members together to gain awareness about heart disease and to help the community build healthier lives. Four Seasons Biltmore Coral Casino, 1260 Channel Dr. For more information, call 805/963-8862.
Performances of The Tortoise and the Hare, The Fox and the Grapes, The lion and the Mouse and many more! Appropriate for K-6, performance time approximately 50 minutes. The Children’s Creative Project endorses Ensemble’s Storybook Theatre.
Join the Let It Go Yoga studio for a half-day workshop that will help women get in touch with their inner “warrior” selves. A combination of yoga poses and writing exercises will lead participants on a journey of creativity and self-discovery. For more information, call 805/685-8079.
Enjoy wine and cheese pairings while learning about our natural environment from Billy Goodnick and Owen Dell at the beautiful Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.
Presented by the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, the Sea Festival includes ship tours, arts and crafts, food, diving demos and fun for the whole family.
The Siloam Quartet at Westmont, which features Emily McClean (violin), Madison Martin (violin), Sarah Shasberger (viola) and Rebecca Shasberger (cello), will perform at Deane Chapel.
Reds presents their first blues night, with the Bullfrog Blues Band opening and closing while the stage will be open to other blues and jazz acts throughout the night.
Join fellow community members for the launch of the world’s first non-profit community film studio, Community Film Studio Santa Barbara, Inc. (CFSSB). CFSSB invites individuals to come learn how to make and produce a film. Memberships and sponsors are welcomed. The event is hosted by the CFSSB Borad of Directors and takes place at Marjorie Luke Theater at Santa Barbara Junior High School.
Comedian, writer and banjo player Steve Martin performs at the Granada Theatre for an evening of fun and laughter. Attendees will hear his collaborations with the Grammy-nominated band the Steep Canyon Rangers. For tickets, call 805/893-3535.
The Westmont Music Department performs their spring concert at First Presbyterian Church. For more information or to purchase tickets, call Trinity Hokama at 805/565-6040.
Heralded as “Pakistan’s best and bravest reporter,” Ahmed Rashid will be at UCSB’s Campbell Hall to discus the situation, and America’s options, in the post-bin Laden Middle East. Following his lecture, Rashid will be signing copies of his new book, Pakistan on the Brink.
UCSB Arts & Lectures presents the Santa Barbara debut of Top Chef’s influential head judge, the James Beard Award-winning chef Tom Colicchio in An Evening with Tom Colicchio at UCSB Campbell Hall on February 22 at 8 p.m.
Colicchio is one of the culinary world’s most celebrated figures. As lead judge on Top Chef, he serves as the final arbiter of taste, a no-nonsense opinion giver and respected mentor to the “cheftestants” vying for the title of Top Chef. A self-taught cook, Colicchio is chef-owner of New York City’s celebrated Gramercy Taven and Craft, dubbed “a vision of food heaven” by the New York Times. In 2011, he won the highly coveted James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef, one of the most prestigious culinary honors in the U.S.
The New Jersey native set out to expand his simple, elegant brand of cooking by opening other eateries, including Craft’s casual sibling, Craftbar; Colicchio & Sons and Riverpark in New York; Craftsteak at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas; Crafts in Los Angeles and Dallas; and ‘wichcraft, a chain of more than a dozen upscale sandwich shops throughout the U.S. Colicchio is also the author of three best-selling cookbooks, including the James Beard Award winner, Think Like a Chef (2000), Craft of Cooking: Notes and Recipes from a Restaurant Kitchen (2003) and ‘wichcraft: Craft a Sandwich into a Meal – And a Meal into a Sandwich with chef Sisha Ortuzar (2009).
A special Food Truck Feast will be held before the show from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. outside of Campbell Hall Local gourmet food trucks will offer up delectable dishes in the drop-off loop near Campbell Hall. The Burger Bus, O Street Truck, and Sweet Arleen’s (a gourmet cupcake truck from Westlake Village and two-time champion of the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars) will be selling delicious meals and treats.
Plan to stop by Whole Foods Market on Friday, February 3, to experience the first ever Santa Barbara Sandwich Showdown.
Three contestants- Clay Lovejoy (owner of Three Pickles), Savoy Cafe & Deli , and one amateur/home cook, will all face off in this sandwich-making competition inspired by Top Chef’s Tom Colicchio. The winner will receive a $250 Whole Foods shopping spree along with other prizes. This event is co-sponsored by UCSB Arts & Lectures, Whole Foods Market and the Santa Barbara Independent. Admission to the SB Sandwich Showdown is free.
UCSB Arts & Lectures has just added a hot ticket to an already impressive lineup: Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers will perform in An Evening of Bluegrass and Comedy Sunday, April 29 at The Granada Theatre. Tickets go on sale at Saturday, January 7 at 10 a.m.
Last year’s performance by the world-famous funny guy and Grammy-winning banjo player sold out quickly. The 2012 show follows on the heels of his appearance with the Steep Canyon Rangers, a North Carolina bluegrass band, at the Stagecoach Festival in Indio, Calif.
Several of UCSB Arts & Lectures’ upcoming performers were nominated for 2012 Blues Music Awards, the highest honors in the blues industry.
Coming up on January 24, Blues harmonica icon Charlie Musselwhite,Billy Boy Arnold and Sugar Ray Norcia — all guest artists in Mark Hummel’s Blues Harmonica Blowout— have eight nominations between them. Their honors include: Traditional Blues Male Artist of the year (Musselwhite), Instrumentalist – Harmonica (Musselwhite and Norcia), Band (Sugar Ray & The Bluetones), Album of the Year (Arnold and Sugar Ray & The Bluetones) and Traditional Blues Album (Arnold and Sugar Ray & The Bluetones).
Ruthie Foster, who’ll perform with Paul Thorn as part of Soul Salvation on February 10, is up for three honors: the B.B. King Entertainer award, Koko Taylor Award (Traditional Blues Female) and best DVD (for the film/CD, Live At Antone’s, recorded at the legendary club in Austin, Texas).
And the unforgettable vocalist Bettye LaVette has been nominated for Contemporary Blues Female Artist. She’ll appear on April 22.
The Blues Foundation will present the 33rd annual awards on Thursday, May 10 in Memphis. For tickets and more information call, 805/893-3535 or visit www.artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.
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.
First up is Top Hat, the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers classic film which includes Irving Berlin standards like “Isn’t This a Lovely Day” and “Cheek to Cheek.”
Each Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. A&L will host screenings in UCSB’s Campbell Hall and these campus presentations of classic Hollywood musicals from the 1930s through the 1950s are being paired with the “Courthouse Movie Series,” which will host free outdoor showings of the same films, each subsequent Friday evening at 8:30 p.m. at the County Courthouse Sunken Garden.
For each Friday night screening at the Courthouse, Santa Barbara Dance Alliance will present a live dance performance, before each film, to celebrate that night’s movie. This week Derrick Curtis and January Gregov will perform a dance demo followed by lessons and concluding with another dance performance.
How fun is that? And free to boot. Just bring your blankets or low chairs and enjoy a free evening at the Courthouse under the stars.
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. 
