The Return of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, courtesy photo

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, courtesy photo

Get ready to swing, jive with the hepcats and toe tap your way to a really fun evening when Big Bad Voodoo Daddy returns to The Granada Theatre on Saturday, October 4 at 8 p.m.

Believe it or not, 2014 marks the 21st anniversary of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s arrival onto the music scene from their native Ventura. In their early years, they reminded the world—during the grunge era—that it was still cool to swing, big band style. Several of their songs were featured in the film Swingers, which also made household names out of then unknowns Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy performed during the halftime show of the Super Bowl, and to sold out crowds at the Hollywood Bowl, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Lincoln Center and Constitution Hall to name a few. The band often plays more than 150 shows a year and has appeared as special guests with many of the great American symphony orchestras including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and the National Symphony Orchestra.

Tickets range  are available through The Granada Theatre’s Box Office. For more information, click here or call the Box Office at 805/899-2222. The theater is located at 1214 State St.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 29, 2014.

Small Images 2014 at SBCC’s Atkinson Gallery

Small ImagesThe Atkinson Gallery hosts the 30th annual Small Images exhibition juried by Tif Sigfrids of Tif Sigfrids Gallery in Los Angeles. A juried competition featuring regional artists working in all media, the exhibition’s only constraint is size—all works must be 18” or smaller in every dimension. The diminutive scale of the works necessitates both intimacy and concision resulting in a dynamic exhibit that invites viewers to “take a closer look.”

The Atkinson Gallery was tremendously pleased with the enthusiastic response to Small Images from artists this year. The exhibition gathered an unprecedented amount of attention even before opening, with 372 pieces by 177 different local artists submitted for consideration. This was a significant increase in participation from the 246 pieces by 121 artists received in 2013.  From these submissions, Sigfrids selected 39 works from 29 artists including Esther Alinejad, Adrienne Allebe, Penny Arntz, Pamela Benham, Kit Boise-Cossart, Linda Branch, Phoebe Brunner, Lynn Coleman, Ralph Corners, Rob Decker, Rick Doehring, Benjamin Eckert, Elizabeth Flanagan, Diane Handloser, Holli Harmon, Marilyn Kandus, Fredda Leiter, Sara Lytle, Laurie MacMillan, Patrick McGinnis, George Sanders, Nicole Strasburg, Iben Vestergaard, Tio Vivo, Stephanie Washburn, Dorene White, Bill Woolway, Samah Yasin, and Pamela Zwehl-Burke for display.

Awards, including a $1,000 first prize, will be announced at 5:30 p.m. during the opening reception. This year’s exhibit is made possible with generous support from the Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Foundation.

Opening reception in October 3, from 5-7 p.m.

Exhibition will be on view from October 3–31.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 28, 2014.

Cocktail Corner: Italian Reds

Photo by Leslie Dinaberg

Photo by Leslie Dinaberg

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

I’ve got a soft spot for all things Italian, especially red wines.

Barolo is one of my special favorites. The vineyards and wineries in the Barolo district are famous for producing some of Italy’s very finest red wines—predominantly from the region’s signature grape variety, Nebbiolo.  The area includes a handful of micro-terroirs that, thanks to their sun exposure, soil and climate, as well as the ages of the vines and the care lavished on them for decades, help to elevate these wines even further.

I recently drank an amazing bottle of Damilano Barolo DOCG Cannubi 2008, which I had been saving for a special occasion (my birthday). It was indeed sumptuous. (Especially when paired with chocolate cake.) Made from 100%  Nebbiolo grapes from 30-50 year old vines, this full bodied red was simply delicious, and well worth the wait. Unfortunately, at upwards from $70-$90 a bottle I’m going to have to wait a while before I’ll get to drink this again.

Thankfully, there are some Barolo bargains to be found, including another wine from the same producers, the Damilano Lecinquevigne Barolo DOCG. Also made from Nebbiolo grapes —from the regions of Barolo, Verduno, Grinzane Cavour, La Morra and Novello—this lovely, ruby red wine retails under $40.main_variation_na_view_01_204x386

But you don’t have to travel far to enjoy la dolce vida! Locally, Palmina produces a variety of great Italian style red varietals, including at least four different but equally delicious Nebbiolos. Mosby Wines is also creating Italian style wines locally, including award-winning Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Pinot Grigio and more, including the latest addition, Dolcetto—the everyday wine of Piedmont, Italy.

Tre Anelli, which has a tasting room in Los Olivos, has some nice Italian style red  varietals too, as does Tres Hermanas, on Foxen Canyon Road in Santa Barbara.

Amore tutto italiano! Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns. Want to know more about drinking “Italian Style?” Here’s a fun article you might enjoy.

Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 26, 2014.

Writing the Book on Gratitude & Trust

Paul Williams and Tracey Jackson collaborate on new book that uses the principles of the recovery movement to help just about anybody

Longtime friends—the pair first met in Robert Mitchum‘s bedroom in 1982—Paul Williams (yes, that Paul Williams, the Oscar-, Grammy- and Golden Globe-winning Hall of Fame songwriter) and Tracey Jackson (who write the films Confessions of a Shopaholic and The Guru, among others) had talked about doing a project together for years before inspiration finally struck.

Authors Paul Williams and Tracey Jackson will appear at Tecolote Book Shop in Montecito on Sept. 25. Photo courtesy Gratitude and Trust Facebook page.

Authors Paul Williams and Tracey Jackson will appear at Tecolote Book Shop in Montecito on Sept. 25. Photo courtesy Gratitude and Trust Facebook page.

 

“I always had a fascination with the recovery movement. I always felt that it was a great foundation for all people and that all people should probably be required to go through it just on general principal,” says Jackson, who grew up in Santa Barbara. “I had kind of always been envious of … Paul and various other friends in my life who had been in recovery and I had seen the difference it made in their lives.”

Meanwhile, Williams starred in the 2012 documentary Paul Williams, Still Alive, and during a Q & A after a screening of the film, “he mentioned his choo choo ran on the twin rails of gratitude and trust.” Jackson says, “the light bulb went off in my head and afterwards I said you know, that’s it. That’s a book, gratitude and trust.”

With a basic underlying theme of “recovery is not just for addicts,” the pair set out to make the project a reality, quickly developing a book proposal that sparked a bidding war and ultimately publishing under Blue Rider Press, a member of Penguin Group. They also launched a website, gratitudeandtrust.com, and immediately began connecting with readers.

Williams, who will celebrate 25 years of sobriety on March 15, says, “For 24 years people had been saying to me, ‘I wish we had something like you have to turn our lives around and to clean up our lives, I wish we had some process like you have in recovery. ‘ And I never really knew how to share that until …Tracey became a catalyst to finding a way to do it.”

He continues, “It’s been an amazing journey to write this book.”

Gratitude & Trust offers “Six Affirmations of Personal Freedom,” along with anecdotes and advice from both authors individually, as well as their collective voices. The six affirmations are:

  • -Something needs to change, and it's probably me.
  • -I don't know how to do this but something inside me does.
  • -I will learn from my mistakes and defend them.
  • -I will make right the wrongs I've done wherever possible.
  • -I will continue to examine my behavior on a daily basis.
  • -I will live my life in love and service, gratitude and trust.

The beauty of these ideas is that they can work for a variety of problems.

“Everyone starts life in a different place, everyone has different levels of dysfunction, everyone has different levels of needs. … I think that people will take what they need in the order and the intensity of which they need it, so that’s not up to us,” says Jackson. “Neither Paul nor I are obviously going to be able to clone ourselves and sit in thousands of living rooms and say okay, do the first step. But I’m such a bossy person I probably would love to do that! …I could just Skype into people’s houses. Would you please go and apologize to your mom,” she laughs.

Because the pair have been blogging from the beginning, they have lots of reader contact. “Food addiction is the biggest thing that comes up after people who are getting sober, are sober or are staying sober. … Some things require more spirituality, some things require more discipline, some requires they walk hand in hand. … It’s sort of a buffet,” says Jackson.

Adds Williams, “The thing that I think that the six affirmations have in common with the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous is essentially it’s a toolbox … a good carpenter has a Phillips screwdriver, he’s got a hammer, he’s got a box of tools that are appropriate to the needs.”

“I don’t think you really are as aware that you need it, … but the truth is until you really try it, you don’t realize how valuable it is,” says Jackson.

“There a couple chapters dealing with people who are kind of broken in your life. One is called Navigating the Nasties, which is about dealing with people that you’re not going to change but you’re going to be stuck with them, whether it’s a bad boss or a member of your family that is almost impossible to deal with,” says Williams. “The other one is there’s a chapter called The Ones We Love, about dealing with someone who is an alcoholic… It’s just a reminder that even though somebody may not feel they need the book, they don’t have anything broken to fix, I bet you they know somebody that does.”

While the advice in the book is helpful, the tone is still humorous.

“Tracy has an edge to her,” laughs Williams. “She can be wonderfully quick and quick witted and defend herself, take care of herself, but I have seen a spiritual growth I think for both of us, and I have seen it in Tracey”

“But I like when I go back to being funny and edgy. I do I like that,” says Jackson.

“Buy the book,” she says, with a laugh.

You can do just that on Thursday, September 25, when the authors will be signing books—and surely laughing along the way—from 5-7 p.m. at Tecolote Book Store, 1470 E. Valley Rd., Montecito.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 24, 2014.

 

Christopher Titus’ “Angry Pursuit of Happiness”

Christopher Titus, courtesy photo

Christopher Titus, courtesy photo

Kids learn that “honesty is the best policy” at an early age, but for comedians to learn that lesson can take a little longer.

Before his breakout one-man show “Norman Rockwell is Bleeding” in 2004, comedian Christopher Titus admits, ” I had done comedy for about 12 years, and I was just kind of a crappy comedian. Nothing happened in my career until I threw all of my material away and wrote that show, which is the first time I was really honest about my life on the page.”

Drawing on dark, personal stories from “my mom’s suicide, to my dad’s alcoholism, to getting punched in the face by my ex-girlfriend, to all kinds of stuff,” that one-man show led to his dark comedy TV series Titus on Fox. The show also earned him a Writer’s Guild nomination and an Emmy nomination, and Newsday called him “TV’s most original voice since Seinfeld.”

Titus describes his comedy storytelling as, “hard funny …. Like if you put Bill Cosby in a horribly abusive home and he fell into a bonfire when he was 15.”

Whatever it is, it’s working.

“Norman Rockwell is Bleeding” paved the way for Titus’ future comedy albums/specials, “The Fifth Annual End of the World Tour” (2007), “Love is Evol” (2009), “Neverlution” (2011), “The Voice in my Head” (2013), and now his newest show, “The Angry Pursuit of Happiness,” which comes to the Lobero Theatre on Saturday, September 27 and will be filmed for a television special.

“This will be my sixth comedy special and this one is the best one I’ve ever done,” says Titus. “There’s a bit called this how life goes. There’s a bit called arm the children, a very funny bit, but it’s kind of a big FU to the NRA, actually to be honest … I even do my own eulogy in this special.”

He continues, “In comedy you have to make people question what you’re talking about. … A friend of mine calls it ‘the last bastion of freedom in America.’ So that’s why they can tell you on a TV show you’ve got to do it this way and this way or our advertisers won’t take it, but on the comedy stage they can’t do that to you.”

Titus speaks from personal experience on the TV show front: his Fox show was infamously cancelled when he spoke his mind to a network executive. “Yep, tell the network president they didn’t know what the hell they’re doing. It turns out if you tell your boss they’re stupid long enough they will fire you. Write that down. One of those rules of life. If you tell your boss they’re stupid long enough they will fire you. I said one sentence that cost me $30 million dollars. You feel better about your life now?”

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Unlike his previous shows, Titus says, “‘Angry Pursuit of Happiness’ this was a hard one to write for me, because my entire comedy thing has come out of pain and anger and my divorce and my crazy mom and my alcoholic dad. I got married again, I met this great woman after my horrible divorce and I got happy and I got really scared I’ve never been more uncomfortable in my life because everything was going well. So I had to deal with that in my life,” he laughs.

“That’s a rich white lady’s problem. You should just call me Miss Daisy. But if you’ve never had happiness and ease in your life, when it happens it’s unrecognizable. This show was about we’re all going to die. No one really believes they’re going to die. Deep down we all think we’re highlanders. I eat more broccoli than anyone, I take many supplements, and I will live forever! … But we’re all going to die and no one thinks about that and this is kind of about finding a different place in your life. ”

The cast of Pawnography, courtesy photo

The cast of Pawnography, courtesy photo

Life is indeed good for Titus these days. In addition to a happy home life, a busy career as a stand-up comic and writer and a new gig as the host of Pawnography on HISTORY, he’s also directing a film, Special Unit, about four disabled detectives. Titus describes it as “The Shield with handicapped people. …. basically due to the fairness and disability law the LAPD has to hire more the handicapped undercover detectives.” The cast includes Titus, as well as Brad Williams, a stand out in his performance at the LOL Comedy Festival at the Lobero earlier this month.

When asked if there is anything left on his career bucket list, Titus says, “you know, I love doing stand-up so much. George Carlin did 21 albums and 14 one-hour specials. There nobody currently even near that. but I’m gonna keep going till I croak on stage and people will think I’m doing a bit. They’ll think I’m doing a piece of material and watch me die and think that’s funny.”

Knowing Titus, it probably would be pretty funny.

He promises, “The show in Santa Barbara will be great. “There is some swearing in it but if you have a 16-year-old kid you could bring them. Any younger than that, I wouldn’t. … The truth can be painful, but the truth is really funny.”

Christopher Titus’ “Angry Pursuit of Happiness” is at the Lobero Theatre (33 E. Canon Perdido St.) on Saturday, September 27 at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets click here.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 22, 2014.

 

Cocktail Corner: Bottomless Bellini Brunch at Belmond El Encanto

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

It’s tough to improve upon the spectacular ocean and mountain views from the terrace at Belmond El Encanto, but the amazing Bottomless Bellini Brunch—available Sundays from 11 a.m.–2 p.m.—adds a delicious bubbly kick to what is already an embarrassment of riches. This brunch is a perfect way to treat that special someone to a meal they won’t forget.

The Bottomless Bellini and a view from the Terrace at Belmond El Encanto. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

The Bottomless Bellini and a view from the Terrace at Belmond El Encanto. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

The Bellini, a sparkling beverage of Prosecco and peach puree or nectar, was first created at Belmond El Encanto’s sister property Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Italy, and Chef Leo Andres Ayala does the tradition proud.

The brunch includes a nice assortment of locally-sourced  dishes, starting with an array of  appetizers served family style, including  Ahi  Tuna  Salad,  Chilled  Prawns,  Smoked  Duck, Smoked Salmon, Marinated Berries  and  Charred Vegetable  Salad. The meal is luxurious on its own, but its even more of a treat to have the dishes brought to you at the table, rather than having to serve yourself.

Family style appetizers at Belmond El Encanto. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Family style appetizers at Belmond El Encanto. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

The feast seems to be never-ending as the Belllinis continue to flow and you choose from  a tasty list of entree selections,  including   Brioche   French   Toast,   Eggs   Benedict,   Steak   and   Eggs,   Buttermilk Pancakes, Lobster Fritatta, Duck Confit Chilaquiles, Santa Barbara Seafood Cioppino, Roasted Salmon, Crispy Seared Branzino, Veal Scallopini, Roasted Jidori Chicken Breast, Seared   Rare   Ahi   Tuna   Sandwich   or   a   Classic   Cobb Salad. It’s hard to go wrong!

Eggs Benedict at Belmond El Encanto. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Eggs Benedict at Belmond El Encanto. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

We hope you saved room for something sweet. Complementing   the   meal,  guests   are   invited   to   The   Wine   Room   where  a  gorgeous selection  of  house-made  desserts  from  Pastry  Chef  Aaron  Lesch  awaits. Don’t worry … you can pick more than one!

The  Bellini  Brunch  is  $75  per  adult  and  $35  per  child  (12  years   and  younger).  Belmond El Encanto is located at 800 Alvarado Pl. For more information or reservations call 805/770-­3530 or visit elencanto.com.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 19, 2014.

New Website Focuses on Local Artists

Santa Barbara Artist Directory, courtesy photo

Santa Barbara Artist Directory, courtesy photo

“People need to know where to buy and find local art,” says Peter Otte, a Santa Barbara-based web developer who recently launched a new online directory to do just that.

The SB Artist Directory  was specifically designed to help artists based in Santa Barbara County reach a wider audience by creating a simple profile and create artist portfolios, Otte explains.

“Santa Barbara has a lot of really talented artists working in the shadows. Our goal is to help artists build a better online presence,” he says.

Web Developer Peter Otte, courtesy photo

Web Developer Peter Otte, courtesy photo

For a mere $26 annual membership fee, artists may include a short profile, links to their social media pages and may upload as many images as they wish. The site is not juried. The only requirement is that the artist resides within Santa Barbara County lines.

Paintings, drawings, photography, and sculpture are all acceptable art forms. Otte says his intent is not to evaluate the work but simply to put it out there to provide greater exposure for the artists. Among the first group of artists to sign on for the site are several well known creatives, including Nancy Gifford, David J. Diamant and Kerrie Kilpatrick Weinberg.

“Having many artists friends in the community, we became aware of the need to help artists promote themselves on the web. Artists’ minds are made for creating, not so much for promoting themselves, especially online. We decided to create an online directory where any artist from Santa Barbara County can be featured at a very low cost,” Otte says.

In addition, the site also posts local art-related news and events free of charge. For more information visit http://www.sbartistdirectory.com/.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 17, 2014.

Style File: Five New Skin Care Habits for Fall

Courtesy Sebamed

Courtesy Sebamed

Changing seasons call for a few change-ups in our beauty routine. Dermatologist Dr. Marnie Nussbaum recommends incorporating these five habits into your daily ritual for a smooth, soft transition into fall.

1. Switch Cleansers.

Start with the basics – If you’ve been using a shine control cleanser (or skating by with a bar of soap), make the switch to a more hydrating, soap-free cleanser. Coconut oil-based cleansers like Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Foam are one of the most effective moisturizing and anti-aging ingredients, and act as antibacterial active ingredient that removes bacteria to prevent the formation of new pimples. (SebamedUSA.com)

Editor’s Note: Another one to try is “Kate Middleton’s favorite cleanser,” Karin Herzog Professional Cleansing, a gentle cleansing gel and makeup remover in one.

2. Don’t Stop Using Sunscreen.

Don’t be fooled by lower temperatures. Cover exposed skin with sunscreen, just as you would in the summer. UV rays are just as strong when hitting the slopes or walking in the rain as they are on the beach. Applying sunscreen daily is the easiest way to prevent sun damage, protect your skin, and not to mention – look younger. Try using products that offer Broad-Spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection, and have a SPF of 30 or greater.

Editor’s Note: Check out this post on Double Duty Sunscreen Solutions.

3. Move to a Heavier Night Cream.

Recover and restore your skin after a long summer with a heavier night cream like Sebamed Anti-Dry Night Intensive Cream which works to protect, smooth, calm and regenerate the skin without clogging pores. The intensive and rich properties of this Night Cream stimulate the skin’s own renewal process overnight for fresher skin by morning. The pH value of 5.5 promotes the skin’s own acid protective barrier against dehydration and irritants. (SebamedUSA.com)

Editor’s Note: Here’s a Total Beauty survey of the 16 Best Night Creams.

4. Exfoliate Flaky Skin.

In the summer, we don’t need to exfoliate often. As temperatures cool, practice exfoliating once a week to keep dry flaky skin from shedding around the nose and chin. Select a soft facial scrub (those made with rice bran are less rough) that also uses naturally hydrating ingredients like avocado, coconut or almond oils to avoid excessive dryness and irritation. Immediately following, moisturize with balancing night cream.

Editor’s Note: Exfoliation is key for so many skin issues. We recently tried, and really liked, the Suki Resurfacing Enzyme Peel.  This resurfacing masque is effective from the inside out (it treats the source, not just the symptoms) and the outside in (it treats the surface signs like redness, acne, dryness, etc.). (sukiskincare.com)

Courtesy Uni K Wax Center

Courtesy Uni K Wax Center

5. Maximize Moisture in the Shower.

Our skin loses water to radiator heat and dry air all day long. Replenish and balance moisture content by using a hydrating body wash and lotion every time you shower, like Sebamed Anti-Dry Derma-Soft Wash Emulsion and Hydrating Body Lotion. To prevent dry, crackly, irritated skin, pat (don’t rub) skin dry after a hot shower and apply a moisturizer within 3 minutes to seal in hydration. (SebamedUSA.com)

Editor’s Note: We also like Uni K’s Ultimate Balm made with Green Tea and Cucumber to restore hydration to thirsty skin. It’s infused with cucumbers, a natural hydrator and green tea, chock full of antioxidants to ward off environmental toxins, as well as rice extracts to help retain the skin retain moisture.  (UniKWax.com)

 —Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 16, 2014.

Andrea Weir’s new novel “A Foolish Consistency”

"A Foolish Consistency" by Andrea Weir, will be available Sept. 15.

“A Foolish Consistency” by Andrea Weir, will be available Sept. 15.

Longtime local journalist Andrea Weir Estrada has written her first novel, A Foolish Consistency, crafting a rich, compelling love story that is anything but foolish.

Weir’s complex romance for literate grown ups tells the story of long ago lovers Callie Winwood and Will Tremaine, whose chance meeting in an emergency room re-ignites a 25-year-old passion.

 Of course, no one makes the journey into their 40s without carrying along some baggage, and these two are no exception. Will has devoted himself to his two young children, whose mother died tragically two years earlier. Callie’s divorce has left her vulnerable as well.

Their journey toward one another is anything but simple. Just when it seems like they’ll finally earn a happily ever after, they are forced to split when a scandal threatens to unravel their respective families.

Andrea Weir, photo by Spencer Bruttig

Andrea Weir, photo by Spencer Bruttig

A Foolish Consistency is a passionate love story with depth, exploring the emotional damage that grief can cause, as well as the importance of forgiveness, and, ultimately, the joy of redemption.

The book will be available at local stores on September 15. Weir will be signing books at Tecolote Book Shop (1470 E. Valley Rd., Montecito) on September 22 from 5:30-7 p.m.

For more information visit www.andrea-weir.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 12, 2014.

Friendship Center’s 5th Annual Wine Down

Courtesy Friendship Center

Courtesy Friendship Center

Friendship Center, the south coast’s only nonprofit, fully licensed adult day services program, will have its 5th Annual Wine Down, Friday, September 19 from 4-7 p.m.

This casual yet festive event will feature local vintners  pouring their wines for tasting, delicious Asian-inspired hors d’oeuvres by Spices N Rice and live music by Montecito Jazz Project Held al fresco in the courtyard of the lovely center in Montecito, this Friday after-work gathering will give guests a chance to enjoy a lovely late-summer evening and “wine down“ from the cares of the week. A small silent auction will offer carefully selected gift baskets featuring high-quality wine and wine-related items.

Participating wineries include: Andrew Murray Vineyards, Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard, Consilience & Tre Anelli, Cottonwood Canyon Winery, Demetria, Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard, Pali Wine Co., Palmina, Santa Barbara WineryTower 15 Winery, and Vinemark Cellars. Beer from Surf Brewery will also be featured.

The Friendship Center is located at 89 Eucalyptus Lane in Montecito. To purchase tickets click here.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 13, 2014.