Santa Barbara Poetry Series

Posted on February 19, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

“Though the drought continues through the winter, there is no drought of winter poetry,” writes organizer Paul Willis. The public is warmly invited to attend the winter reading of the Santa Barbara Poetry Series at 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 21 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (653 Paseo Nuevo, Upper Arts Terrace).

The three presenting poets are Katie Shara, Jackson Wheeler and Zack Rogow.

Younger poet Katie Shara was born and raised in Santa Barbara and is a recent graduate of Westmont College. She became interested in poetry while on a semester abroad in Orvieto, Italy. She is currently working at a local preschool—teaching two-year-olds, writing curriculum, and settling into post-grad life.

Local poet and social worker Jackson Wheeler was born and raised on the eastern slopes of the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. He is the author of two collections of poetry, Swimming Past Iceland (Millie Grazie Press, 1993) and A Near Country (SOLO Press, 1999), and also of a forthcoming collection, Was I Asleep: Poems 1980-2014. Since 1989, he has hosted the Arcade Poetry Series, now part of the cultural offerings of the Oxnard Carnegie Art Museum.

Visiting poet Zack Rogow was born and raised in New York City and now lives in San Francisco. His poems have appeared in a variety of magazines, from American Poetry Review to Zyzzyva, and he is the author, editor, or translator of nineteen books or plays, including his seventh book of poems, My Mother and the Ceiling Dancers (Kattywompus Press, 2012), and an anthology of U.S. poetry, The Face of Poetry (University of California Press, 2005). Currently he teaches in the low-residency MFA at the University of Alaska, Anchorage.

The event is supported by Poets & Writers, Inc. through a grant it has received from The James Irvine Foundation. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on February 13, 2015.

Style File: The Scents of Love for Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 11, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

Valentine’s Day is a perfect time for rose-scented fragrances. Photo courtesy fragrance.net.

As far as I’m concerned, nothing sets the mood for romance like the alluring scent of roses. Here are some rose-infused scents to fall in love with this Valentine’s Day.

Rose The One by Dolce & Gabbana (FragranceNet.com) is a contemporary feminine floral that’s a testament to the eternal romance of the rose. An intriguing combination of pink grapefruit, sandalwood, musk, vanilla, rose and mandarin, as well as several other notes, blend to create this elegant floral fragrance.

Very Irresistible by Givenchy (FragranceNet.com) is bursting with roses and infused with star anise, and verbena leaf, this is a youthful, fresh departure from the traditional floral fragrance.

Jo Malone Red Roses (www.jomalone.com) is a lush blend of seven of the world’s most exquisite roses. With crushed violet leaves and a hint of lemon, it unfolds like a bouquet of freshly cut flowers.

Rose by Paul Smith (FragranceNet.com) is a sophisticated scent that opens with notes of violet, rose and green tea. The heart is composed of Turkish Rose and magnolia, while the base brings notes of cedar and musk.

Dolce &amp; Gabbana Rose the One. Photo courtesy fragrance.net.

Stella McCartney Stella (sephora.com) is a sophisticated scent focused on intense femininity. The fragrance is a contrast between the fresh, soft rose and the dark, sensual amber, with notes of mandarin and peony as well.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on February 10, 2015.

SBIFF CLOSES WITH THE US PREMIERE OF NIKI CARO’S “MCFARLAND, USA”

Posted on February 2, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

McFARLAND USA stars Carlos Pratts (left) and Kevin Costner, courtesy SBIFF

On Closing Night, Saturday February 7 at the Arlington Theatre, Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) presents Disney’s McFarland, USA, directed by Niki Caro and starring Kevin Costner and Maria Bello.

Based on the 1987 true story, McFarland, USA follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California’s farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Costner), a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school. Coach White and the McFarland students have a lot to learn about each other but when White starts to realize the boys’ exceptional running ability, things begin to change. Soon something beyond their physical gifts becomes apparent—the power of family relationships, their unwavering commitment to one another and their incredible work ethic. With grit and determination, the unlikely band of runners eventually overcomes the odds to forge not only a championship cross-country team but an enduring legacy as well. Along the way, Coach White realizes that his family finally found a place to call home and both he and his team achieve their own kind of American dream.

For more information, please visit www.sbiff.org.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on February 1, 2015.

The Granada Theatre Film Series Presents: ANTWONE FISHER and “MOVIES THAT MATTER” with Hal Conklin

Posted on February 2, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

Antwone Fisher movie Movies are all over Santa Barbara this week!

The Granada Theatre Film Series presents “MOVIES THAT MATTER” with Hal Conklin, a film programming series of iconic movies that touch the soul and draw out the best in humanity.

On Monday, February 2 at 7 p.m, the second film in the series, ANTWONE FISHER, will screen on state-of-the-art 4K digital cinema, and will include special guest from the Martin Luther King Committee of Santa Barbara for a discussion and Q&A following the film.

Antwone Fisher is the story of a young navy man who is forced to see a psychiatrist after a violent outburst against a fellow crewman. During the course of treatment, a painful past is revealed and a new hope begins.

Click here to purchase tickets, or call The Granada Theatre’s Box Office at 805/899-2222. In support of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, The Granada Theatre will honor all level passes for this screening.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 31, 2015.

Cocktail Corner: Movie-Inspired Sips and Savories

Posted on January 30, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

The Lark is one of many restaurants offering specials to honor the 30th anniversary of SBIFF. Photo courtesy of The Lark.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

It’s easy to get the star treatment during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF). As part of a special Film Feast promotion, all sorts of local watering holes and restaurants are offering movie-themed specials during the Film Festival (January 27 – February 7).

Here are a few of my faves:

Get in the mood for a sweep at the Oscars (my prediction) with a Birdman Martini at Ty Lounge at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara (1260 Channel Dr.). Made with 10 Cane Rum, Galliano, Gran Gala and lime, I recommend trying this one outside on the patio at sunset. Other specials include an Outstanding Carell Collins and a Cousteau Margarita. All come with an excellent view of Butterfly Beach.

The Lark (131 Anacapa St.) also has a special SBIFF Fizz Cocktail made with Cutler’s Gin, Santa Barbara Blood Oranges and Pimm’s.

Margerum M5

If you prefer wine to cocktails, one of the newer tasting rooms in the Wine Collection of El Paseo, Jamie Slone Wines (23 E. De La Guerra St.) is doing a salute to As Good as it Gets. They’ve partnered with C’est Cheese (Hello? Wine and cheese pretty much are as good as it gets!) to offer $20 wine and cheese pairings, along with screenings of the Jack Nicholson film daily at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. (pairings are available from noon – 6 p.m. daily).

Another great movie—Vino Veritas (“In Wine, the Truth”) —is screening at Margerum Wine Company Tasting Room (813 Anacapa St.), which is in the Wine Collection of El Paseo as well. Also in that same charming paseo is Happy Canyon Vineyard‘s “A Good Year” Tasting Flight One, featuring a Staffords Chocolate Truffle paired with 2013 Happy Canyon Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, 2011 Happy Canyon Vineyard Barrack Blanc, 2010 Piocho, 2009 Barrack Brand and 2010 Barrack Ten-Goal.

The other Wine Collection of El Paseo tasting rooms—Au Bon Climat and Grassini—also have special film fest deals going on, so feel free to make a double- or triple-feature of it.

Also down the street at Armada Wine & Beer Merchant (1129-A State St.) is the James Bond Globe Trotter Flight, where you can sample three wines from around the globe, as a tribute to the festival of course!

The food side of the film feast also has some fun options. Here are some highlights:

The Pasta Shoppe, in Santa Barbara Public Market (38 W. Victoria St.) has a special $30 prix fixe menu in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The special Italian-film-themed menu includes “Under the Tuscan Sun” Insalata dell casa with arugula, shaved red onion, teardrop tomatoes and house made grapefruit vinegrette; plus a choice of: “The Big Night” spinach, Ricotta Gnudi, pomodoro, pecorino; “Lady & the Tramp” bucatini with beef and pork bolognese, fresh herbs and parmigano; or “American in Rome” wild mshroom gnocchi, with herbed white wine sauce truffle oil. I tried the gnocchi recently and it was amazing! Don’t miss out on this one.

The Pasta Shoppe’s “American in Rome” wild mushroom gnocchi, with herbed white wine sauce and truffle oil. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Also saluting the festival is “I Am Prawns!” at Crocodile Restaurant and Bar at the Lemon Tree Inn (2819 State St.). This prix fixe menu is inspired by the 2009 Italian film I Am Love. Take 1: Bacon wrapped prawns, paired with Rusack Sauvignon Blanc. Take 2: Filet mignon with portobello mushroom demi glaze, garnished with blue cheese, served with grilled vegetables and truffled mac n’ cheese; paired with Qupe Syrah. Take 3: Triple layer chocolate mousse cake paired with Robert Hall Vintage Port. This is well-priced at $35 per person or $50 per person with wine pairings. Give them a call, as reservations are recommended.

Enjoy the fest and the feast! Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 30, 2015.

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.”

SBIFF Film Feast Returns with 12 Days of VIP Experiences

Posted on January 26, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

Film Feast illustration courtesy Visit Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara’s fifth annual Film Feast returns from January 27 to February 7, offering 12 straight days of VIP access to the top libations and dining offerings as well as exclusive lodging packages throughout Santa Barbara’s theater district. Coinciding with the 30^th anniversary of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF), Santa Barbara’s Film Feast is a unique take on Restaurant Week and part of California’s Restaurant Month.

Special menus and hotel packages will celebrate the theme “30 Years of Filmmaking,” with offers available at participating restaurants, wine tasting rooms and hotels throughout Santa Barbara. Visitors and locals alike will enjoy themed offerings inspired by the blockbuster films and indie favorites of the past 30 years. And don’t forget to share your red carpet experience on Twitter or Instagram using #SBFilmFeast for the chance to win a Santa Barbara getaway and other great prizes!

According to the folks at Visit Santa Barbara, you can rediscover your favorite films with cinema-inspired menus and tasting flights at Santa Barbara’s top restaurants, tasting rooms and lounges, with highlights including:

· Belcampo Meat Company will run a special meatball sandwich during Film Feast, inspired by 2009 comedy Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. Mention the film for a 30% discount on your sandwich!

· C’est Cheese introduces guests to 2005 British-American animated film Wallace + Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, with a menu featuring Wallace’s favorite cheeses.

· Ty Lounge at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara will be debuting three specialty cocktails inspired by this year’s festival honorees. Imbibe with a Birdman Martini, an Outstanding Carell Collins or a Cousteau Margarita.

· Olio Crudo Bar and Olio e Limone Ristorante bring you the flavors and filmmaking of Italy, with exclusive prix fixe menus celebrating 30 years of Italian cinema.

See what’s on the menu at SBFilmFeast.com. Santa Barbara’s Film Feast 2015 is presented as part of California Restaurant Month, held each January to showcase the destination’s unforgettable dining experiences. Learn more at DineinCA.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 25, 2015.

SBIFF INTRODUCES FIRST ANNUAL ARTISANS AWARDS

Posted on January 21, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

Gone Girl composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, courtesy SBIFF

Santa Barbara International Film Festival, in conjunction with Variety, will present the first annual Variety Artisans Awards, which will take place on Tuesday, February 3, at the Arlington Theatre, moderated by Variety’s Seinor Vice President Awards Editor, Tim Gray. The Tribute evening will celebrate those essential to the filmmaking process and who have exhibited the most exciting and innovative work of the year in the fields of Cinematography, Costume Design, Editing, Hair & Makeup, Production Design, Score, Song, Sound Editing & Mixing and Visual Effects. The audience will be treated to a unique and lively discussion with the honorees about their individual crafts and the ways in which their fields all support and rely on each other.

The Variety Artisans Award, will be presented to:

Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, Gone Girl (Score)

Dion Beebe, Into the Woods (Cinematography)

Steven Noble, The Theory of Everything (Costume Design)

Sandra Adair, Boyhood (Editing)

Bill Corso & Kathrine Gordon, Foxcatcher (Hair & Makeup)

Suzie Davies, Mr. Turner (Production Design)

Shawn Patterson / Tegan & Sara, “Everything is Awesome” from The Lego Movie (Song)

Richard King & Mark Weingarten, Interstellar (Sound Mixing & Editing)

Joe Letteri, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes & The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies (VFX)

For more information, or to purchase tickets please visit www.sbiff.org.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on January 20, 2015.

Style File: Winterizing Your Hair

Posted on January 9, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

Aviva’s Hair Rescue Renewal Masque, courtesy photo

Colder weather can take a toll on your tresses. Luckily, there are loads of great products to “winterize” your hair—here are a few tips:

#1 Use a moisturizing deep conditioner.

“This will give your hair all the hydration it needs to sustain the cold winter weather. You should aim for a deep conditioning treatment once a week,” says board certified dermatologist, Dr. Marnie Nussbaum. If you color or straighten or otherwise chemically treat your hair, Anna Urban, CEO of AVIVA, recommends “a hair mask like Aviva’s Hair Rescue Renewal Masque 1-2 times per week to repair damage and restore elastic, while protecting from the drying effects of UV rays.”

#2 Avoid shampooing too often.

Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum, courtesy photo

“Everybody loves the look and feel of freshly washed hair, but shampooing too often strips your hair of natural oils, drying it out faster,” warns Nussbaum. Products made with Argan Oil, like Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum, are great styling tools for all hair types. It repairs and nourishes as it de-frizzes, with no residue and no color-fading. There are also some great new dry shampoo products on the market, such as Batiste Dry Shampoo, which is particularly good for brunettes, since it doesn’t leave any white residue behind.

Batiste Dry Shampoo, courtesy Facebook

Tip #3 Try air drying your hair.

“Put down your blow dryer or stick to one blow dry session a week. Too much heat will guarantee dry split ends in the winter,” says Nussbaum.

Tip #4 Take a hair supplement.

“Your body needs the correct amount of nutrients in order to maintain or achieve healthy hair. Aviva Advanced Hair Nutrition supplement contains biotin, and 18 other essential nutrients to keep your healthy and full of life,” says Nussbaum.

Tip #5 If all else fails, wear a hat.

Aviva Advanced Hair Nutrition, courtesy photo

Goorin Bros. Hat Shop (802 State St.) has some adorable options for winter, including a great selection of warm felt, wool, and cotton fedoras, beanies, flatcaps, newboy and wool ivy hats. These also make great gifts (hint, hint!).

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 7, 2015.

Santa Barbara Printmakers Best Impressions at the Arts Fund

Posted on January 5, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

Courtesy Arts Fund

Opening on January 9 at the Arts Fund, BEST IMPRESSIONS consists of works by ten artist members of the Santa Barbara Printmakers who were awarded top prizes in recent annual exhibitions organized by the group and juried by art professionals from universities, galleries, and printmaking organizations in our region.

Artists with work on view are David Graves, Yessy Kim, Inés Monguio, Jerilynne Nibbe, Patti Post, Karen Schroeder, Garrett Speirs, Don Zimmerman, Siu Zimmerman and Pamela Zwehl-Burke.

Santa Barbara Printmakers is a group of artists dedicated to producing fine art prints using etching, woodblock, collagraph, linocut, clay, lithography and solar plate processes. Their distinctive marks on paper were produced by hand and press printing, and represent a wide range of artistic expression and techniques.

The exhibition, curated by Don Zimmerman,opens with a reception on January 9 from 5-8 p.m. and extends until February 28. The exhibition will be held at The Arts Fund Gallery, located at 205-C Santa Barbara St. in the Funk Zone. Regular gallery hours are Wednesday-Friday from noon-5 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from11 a.m.-4 p.m. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 2, 2015.

Style File: Glamming it up for the Holiday Season

Posted on December 22, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Limited Edition Smoke & Mirrors Smoky Eye Kit by Jane Iredale, courtesy photo

‘Tis the season to be decadent with your makeup look. Turn on the sultry this holiday season with these fun products:

Limited Edition Smoke & Mirrors Smoky Eye Kit by Jane Iredale helps create luxurious, pigmented eyes that are sure to leave a lasting impression. The kit holds eight shades and a “how-to” guide to create your favorite smoky eye looks, from elementary to sophisticated.

Jane’s Signature Gilded Collection 24-Karat Gold Dust, courtesy photo

Channel your inner diva with Rihanna’s two shades of VIVA GLAM Lipstick by Mac Cosmetics. Her new cool mauve shade and original blue-red with frost finish, both apply with a subtle shine and gold sparkle. Every cent of the selling price of VIVA GLAM goes toward helping women, men and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, and the lipstick includes a limited-edition, soft velvety red packaging features RiRi’s signature.

Eye Shere Liquid Eye Shadows in Opal Silk and Gold Silk by Jane Iredale are quick-drying liquid eye shadows that add some glam but won’t crease or smear.

A special night out calls for all-over shimmer. Apply Jane’s Signature Gilded Collection 24-Karat Gold Dust all over your shoulders and décolleté. Or try it on your earlobes for an unexpected dazzle that complements your favorite braid, pony or dressy updo.

Estée Lauder’s All Night Glamour Set, courtesy photo

Decisions, decisions? If you can’t make up your mind, check out Estée Lauder’s All Night Glamour Set, a limited edition offer available now at Macy’s in La Cumbre Plaza (with Estée Lauder purchase) includes just about everything you need for non-stop glamour, packaged in a studded black patent evening bag. Items include: Deluxe Eye Shadow Compact with 9 Best-Selling Pure Color EyeShadows, Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Hot Kiss, Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil in Onyx, Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lip Pencil in Mocha, Double Wear Stay-in-Place Gel EyeLiner in Onyx, Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara in Black and Modern Muse Eau de Parfum Travel Spray.

And while you’re out looking fabulous for the holidays, don’t forget to capture the moment with a selfie or two! Enjoy.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 18, 2014.

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Leslie Dinaberg Editor & Writer

Category Archives: Blog Posts

Santa Barbara Poetry Series

Style File: The Scents of Love for Valentine’s Day

SBIFF CLOSES WITH THE US PREMIERE OF NIKI CARO’S “MCFARLAND, USA”

The Granada Theatre Film Series Presents: ANTWONE FISHER and “MOVIES THAT MATTER” with Hal Conklin

Cocktail Corner: Movie-Inspired Sips and Savories

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

SBIFF Film Feast Returns with 12 Days of VIP Experiences

SBIFF INTRODUCES FIRST ANNUAL ARTISANS AWARDS