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Glow in the Park Benefit for Doctors Without Walls – Santa Barbara Street Medicine

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Glow in the ParkJust when you think we’ve had every kind of fundraiser you can imagine, someone comes up with something new. This time the creative group is Doctors Without Walls – Santa Barbara Street Medicine, a nonprofit dedicated to providing free, volunteer medical care for the homeless and underserved population in Santa Barbara.

Adventurous participants will assemble atop Elings Park to take healthcare to new heights on September 13. Doctors Without Walls – Santa Barbara Street Medicine (DWW-SBSM) invites the community to take part in an extraordinary experience, right in their backyard. The evening includes a memorable tethered hot air balloon rides, for those who attend the reception, as well as a relaxing meal overlooking the ocean before a dance party amongst the stars.

The evening commences at 4:30 p.m. with an exclusive VIP reception, complete with tethered hot air balloon rides, hors d’oeuvres, and bar. Hosts will be given the special opportunity to thank generous sponsors in an intimate setting as all prepare for the spirited evening ahead.

Glow in the Park opens to all members of the community at 6 p.m. where a gourmet, custom catered field dinner accompanied by signature drinks will be served. Several glowing hot air balloons will illuminate the celebration as the sun begins to set and dinner is savored.

The evening will continue with an AfterGlow dance party with a performance by Hollywood U2, a Los Angeles-based rock band known for their likeness to U2! A heavenly dessert bar paired with Champagne will bring the evening to its peak.

DWW-SBSM saves valuable community resource by providing free, humanitarian medicine for the most vulnerable in the Santa Barbara community. There is a communal understanding of the importance of taking responsibility for our neighbors. “[To combat homelessness] can’t be a cookie cutter approach, and it must be collaborative,” states Mayor Helene Schneider. “We are unique when it comes to our philanthropic community. I like to tease that there are only two degrees of separation in Santa Barbara.” It is this closeness that the DWW-SBSM team relies upon to enable their continued service to the underserved.

“We hope you’ll join us for this special evening in honor of the volunteer doctors in our community, in order to further the essential care that they provide,” invites DWW-SBSM Executive Director, Maria Long. “We are so fortunate to live in such an engaged and enthusiastic community!”

For more information on DWW-SBSM visit santabarbarastreetmedicine.org. For more information on Glow in the Park or to reserve your tickets, please visit sbglowinthepark.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 3, 2014.

Editor’s Pick for Fall: On Edge Festival

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Microscope Toy Theater, Still from A Real Elephant, 2010, Courtesy the Artist.

Microscope Toy Theater, Still from A Real Elephant, 2010, Courtesy the Artist.

Thanks to support from National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara‘s (MCASB) popular Forum Lounge celebrates its 10th anniversary evolution into On Edge Festival, a four-day extravaganza of performance art, artist-commissioned projects and ancillary educational activities that embrace the spirit of diversity, experimentation and inquiry in contemporary art. Internationally renowned performance artists present their new works in what promises to be a landmark cultural event that embraces the experimental and unconventional.

The Green Surround Teaser from Performance Space 122 on Vimeo.

“We’re thrilled to have the continued support of the NEA for Forum Lounge’s exciting transition into the On Edge Festival,” says Heather Jeno Silva, Forum Lounge and On Edge curator. “The festival is both a glimpse into the future of what MCASB will become and a nod to MCASB’s rich history of supporting cutting-edge performance art over the last 30 years. This will be an landmark cultural event that embraces the experimental and unconventional, rivaling programs from larger, like-minded venues in metropolitan areas.”

From puppetry to dance to animation and interactive works, this festival has something for everybody and, with the exception of a couple of ticketed events, all performances are FREE.

Participating artists for the 2014 premiere of On Edge Festival include: Annie Dorsen, Faye Driscoll, Sarah Elgart, Elizabeth Folk, Janie Geiser, Heather Kravas, Microscope Toy Theatre, Miwa Matreyek and Surabhi Saraf.

The On Edge Festival will be the first event of its kind on the Central Coast, bringing internationally renowned performance artists to Santa Barbara to present their new work over one weekend.

“With this crucial funding, MCASB will celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the successful Forum Lounge series by presenting four diverse days of emerging local and international performance artists,” says MCASB executive director Miki Garcia. “The On Edge Festival exemplifies MCASB’s commitment to providing world-class, accessible programming as a stalwart of cultural happenings in the Santa Barbara community.”

On the Edge Festival is Sept. 18–21, 653 Paseo Nuevo, 805/966-5373, mcasantabarbara.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 1, 2014.

Sullivan Goss Celebrates 30 Years of Art

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Painting by Meredith Brooks Abbott

Painting by Meredith Brooks Abbott

Congratulations to Sullivan Goss. The iconic gallery is about to turn 30 and is celebrating with a special exhibition Sept. 4-Nov. 30.

To celebrate, the gallery will present an exhibition of each of the gallery’s currently represented artists. Signature examples by each of these artists will be on view with stories of the gallery’s history. In addition, the gallery will exhibit photographs of many of its greatest patrons by local photographer Stacey Byers.

"Foothill Images," Nicole Strasburg, 2013. Oil on birch panel.

“Foothill Images,” Nicole Strasburg, 2013. Oil on birch panel.

Artists included in this exhibition are Meredith Brooks Abbott, Anders Aldrin, Ken Bortolazzo, Colin Campbell Cooper, Leon Dabo, Lockwood de Forest, Edgar Ewing, Anya Fisher, Jon Francis, Don Freeman, Sidney Gordin, Robin Gowen, Richard Haines, Lyla Harcoff, Betty Lane, Dan Lutz, Nell Brooker Mayhew, Ben Messick, John Nava, Hank Pitcher, Frederick Remahl, Nicole Strasburg, Jean Swiggett, Sarah Vedder, Grace Vollmer and Howard Warshaw.

Sullivan Goss is located at 7 E. Anapamu St. in downtown Santa Barbara.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 3, 2014.

Santa Barbara LOL Comedy Festival September 2-7 Features Jay Mohr, Brad Williams, Kirk Fox and More

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Jay Mohr, U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 3rd Class Corwin Colbert, courtesy Wikipedia Commons.

Jay Mohr, U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 3rd Class Corwin Colbert, courtesy Wikipedia Commons.

We’re getting excited about next week’s Santa Barbara LOL Comedy Festival. Organizers recently announced the addition of three new headline comedians; actor, comedian and radio host Jay Mohr (8 p.m. on 9/5), actor and comedian Brad Williams (10 p.m. on 9/5) and television host and comedian Kirk Fox (6 p.m. on 9/6). All three of these performances will be filmed at the Lobero Theatre as one-hour stand-up comedy specials for future broadcast. These will be the first 1-hour specials for both Willams and Fox.

Previously announced specials being filmed for broadcast on Saturday, September 6 include “Andrew Dice Clay Presents the Blue Show.” In addition, “LOL Comedy Inc.” will be filming in and around Santa Barbara during the festival to give viewers “the coveted insider’s access to what goes on behind the scenes with some of today’s hottest comics, with the LOL Comedy Festival as its backdrop.”

Other live performances include a premiere screening of Rip Taylor’s documentary Rip Rip Hooray to open the festival on Tuesday, September 2, with Rip Taylor here for a Q&A after the screening at the Arlington Theatre.  Also performing are Russell Peters and his “Almost Famous World Tour” at the Granada Theatre on Thursday, September 4 at 8 p.m. and “Jim Jefferies Live” at the Arlington Theatre on Sunday, September 7 at 7 p.m.

Here’s the entire schedule:

Tuesday, September 2,  8 p.m. • “Rip Rip Hooray” • Arlington Theatre
The premiere of the Rip Taylor Documentary. Rip Taylor will be in attendance for the premiere and will be conducting a Q&A at the conclusion of the premiere. – Tickets: $18 & $25.

Wednesday, September 3, 8 p.m. • “Next-Up Stand-Up” • Lobero Theatre
Featuring the hottest up and coming comedic and musical performances (see website for details), “Next Up Stand Up” kicks off at the Lobero Theatre and will take place at different, locations downtown. “Next Up Stand Up” will be filmed as part of a series to be aired on Hulu and loflix.com. Tickets: $18 & $25

Ben Gleib, courtesy photo

Ben Gleib, courtesy photo

Wednesday, September 3,  10 p.m. • “SuperNaked” • Lobero Theatre
Be prepared for the musically unexpected. SuperNaked lives somewhere between the lines of Tenacious D and Flight of the Conchords with a raw intelligent and masterful comedic flare. With their hit show entitled, “Get SuperNaked!” This will be star-studded with guest comedians & musicians. Tickets: $18 & $25

Thursday, September 4, 8 p.m. – “Russell Peters: Almost Famous World Tour” • Granada Theatre
Canada’s number one stand-up export, Russell Peters will launch his world tour from Santa Barbara and the SB LOL Comedy Festival. Tickets $45, 65$, and limited Box Seats $72

Thursday, September 4,  7:30 p.m. • “Hot, Funny Femmes 1” Bring A Date • New Vic Theatre
Hosted by Latin Diva of Comedy Monique Marvez and BravoTV.com’s Nadine Rajabi, featuring some of the funniest woman in comedy today. Tickets $12, $18

Thursday, September 4,  9:30 p.m. • “Hot, Funny Femmes 2” Find A Date • New Vic Theatre
Hosted by Latin Diva of Comedy Monique Marvez and BravoTV.com’s Nadine Rajabi, featuring some of the funniest woman in comedy today. Tickets $12, $18

Friday, September 5, 8 p.m. • “Jay Mohr” Lobero Theatre 

Comedian, actor, radio host and best selling author, Jay Mohr has been performing stand-up comedy since he was 16 years old. Anyone that has ever seen one of his concerts will be quick to tell you that there is no one better. Comedy Central agrees, having named Mohr one of the 100 greatest stand-up comics of all time. Tickets for each show. $18, $25 and $40 for Gold Circle ticktes that include best seats, meet and greet and signed festival poster from Jay.

Friday, September 5, 10 p.m. • “Brad Williams” Lobero Theatre
Brad is filming his first one hour comedy special in Santa Barbara and has appeared on numerous TV shows including “Legit,” “Live at Gotham,” “the Tonight Show,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “Mind Of Mencia,” and “Pitboss.” Brad’s show is high energy and Robin Williams called him “Prozac with a head.” Tickets for each show. $18, $25

Saturday, September 6, 6 p.m. Kirk Fox, Lobero Theatre
“Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” “Tennis Anyone?” and “The Test’s” own Kirk Fox will be filming his first one hour comedy special from the Lobero Theatre. Tickets for each show. $18, $25

Saturday, September 6, 8 p.m., Ben Gleib, Lobero Theatre 

ESQUIRE named Ben Gleib one of “Six comedians who could be comedy’s next big thing.” Ben is the host of IDIOTEST, the new comedy brain teaser game show on GSN (Game Show Network,) and for the last 7 years was one of the stars of CHELSEA LATELY on E! with over 100 appearances.  He was recently on tour in arenas all over North America opening for both Chelsea Handler and Dane Cook.  He’s the voice of Marshall the Sloth in “Ice Age – Continental Drift” the #1 animated movie. Tickets for each show. $18, $25

Saturday, September 6, 10 p.m. – Lobero Theatre – “Andrew Dice Clay Presents: The Blue Show”
Coming on the heels of his role in the critically acclaimed, “Blue Jasmine,” and his hit Showtime special, “Andrew Dice Clay: Indestructible,” Dice will present his favorite “blue” comedians on the Lobero stage with Eleanor Kerrigan, Jason Rouse and more. This show is being filmed for Broadcast. Tickets $18, $25, $35

Sunday, September 7 – Arlington Theatre – “Jim Jefferies Live”
The star of the hit show, “Legit,” and international comedy fan favorite, Jim Jefferies will round out the Santa Barbara LOL Comedy Festival. Show @ 7:00 PM. Tickets $32, $42

VIP Festival Passes and individual tickets are now on sale at lolcomedyfestival.com. For daily updates go to: http://www.sblolfest.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on August 27 2014.

Style File: Staycation Day at the Bacara Spa

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Mud Bar at Bacara, photo by Erin Feinblatt

Mud Bar at Bacara, photo by Erin Feinblatt

Our summer days are dwindling—at least according to local school calendars—which makes this a perfect time for a staycation day at our very own Bacara Resort & Spa.

I recently enjoyed the heavenly Signature Barbor SeaCreation Facial, an amazing treatment that “unites the elements—Ocean, Sun, Earth and Atmosphere—to refine pores and heal sun-damaged skin.” It was lovely. According to the literature, “utilizing precious extracts of exclusive microorganisms found in the depths of the sea, this treatment is designed for those who want to see a dramatic improvement in their skin while indulging in a strategically choreographed stress relieving massage.”

I don’t know if it was the repairing antioxidants, vitamin c, hyaluronic acid and organic seaweed extracts; the healing fingers of my lovely therapist; or just the rare treat of a quiet Sunday of complete rest, relaxation and pampering, but my skin has never looked better. Plus, a portion of the proceeds from this treatment benefits the Gaviota Coast Conservancy.

Mud Bar at Bacara, photo by Erin Feinblatt

Mud Bar at Bacara, photo by Erin Feinblatt

The Bacara recently revamped its entire spa and wellness program to include an oceanview rooftop terrace for open-air massages, a self-applied marine Mud Bar, and two private lounge areas for European sunbathing and relaxation. In addition, there are a variety of new European and locally-inspired spa treatments including the signature BABOR SeaCreation Facial that I had.

Other popular services include the Organic Bliss facial (“50/80 mins Committed to planting a tree for every product sold, this facial by Eminence Organic is ideal for those deeply committed to the health of our planet. Only the freshest, most natural antioxidants, vitamins and enzyme-rich ingredients are combined to nourish and restore the skin to a new level of beauty and health.”), the Citrus Avocado Polish (“50 mins This invigorating exfoliation uses mineral salt blended with oils of avocado, orange, lemon and tangerine rind and is followed by a warm Swiss shower. Includes a shea butter lotion application.”) and the ExFoleyation (“50 mins Out of the Foley wine tasting room and into the spa, this gentle exfoliation with grape seed extracts is followed by a mineral and antioxidant rich grape seed body butter wrap designed to quench and hydrate the skin to a new level of suppleness.”).

Mud Bar at Bacara, photo by Erin Feinblatt

Mud Bar at Bacara, photo by Erin Feinblatt

The Spa Café is also delicious. We tried the edamame dumplings, which were fabulous (and healthy!), as was the soba noodle soup made with rock shrimp, asparagus, snow peas and enoki mushrooms. They also have a full menu of customizable smoothies, as well as a nice selection of breakfast and lunch items.

For more information about The Spa at Bacara (8301 Hollister Ave.) including a complete list of services and amenities, visit bacararesort.com. For reservations, call 877/935-8415 or email thespa@bacararesort.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on August 27 2014.

LOL Comedy Festival presents Brad Williams

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Brad-Williams, courtesy photo

Brad-Williams, courtesy photo

Brad Williams has appeared on numerous TV shows including Legit, Live at Gotham, The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Mind Of Mencia, and Pitboss. Williams has also performed for the troops all over the world. Williams’s show is high energy. Robin Williams called him “Prozac with a head.” Williams’s ability to make humorous observations on disability, relationships, sex, and race are winning over audiences and proving that anyone can overcome their shortcomings.

Williams appears at the Lobero Theatre on Sept. 5 at 10 p.m. as part of the LOL Comedy Festival. The Lobero is located at 33 E. Canon Perdido St. For more ticket information, and the full LOL Comedy Festival schedule visit SBLOLFEST.com.

 

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on August 27 2014.

THE LARK UNVEILS NEW ART INSTALLATION BY ARTIST KEVIN EDDY

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Image by Kevin Eddy

Image by Kevin Eddy

The Lark has unveiled a new installation by Kevin Eddy, a local fine art photographer specializing in landscapes and architecture using color for a personalized expression of his subject.

Raised in Tucson, Eddy discovered his father’s camera at the age of four, beginning his exploration in the art of photography. His education eventually brought him to the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara. His new work showcased at The Lark is created with a Nikon Digital SLR and includes over a dozen stunning images.

Eddy recently won a national award from The Stone Crop Gallery in Maine. The gallery’s 3rd annual exhibition featured cell phone photography and recognized Eddy for his broad range of color and versatility in landscapes.

The installation is featured along the front hallway of The Lark. Other public art includes the outdoor murals at Lucky Penny and five rotating murals on the front building’s doors on Yanonali Street by other local artists.

The Lark is located at 131 Anacapa St., 805/284-0370. For further information on The Lark, visit thelarksb.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Image by Kevin Eddy

Image by Kevin Eddy

Photo by Kevin Eddy, courtesy The Lark

Photo by Kevin Eddy, courtesy The Lark

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on August 20 2014.

Film of 1964 Rock ‘n Roll “T.A.M.I. SHOW” Benefit for Plaza Playhouse Theater in Carpinteria

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James Brown and Mick Jagger, courtesy photo

James Brown and Mick Jagger, courtesy photo

Classic rock lovers, are you ready to rock out like it’s 1964? Then, make plans to be at the Plaza Playhouse in Carpinteria for a rare public screening of one of the greatest rock and roll shows you’ve never seen from 1964.  The T.A.M.I. Show features performances from James Brown, Chuck Berry, The Rolling Stones, The Supremes and The Beach Boys to name a few.

TAMIshowPOSTERPlaying one night only Saturday, August 23 at 7:15 p.m., this one-time only presentation of the “T.A.M.I. Show” will serve as a fundraiser for the non-profit theater, which is on track to purchase a new, much wider screen for the venue.  It will be 20’x12’ and allow for the showing of many of the great wide screen classics of the past 60 years as well as contemporary films.

Steve Binder, the producer/director, will be on hand to introduce the film and will stay for a Q&A after the film.  (Running time 100 minutes). He will have copies of his book for sale as well.

Tickets are $20 each and available for purchase at plazatheatercarpinteria.com. Doors open at 6:30pm and tickets (if available) can be purchased at the box office the night of the show. Located at 4916 Carpinteria Ave. the theatre is wheelchair accessible.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on August 21, 2014.

To The Sea, An Unnatural Journey at Art From Scrap Gallery

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Image courtesy Art From Scrap

Image courtesy Art From Scrap

To The Sea, an unnatural journey opens at the Art From Scrap Gallery at 302 E. Cota St. on Friday. August 22, from 6–8 p.m. Curated by artist Holly Mackay, To The Sea is an all age collaborative installation and playful call to action aiming to empower and engage the community in finding solutions to the growing problem of plastics in our environment, specifically in our water.

“We all make choices that effect our environment and each other. By involving community directly and physically in the intimate details of this problem, my hope is to make this global issue personal and less intimidating, I want people to feel that their actions matter, and that huge triumphs are made of small steps,” says Mackay. “My impulse is to go beyond the fear and repulsion that permeate a problem like this and re-signify the process of cleaning up our environment as positive as opposed to an almighty burden. I think you’ll engage a greater swath of the general public if you present the matter with humor, beauty and kindness instead of lobbing at them yet another barrage of mind numbing statistics of the damage we are doing to ourselves.”

There are three main parts to the installation; a grid of carefully selected trash found on local beaches, a series of collaborative “Instructional Diagram” paintings depicting aspects of the “pollution process” and children’s reaction to it, and a Tidal Zone Diorama which will include a number of creatures made by community members from our very own beach trash.

To The Sea, an unnatural journey will be on view through October 4.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on August 20, 2014.

Take the Train South to Santa Barbara and save on Amtrak and other SB Car Free Experiences

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Amtrak Coast Starlight train north of Santa Barbara along the California coast. Photo courtesy Amtrak

Amtrak Coast Starlight train north of Santa Barbara along the California coast. Photo courtesy Amtrak

Did you know you can take the Amtrak Coast Starlight south to Santa Barbara—and enjoy what USA Today says “still qualifies as one of the longest ocean-view train rides in America?” Save 15% on your train ticket, then show your ticket for special Car Free experiences in Santa Barbara.

Start the journey to Santa Barbara from any destination (as far north as Seattle) and enjoy unsurpassed views of the Cascade Range, lush forests and long stretches of Pacific coastline. You can board the Coast Starlight to Santa Barbara from Seattle, WA; Portland, OR; Eugene, OR; Redding, CA; Sacramento, CA; Oakland, CA, San Jose, CA; San Luis Obispo, CA and many others.

For more information on discounts visit SantaBarbaraCarFree.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on August 18, 2014.