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Don’t Miss Dendy’s Dystopian Distractions!

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Dystopian Distractions! rehearsal, photo by David Bazemore, courtesy Lobero Theatre

Dystopian Distractions! rehearsal, photo by David Bazemore, courtesy Lobero Theatre

I was fortunate enough to attend a “Friday Club” rehearsal of DANCEworks‘ guest resident choreographer Mark Dendy‘s new work Dystopian Distractions! (This job certainly has some perks …!) A powerful and extremely ambitious new work, Dendy describes it as “a black comedic deconstruction of the American war machine as conceived by an artists interested in exploring our relationship with war through the lens of pop culture.”

The pieces I saw in rehearsal explored not only issues of war and power struggles, but also had a strong environmental message, which is fitting given that the world premiere production falls the same week as Earth Day.

Dystopian Distractions! rehearsal, photo by David Bazemore, courtesy Lobero Theatre

Dystopian Distractions! rehearsal, photo by David Bazemore, courtesy Lobero Theatre

DANCEworks is a collaboration between SUMMERDANCE Santa Barbara and the Lobero Theatre Foundation designed to offer notable choreographers a month-long residency in which to create, rehearse and premiere a brand new work on the Lobero stage. This partnership puts Santa Barbara on the map as a community that supports the creation of new choreography in a significant way. DANCEworks is gaining broad recognition within the world of contemporary dance and has already contributed to the careers of groundbreaking choreographers Aszure Barton, Larry Keigwin, Doug Elkins and Brian Brooks.

 

Dystopian Distractions! rehearsal, photo by David Bazemore, courtesy Lobero Theatre

Dystopian Distractions! rehearsal, photo by David Bazemore, courtesy Lobero Theatre

Dystopian Distractions! premieres this Saturday night, April 26, at 8 p.m. at the Lobero Theatre. Tickets are available now at the Lobero Box Office, 805/963-0761. The theater is located at 33 E. Canon Perdido St.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on April 22, 2014.

 

Dystopian Distractions! Adds Pre-Curtain Discussion with Dance Critic

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Mark Dendy Ritual Cycle, photo by Marisa Gruneberg

Mark Dendy Ritual Cycle, photo by Marisa Gruneberg

As if DANCEworks new show Dystopian Distractions! weren’t exciting on enough, the organizers have just added a pre-curtain discussion with dance critic Rachel Howard to the bill.

Staring at 7:15 p.m., Howard will discuss topics like who is Mark Dendy, what is dance theater, and how does Dendy’s new Dystopian Distractions! carry forward the tradition of dances made about war and society.

In this pre-show talk participants will learn about Dendy’s beginnings with the Martha Graham Dance Company, get a primer on his contributions to the art form as a Bessie Award-wining choreographer, and consider the context of dances about war, from Kurt Joos’s 1932 The Green Table to William Forsythe’s 2007 Three Atmospheric Studies.

A graduate of UC Santa Barbara, Howard has written about dance for the San Francisco Chronicle, Dance Magazine, and other outlets for more than 15 years. New York Choreographer Mark Dendy’s work is known for its wit, searing social commentary, intense physicality and tour de force acting. He and his company, Mark Dendy Projects, will enjoy a month-long creative residency (March 31 – April 26) during which they will create and premiere a new work, Dystopian Distractions! This work will be a black comedic deconstruction of the American war machine as conceived by an artist interested in exploring our relationship with war through the lens of pop culture.

DANCEworks presents Mark Dendy Projects on Saturday, April 26 at 8 p.m. at the Lobero Theatre (33 E. Canon Perdido St.), with the pre-curtain discussion starting at 7:15 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on April 16, 2014.

Craftcation is “Craft Heaven” for Entrepreneurs

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Photo courtesy Craftcation

Photo courtesy Craftcation

More than 350 crafty entrepreneurs (along with yours truly) gathered in Ventura last week to ignite their entrepreneurial business spirits and strengthen their skills in a creative (and fun!) three-day conference on all things makeable and saleable. With a schedule packed with panel discussions and DIY workshops with leading industry professionals in art, craft and food-centered small business, there was an embarrassment of riches to choose from.

Craftcation presenter Nancy Soriano, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

Craftcation presenter Nancy Soriano, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

One of the best workshops I attended was by Nancy Soriano, former editor of Country Living Magazine, co-founder (with Jo Packham, another dynamo who was also at Craftcation) of the Creative Connection Event, publishing director for craft at F+W Media, and currently an editorial/content strategy and brand architect consultant for media, commerce, and creative businesses, with clients like One Kings Lane and Etsy. The title was “Launching a Creative Business,” but much of her advice was equally useful for those who are already in a creative business.

The number one thing—which seems painfully obvious but surprisingly isn’t,  is “love what you do.” Soriano advises, “to be successful in business you have to differentiate. Know your market, engage them and tell your story.” She also covered topics like finances, pricing, market research, marketing and social media, legal business structure, branding, the importance of creating a supportive network of friendships and colleagues, daily schedules, and most importantly, staying focused! All in all it was an impressive amount of useful information in just a couple of hours.

Creativity was on display everywhere at Craftcation, including the beverage offerings from Joia Natural Soda, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

Creativity was on display everywhere at Craftcation, including the beverage offerings from Joia Natural Soda, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

Also interesting was a panel discussion titled “Backstories Behind Successful Entrepreneurs,” where life coach and author and “the when I grow up coach” Michelle Ward talked about topics like knowing it was time to ditch the dreaded day job (“trust yourself and your own passion and motivation”) and DIY home decor website Curbly.com owner Chris Gardner suggested getting rid of debt if you want to go into business for yourself. “Think about how little money you think you can get by on,” he advises. Nicole Stevenson—co-founder of Craftcation as well as the Patchwork Show and her own clothing line—suggests bartering for services early on. But the biggest thing in running your own business, she says, “is knowing yourself and what you feel comfortable with.”

Photo courtesy Craftcation

Photo courtesy Craftcation

Keynote speaker Lisa Congdon—an author and illustrator whose clients include the Museum of Modern Art, Martha Stewart Living Magazine, Chronicle Books, the Land of Nod, Harper Collins Publishing, the Obama campaign and Simon & Schuster, among others—gave a very inspiring talk titled “Embrace the Abyss and Other Lessons.”

There were also plenty of opportunities for people who weren’t interested in business to spend the entire Craftcation weekend cooking, sewing, cheese making, canning, preserving, playing with washi tape and jewelry making with crafty celebrities like the Food Network‘s Aida Mollenkamp, Mighty Ugly creator Kim Werker and epicuring.com co-founder Susie Wyshak, among others.

Craftcation, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

Craftcation, photo by Leslie Dinaberg

The conference plans to be back next spring, so stay tuned for details. Meanwhile, for more information visit craftcationconference.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

.Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on April 9, 2014.

Cocktail Corner: Wandering Dog Wine Bar’s “Friday Night Wines”

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Courtesy Wandering Dog Wine Bar

Courtesy Wandering Dog Wine Bar

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Looking for something fun and unique to do on a Friday night? Why not “wine down” your week at one of Solvang’s Wandering Dog Wine Bar‘s monthly events.

The April class, “Vinification Techniques with Syrah,” on Friday, April 4, is led by local winemaker, Michael Larner of Larner Vineyard. He’ll cover different winemaking techniques and how they affect Syrah and will offer up samples from his own label as he explains the processes, as well as other Syrahs both local and imported.  The class takes place from 6–7 p.m. A great way to start your weekend.

May’s class, “All About Pinot Noir,” on Friday, May 2, features Mark Horvath, owner/winemaker of Crawford Family Wines. Guests will sample three Pinots from his new label, as well as a selection of other style of Pinot from wineries outside of the Santa Barbara area.  This class also takes place from 6–7 p.m.

The family-owned Wandering Dog Wine Bar is known for carrying under-the-radar labels, and specializes in boutique wines, craft beers and gourmet cheeses. They offer a dozen wine flights every day, including everything from local favorites, sparkling and sweet wines, to reserve flights featuring wines that run $50+, as well as tastings of premium beers.

In addition to the Friday night fetes, every Thursday, Wandering Dog Wine Bar hosts a Blind Tasting from 4– 7 p.m., when guests are challenged to match up regions, varietals, price points and vintages of four featured wines.

Wandering Dog Wine Bar is located at 1539-C Mission Dr. (next to Paula’s Pancake House), in Solvang. To make a reservation for any of the Friday night classes, please call 805/686.9126 or email wines@wanderingdogwinebar.com.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on April 4, 2014.

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.”

DANCEworks welcomes choreographer Mark Dendy

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Choreographer Mark Dendy is DANCEworks2014 artist in residency this year.

Choreographer Mark Dendy is DANCEworks2014 artist in residency this year.

Provocative New York choreographer Mark Dendy began his creative residency onstage at the Lobero Theatre this week.

While in residence, he will create and premiere a new work, Dystopian Distractions!, a black comedic deconstruction of the American war machine, seen through the lens of pop culture. Audiences can expect a searing social commentary sending up many American notables from Elvis Presley, Honey Boo Boo to Donald Rumsfeld, and more. The premiere of the fearless and insightful new work, created during the 2014 DANCEworks Residency, will be on Saturday, April 26 at the Lobero Theatre.

(Organizers advice that “Dystopian Distractions! expresses an anti-war sentiment in an irreverent fashion. There is a possibility that the work may include mild sexual references or suggestive content. Parental discretion is advised for younger audience members.”)

DANCEworks is a collaboration between SUMMERDANCE Santa Barbara and the Lobero Theatre Foundation designed to offer notable choreographers a month-long residency in which to create, rehearse and premiere a brand new work on the Lobero stage. This innovative partnership puts Santa Barbara on the map as a community that supports the creation of new choreography in a significant way. DANCEworks is gaining broad recognition within the world of contemporary dance and has already contributed to the careers of groundbreaking choreographers Aszure Barton, Larry Keigwin, Doug Elkins and Brian Brooks.

Mark-Dendy, photo by Monica-Barco.

Mark-Dendy, photo by Monica-Barco.

In addition to the onstage residency March 31 – April 26, on April 4, April 11 and April 18 is a new opportunity this year  to go behind the scenes with Dendy and the company each Friday of their residency by joining the Friday Club. One tax-deductible contribution of $50 to DANCEworks gets you and a guest into three rehearsals, each followed by an intimate reception with light refreshments. The Friday Club is only available to DANCEworks donors—a rare opportunity to watch one of our country’s finest choreographers create a daring new work. Contributions can be made at SBDANCEworks.com/donate.

Also on tap is an April 7 Masterclass with Mark Dendy co-presented by Santa Barbara Dance Alliance, and of course, the world premiere of Dystopian Distractions! at the Lobero Theatre on April 26.

Tickets for Dystopian Distractions! are available now at the Lobero Box Office, 805/963.0761. The theater is located at 33 E. Canon Perdido St.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on April 2, 2014.

April 1st Thursday – Ode to Poetry Month

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Sullivan Goss April

Sullivan Goss – An American Gallery celebrates local poet and artist Barry Spacks.

The Downtown 1st Thursday April 3 event includes more than two dozen cultural art venues, standing by with poetry, art, music and more, for National Poetry Month. Here are some of the highlights:

Sullivan Goss – An American Gallery (7 & 11 E. Anapamu St.) will celebrate the life and work of Barry Spacks, Santa Barbara’s first Poet Laureate and beloved artist. The Spacks’ estate provided 108 works of art that will be offered at $108, a number that is sacred in the artist’s Buddhist religion. Special poetry readings will take place throughout a not-to-be-missed evening.

Salt (740 State St.) has “Poetry in the Cave,” for a fun-filled evening of words and community in their.pink Himalayan salt caves. For another spoken word experience, the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (653 Paseo Nuevo Terrace) is presenting a performance by Julia Landois and Erik Sanden, Live Ballast at 7 p.m.

Award-winning plein air artist Jason Sacran is conducting a painting demonstration at Waterhouse Gallery (1114 State St., #9) and over at The Book Den (15 E. Anapamu St.),  Eric Kelley is celebrating his 35th anniversary as the proprietor of California’s oldest used bookstore (founded in 1902).

SBHM April

Henry Chapman Ford etching, Mission Santa Barbara, a gift of Leona Thomas on display at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.

Santa Barbara Historical Museum (136 E. De la Guerra St.) opens a new exhibition, “Impressions in Ink: Etchings from the Collection,”featuring artist Henry Chapman Ford. Learn how the Santa Barbara Art Foundry makes unique bronze sculptures in a step-by- step process on Marshalls Patio (900 State St.).

Join the Lobero Theatre (33 E. Canon Perdido St.) from 7:30-9:30 p.m. for 1st Thursday: After Hours. Don’t miss une bonne soirée onstage: enjoy hors d’eouvres from Sojourner Cafe, wine from Roblar Winery and eclectic cabaret presented by Kerrilee Kaski.

For more information and a complete listing of the specific programming offered at each gallery, as well as all public performances and interactive exhibits, go to santabarbaradowntown.com/about/1st-thursday.

 

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on April 2, 2014.

Get Mischievous at Art From Scrap’s Assemblage Art Show

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Art From Scrap Assemblage showCongratulations to the winners of Art From Scrap’s 2014 Assemblage Art Show and Fundraiser. After viewing the art and engaging in a lot of animated discussion, ballots were cast and here are the winners:

1st prize- Karen Luckett, Yarn Bombed Barbie Doll

2nd Prize- Penny Mast McCall, Eden

3rd Prize- Kathi Scarminach,  Diebenkorn at the Circus

These artists will receive a total of $1,000 in cash awards from The Hollister Family Awards with cash prizes totaling $1,000.  Judges include our very own publisher of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Greg Corso; as well as Charles Donelan, executive arts editor of  Santa Barbara Independent; artist Holly Mackay; Jeremy Tessmer, gallery director at Sullivan Goss;  and Dug Uyesaka, artist and Santa Barbara County Second District Arts Commissioner.

Get your tickets now for Art From Scrap‘s Annual Fundraiser and Assemblage Art Show where the theme is Mischief! The party takes place at  302 E. Cota St. on Saturday, April 5 from 5:30–9 p.m. Bid on more than 70 works of art, a four-night stay in Sayulita, Mexico, dinner at local restaurants and other exciting items in the silent Auction. Enjoy a “mischievous photo op” with Bob Debris, music with DJ Darla Bea of KCSB FM, food, beer from Telegraph Brewery and wine from local winemakers. All proceeds benefit Art From Scrap’s art programming.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on April 1, 2014.

LOCKWOOD DE FOREST’s SANTA BARBARA

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Rincon Peak From Mission Ridge by Lockwood de Forest

Rincon Peak From Mission Ridge by Lockwood de Forest

Don’t miss “Lockwood de Forest’s Santa Barbara,” a new exhibition of  24 paintings of Santa Barbara, Montecito and Santa Ynez by Lockwood de Forest (1850-1932) on view at Sullivan Goss Gallery beginning April 3, 1st Thursday, from 5 – 8 p.m. The work will be on view at the gallery, located at 7 E. Anapumu St., until June 29.

Painted between 1903 and 1922, these works relate a vision of the vast and undeveloped landscape that was once Santa Barbara.

Born to an old and prosperous family in Manhattan, de Forest began to draw from nature when he was just a boy. As a young man he trained under his cousin, Frederic Church, who was likely the most admired American landscape painter of his day. Returning home, de Forest decided to pursue a career in art and design and spent vast amounts of time reading, designing, and painting at Olana, Church’s home in the Hudson River Valley of New York. He also took up studio space in New York’s storied Tenth Street Studio Building, where he worked near luminaries like Albert Bierstadt, Winslow Homer and William Merritt Chase.

Subsequently, he married and embarked on a celebrated career in Orientalist design, though he never stopped exhibiting his paintings. At the dawn of the twentieth century, de Forest began spending months of the year in Santa Barbara. It was then that he refocused on his painting career.

De Forest retired in Santa Barbara and his son, Lockwood de Forest III, became a famous landscape architect in the area.

In 1994, Sullivan Goss began to buy and sell the paintings of an artist who was, by then, somewhat obscure. In the twenty years since de Forest has again become of the most recognized and sought after names in early California art. It has taken seven books and numerous museum shows on both coasts of the U.S. to reacquaint the world with the art of Lockwood de Forest, but at last, his star has reached its former brilliance.

Coming on the heels of the recent exhibition, Luminescent Santa Barbara: Lockwood de Forest, at Santa Barbara Historical Museum, Sullivan Goss will present 11 published works and 13 never-before exhibited paintings.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on April 1, 2014.

José Eber Salon Opens at the Biltmore

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José Eber Salon at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara (courtesy photo)

José Eber Salon at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara (courtesy photo)

Beverly Hills glamour has a new home on the American Riviera with opening of José Eber Salon at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara last week. A world renowned stylist known for his iconic personal style, Eber has tended to Hollywood’s most famous tresses for four decades in Beverly Hills and now has a unique second salon at the luxurious oceanfront property in Santa Barbara.

Eber’s 1,000-sq.-ft. space near the resort’s lobby has been fully re-imagined and transformed into a sophisticated and calming oasis where guests will enjoy the ultimate in modern luxury and service. The new salon’s design is heavily inspired by the location in Beverly Hills, including the front desk, a striking replica handmade of antique mirrors in the same Art Deco style conceived by designer Waldo Fernandez for Eber’s flagship salon.

Soft lighting and soothing nature hues in the chinoiserie wall panels, neutral charcoal wood floors and eye-catching blown-glass chandelier in shades of blue—custom designed by acclaimed artist Dale Chihuly—reflect Santa Barbara’s coastal environs, beachy aesthetic and natural beauty. Windows looking onto the garden terrace have been added, bathing the salon in natural light. Twelve thoughtfully designed work stations feature handmade tabletops inlaid with cracked glass, individually lighted oval mirrors and Italian-made soft blue swivel chairs. The overall result is a welcoming, residential feel balanced by sleek design and stylish accents, such as the pop of a cushy leopard print chair or a single striking blue orchid.

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

“José is not only brilliantly accomplished but he is dedicated to providing the same level of first-class service and the ultimate luxury experience that is synonymous with the Four Seasons brand,” says Karen Earp, general manager, Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. “We feel fortunate to partner with him and are extremely excited to welcome our out-of-town guests and the local community into this beautiful new space.”

The salon offers a full spectrum of services to cater to locals, Resort guests and bridal parties, including haircuts, color and highlights, blowdrys and styling and updos. Eber will be personally available for both haircuts and consultations on a regular basis, along with his team of talented stylists who have been trained in the most innovative methods and cutting edge techniques. The latest technology and equipment, from three customizable, massaging shampoo stations to advanced heaters that help produce perfect color, further enhance the experience. Professional makeup application, makeup lessons, lash application and brow shaping are also available. The salon carries Phyto hair care products and will soon also feature the José Eber signature line of products and professional tools.

In celebration of the new salon, the Resort is offering a special “931 Package” for locals who live in a zip code beginning with 931. The package includes a night in a beautifully refurbished guest room for $395, two complimentary cocktails at Ty Lounge and 20% off spa treatments and hair services at the brand new José  Eber Salon.

José Eber Santa Barbara is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For appointments call 805/770-3000. Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara and José Eber Santa Barbara are located at 1260 Channel Dr.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on March 31, 2014.

 

Gunpowder Press Blasts Off on Friday

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MouthandFruit300x450-200x300Santa Barbara has a new literary publisher, Gunpowder Press, named for its home city’s namesake, Barbara of Nicomedia, the patron saint of gunpowder.  Editor and Publisher David Starkey (former Santa Barbara Poet Laureate and current Santa Barbara SEASONS contributing editor, poetry) says, “Our books, like gunpowder, need just a spark to explode: they are ready to go off at any moment.”

Tarnation of Faust by David CaseThe imprint will launch its first two books of poetry: Mouth & Fruit by Santa Barbara Poet Laureate Chryss Yost, and The Tarnation of Faust, by the late David Case on Friday, April 4, at 7 p.m. at Santa Barbara City College’s Fé Bland Auditorium (West Campus of Santa Barbara City College, 800 block of Cliff Dr.).  The event will feature a reading by Yost, with Starkey reading from Case’s work. 

Starkey explains that the press began with the express goal of publishing “these two superb poets.  Chryss has been writing for decades, and her collection showcases the best of that finely crafted, wide-ranging work.  David Case, who died unexpectedly in 2011 at the age of 49, was an equally gifted poet.   Wry, erudite, haunted, he produced a body of work that deserves the broadest possible readership.”

“As we launch Mouth & Fruit and The Tarnation of Faust, we look forward to future ventures, intent on remaining small but vibrant, fully committed to each book we publish,” says Starkey.

For more information, visit gunpowderpress.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on April 1, 2014.