Category Archives: Music

Lila Downs

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Mexican-American balladeer Lila Downs, kicks off the 2017-18 UCSB Arts & Lectures season with her deeply affecting voice and dramatic performance style on Wed., Sept. 27, at 8 p.m. at The Granada Theatre. Photo by Marcela Taboada.

Mexican-American balladeer Lila Downs, kicks off the 2017-18 UCSB Arts & Lectures season with her deeply affecting voice and dramatic performance style on Wed., Sept. 27, at 8 p.m. at The Granada Theatre. Photo by Marcela Taboada.

The Los Angeles Times describes Lila Downs as, “A renowned Mexican balladeer known for her wild outfits, wide range and powerful voice, a goose-bump-inducing instrument that can go from playful to grave from one note to the next.”

“Few alternative artists have the dynamic power and range of this bilingual warrior-woman,” states NPR.

Grammy Award-winning Mexican-American balladeer Lila Downs will kick off the 2017-18 UCSB Arts & Lectures season with her deeply affecting voice and dramatic performance style on Wed., Sept. 27, at 8 p.m. at The Granada Theatre. Known for her powerful three-octave vocal range, unique synthesis of indigenous Mesoamerican music with cumbia, soul, jazz, hip hop and stunning wardrobe based on the textiles of Mexico’s indigenous cultures, Downs’ new album, Salón, Lágrimas y Deseo, was released in May to wide critical acclaim.

Mexican-American balladeer Lila Downs, kicks off the 2017-18 UCSB Arts & Lectures season with her deeply affecting voice and dramatic performance style on Wed., Sept. 27, at 8 p.m. at The Granada Theatre. Photo by Marcela Taboada.

Mexican-American balladeer Lila Downs, kicks off the 2017-18 UCSB Arts & Lectures season with her deeply affecting voice and dramatic performance style on Wed., Sept. 27, at 8 p.m. at The Granada Theatre. Photo by Marcela Taboada.

In addition to Downs’ performance, there will be an opening night celebration starting an hour before the show, featuring live music and dance from Chinelos of Santa Bárbara and Southern California in front of the Granada Theatre, plus Oaxaca-inspired drink specials next door at The Good Lion

For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 805/893-3535, visit www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu or contact The Granada Theatre at 805/ 899-2222 or granadasb.org

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on September 24, 2017.

Happy Together Tour Returns to the Chumash Casino

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Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to go back in time with the Happy Together Tour, featuring an impressive collection of top recording artists from the 1960s.

The Turtles’ Flo & Eddie, The Association, The Cowsills, Chuck Negron, The Box Tops and Ron Dante return together to the Chumash Casino Resort’s Samala Showroom at 8 p.m. on Friday, July 14. With 53 top Billboard hits among these six headliners, this should be fun trip down memory lane.

The Turtles scored their first Top 10 hit with the Bob Dylan cover “It Ain’t Me Babe” in 1965. They would reach the top of the charts in 1967 with “Happy Together,” which would become their best-known hit.

The Association had numerous top hits including “Windy,” “Cherish,” “Never My Love” and “Along Comes Mary.” They are noted for their intricate vocal harmonies by the band’s multiple singers.

Happy Together Tour, courtesy photo.

Happy Together Tour, courtesy photo.

The Cowsills, a family affair that inspired the TV series The Partridge Family, will sing hits “The Rain, the Park and the Other Things,” “Hair,” “Indian Lake” and “We Can Fly.”

Chuck Negron, a former member of American rock band Three Dog Night, is sure to perform a few of the band’s top hits including “One,” “Easy to Be Hard,” “Pieces of April,” “Just an Old Fashioned Love Song” and “The Show Must Go On.”

The Box Tops are best known for their hits “The Letter,” “Cry Like a Baby” and “Soul Deep.” Their unique sound combines elements of both soul music and light pop.

American singer, songwriter and producer Ron Dante is best known as the lead singer of the fictional cartoon band The Archies. The band delivered top hits “Sugar, Sugar,” “Jingle Jangle,” “Bang-Shang-A-Lang” and “Who’s Your Baby.”

This legendary collection of Pop greats from the ‘60s performs at the Chumash Casino Resort, 3400 Highway 246, Santa Ynez. Tickets for all events are available at the Chumash Casino Resort’s Club Indulge or online at www.chumashcasino.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

 Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on July 11, 2017.

 

Concerts in the Park Kick Off July 6

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Pettybreakers, courtesy photo.

Pettybreakers, courtesy photo.

The free Concerts in the Park series starts on Thursday, July 6 with the PettyBreakers—dubbed as “The Nation’s Premier Tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers”—performing from 6-8:30 p.m. on the Chase Palm Park stage (323 E. Cabrillo Blvd.).

The Hollywood Stones, courtesy photo.

The Hollywood Stones, courtesy photo.

This is the kick off to a month of free outdoor Thursday night concert fun. Up next, on July 13, is The Hollywood Stones—A Tribute to the Music of the Rolling Stones—(are you sensing a theme here?).

Crooked Eye Tommy, courtesy photo.

Crooked Eye Tommy, courtesy photo.

Crooked Eye Tommy, an original Southern California blues band, performs on July 20.

Captain Cardiac and the Coronaries, courtesy photo.

Captain Cardiac and the Coronaries, courtesy photo.

They are followed by the 1950s and 1960s rock ‘n roll stylings of Captain Cardiac and the Coronaries on July 27.

Presented by Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department, this event welcomes dogs long as they are on leash. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the park and there is no blanket/chair setup or otherwise claiming spaces until noon on the day of each concert.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on July 5, 2017.

Count Basie Orchestra Benefit for Rona Barrett Foundation

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The Count Basie Orchestra and Paula Cole, courtesy Rona Barrett Foundation.

The Count Basie Orchestra and Paula Cole, courtesy Rona Barrett Foundation.

The Rona Barrett Foundation hosts a special benefit concert on July 8 at the Lobero Theatre with the legendary Count Basie Orchestra directed by Scotty Barnhart and special guest, Paula Cole. Between them, Count Basie and Paula Cole are the embodiment of jazz and have 19 Grammys to prove it!

Headquartered locally, the Rona Barrett Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to providing affordable housing, Alzheimer’s care, assisted living and wellness programs for underserved senior citizens in the Santa Barbara County area. Founded by former entertainment journalist, Rona Barrett, who was inspired to become a senior advocate after caregiving for her Dad, Harry, who was afflicted with Alzheimer’s and eventually succumbed to the disease.

In 2016, The Rona Barrett Foundation was the catalyst for the establishment of The Golden Inn & Village in Santa Ynez, an independent living community for in-need and vulnerable seniors and veterans who are financially challenged.

In 2018, The Foundation, along with its partners, will establish “Harry’s House at the Golden Inn & Village,”—a home for Alzheimer’s and assisted living.  This campus will be an innovative, scholarship-sponsored model.

For more information, please visit ronabarrettfoundation.org or call 805/688-8887.

The Lobero Theatre is located at 33 E. Canon Perdido St.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on July 2, 2017.

Santa Barbara Choral Society Spring Gala Journeys to Rockwood Abbey

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Coming to tea? SBCS Singers (lL-R) Erica DiBartolomeo, Manu Geiger-Kolbitsch, Ayllin Bilir and Deborah Rosique) ready the Marilyn Horne Main House at Music Academy of the West in preparation to welcome Royal Chef Darren McGrady and special guests to tea. Photo by Priscilla.

Coming to Rockwood Abbey? SBCS Singers (L-R) Erica DiBartolomeo, Manu Geiger-Kolbitsch, Ayllin Bilir and Deborah Rosique) are dressed up to welcome Royal Chef Darren McGrady and special guests. Photo by Priscilla.

Anglophiles and music fans will come together on May 20 for a wonderfully fun evening titled Rockwood Abbey, an homage to the beloved Downtown Abbey television series.

Honorary Chairs “Lord” Brooks and “Lady” Kate Firestone invite guests to be transported to a posh evening reminiscent of days gone by, where white-gloved footmen attended the creme de la creme of English society as they dined and danced.

Period dress is encouraged for this unique fundraising event, which evokes the dawn of the Jazz Age when the formalities of the Victorian era gave way to the frivolities of post war fun. As far as costumes go, you may choose your epoch from Edwardian grandeur to the flappers of the 20s!

Royal Chef Darren McGrady, courtesy photo.

Royal Chef Darren McGrady, courtesy photo.

As you enter the Rockwood Women’s Club, you’ll enjoy cocktails, aperitifs and appetizers on the terrace and browse the silent auction items. When the dinner gong sounds, guests will move inside to reserved seats in the grand ballroom, where they’ll be entertained by the full Santa Barbara Choral Society chorus performing their spring gala concert, conducted by SBCS Artistic Director/Conductor Jo Anne Wasserman. Eclectic musical treats are in store for guests—including the Downton Abbey theme song—as well as fine wine and appetizers.

Then it’s on to an exciting feast on a menu that’s literally fit for Queen. This elegant dinner is designed and supervised by The Royal Chef, Darren McGrady, former chef to her majesty Queen Elizabeth II and to the late Princess Diana and her sons. Chef McGrady will be on hand to regale you with stories of his time in the royal service. We got a taste of his banter at the recent Royal Tea preview for this event, and guests are certainly in for a Royal treat!

Our favorite local Brit about town Richard Mineards will emcee the program and as the evening comes to a close, a celebrity auctioneer will lead an auction featuring exciting vacation stays like a week in a historic villa in Provence, a stroll through the gardens at Highclere Castle (the location where Downton Abbey was filmed), and more.

Tickets for the Santa Barbara Choral Society Spring Concert and Gala Dinner are now available by calling 805/965-6577 or visiting www.sbchoral.org. Don’t miss this unique and festive event taking place from 5-9:30 p.m. on May 20 at Rockwood Women’s Club, 670 Mission Canyon Rd. Seating is limited and RSVPs are requested no later than May 12.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on March 11, 2017.

Vocalosity Contest Winners & Free Master Class Announced

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Photo courtesy Vocalosity.

Vocalosity performs at the Granada on Nov. 11. Courtesy photo.

The highly anticipated a capella performance, Vocalosity, comes to The Granada Theatre on Friday, November 11, as part of the Granada Theatre Concert Series. From the artistic producer of Pitch Perfect and The Sing Off, Vocalosity takes a cappella to a whole new level with a show stopping theatrical performance featuring 10 dynamic voices singing some of today’s most popular hits.

Vocalosity explores all genres of music – from tenth century Gregorian chant and classic choral, to barber shop quartet and bouncing doo-wop all the way to The Beatles and Bruno Mars. Combine that, with movement and choreography from Sean Curran (Stomp original cast member), and you have an exhilarating evening of song unlike anything you’ve ever seen or heard, live on stage!

Photo courtesy Vocalosity.

Vocalosity comes to the Granada Theatre to perform on Nov. 11, courtesy photo.

The Granada Theatre recently announced that a cappella group AIRPLAY has been selected as the winner of the A Cappella Performance of a Lifetime Contest and will have the exclusive opportunity to perform as the opening act for Vocalosity‘s Santa Barbara performance. AIRPLAY originated in Santa Barbara, when founding members Antonio, Bobby, Jeff, and DJ formed UCSB’s all-male a cappella group, “Brothas from Otha Muthas” (BFOM). BFOM remained an all-male group until Jane joined after being a member of the Tritones in San Diego. Ben, also a Tritones alumni, joined soon after and AIRPLAY was born!

To add even more excitement around the show, Vocalosity’s artistic producer Deke Sharon, is coming to The Granada Theatre to host a Master Class on Monday, October 24, 7 p.m. The Master Class will be open to the public—FREE for all singing enthusiasts of our community in the McCune Founders Room at The Granada Theater. Deke will be coaching the winning group, as well as other contest participants.  The Granada Theatre is extending an invitation to this exclusive Master Class to all vocalists and singing enthusiasts in the community, offering a unique opportunity to learn from one of the greatest creative minds in a cappella music! This class is FREE and open to the public, no tickets required.

Deke Sharon, photo courtesy Vocalosity.

Deke Sharon will teach a free master class at the Granada on Oct. 24, photo courtesy Vocalosity.

Don’t miss the Vocalosity performance, with special guest a capella group, AIRPLAY, opening the show at The Granada Theatre on Friday, November 11, 8 p.m. Tickets maybe purchased online here http://ticketing.granadasb.org/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=7986, or by calling The Granada Theatre Box Office at 805/899-2222.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 21, 2016.

Cocktail Corner: Americana Fest at Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.

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Figueroa Mountain Americana FestA spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Get into the Independence Day spirit a little early this weekend, on Sunday, July 3, when Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company in Buellton presents Americana Fest, featuring live music, craft beer, barbecue and baked goods.

Sounds pretty all-American to me!

Four Americana bands will play throughout the day. The concert kick offs with the bluegrass string band, Grass Mountain at 1 p.m.; followed local folk songstress, Kathleen Sieck and the Paradise Road at 3 p.m.; Americana and self-proclaimed “cosmic country” singer Jaime Wyatt shows off her unique style at 5 p.m.; followed by folk-country singer Leslie Stevens at 7 p.m.

In addition to music, try your luck at winning the watermelon eating contest at 4:30 p.m. or come for the specialty cask releases at 2:30 and 6:30 p.m.

“We are thrilled to have such a talented line-up for this event,” says Retail Operations Director, Tony Grimes. “We are celebrating Independence Day weekend with top-notch local bands and then bringing in some terrific entertainment from Los Angeles.”

Courtesy Figueroa Mountain Brew Co.

Courtesy Figueroa Mountain Brew Co.

General Admission tickets are $25 in advance and include full access to the concerts, 1 beer ticket and a pint glass ($30 at the door). Special beer package tickets include one General Admission ticket plus four additional beer tickets for a total of 5 beers and a pint glass. This discount is only available in advance. Young adults and kids under 21 years old are free but still require tickets to enter. Visit www.FigMtnBrew.com for more information or purchase tickets directly at www.AmericanaFest.Nightout.com.

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. flagship brewery and taproom is located at 45 Industrial Way in Buellton.

Cheers! Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

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.”

 P.S: Here’s a sneak peek at local band Kathleen Sieck and the Paradise Road, who will perform at 3 p.m. on Sunday!

 

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on June 30, 2016.

Summer Editor’s Pick: Music Academy of the West’s Summer Music Festival

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Jean-Yves Thibaudet, courtesy Music Academy of the West.

Jean-Yves Thibaudet, courtesy Music Academy of the West.

Music Academy of the West’s Summer Music Festival brings eight weeks of world-class classical music making to town Jun. 13–Aug. 6.

Highlights include recitals by pianist Jeremy Denk (Jul. 18, 21), flutist Emmanuel Pahud (Jul. 20), Beethoven’s “Eroica” Symphony conducted by New York Philharmonic Music Director Alan Gilbert (Jul. 16), a west coast opera premiere by Matthew Aucoin (Jun. 28), a new production of Smetana’s The Bartered Bride (Jul. 18), two community concerts starring superstar pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet (Jul. 2–3) and much, much more (musicacademy.org).

—Leslie Dinaberg

This story originally appeared in the Summer 2016 issue of Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine.

Fiesta Ranchera

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Fiesta Ranchera, photo by Fritz Olenberger, courtesy Old Spanish Days.

Fiesta Ranchera, photo by Fritz Olenberger, courtesy Old Spanish Days.

Come celebrate Fiesta in June at the always fun Fiesta Ranchera party! Truly a great night out for locals, this is an awesome way to get into the spirit of Fiesta, Goleta style!

On June 16, Fiesta Ranchera opens the Fiesta summer season with the help of Old Spanish Days and the Goleta Valley Historical Society for an unforgettable night of food, fun and merriment. The event begins at 5 p.m. at the historic Rancho La Patera & Stow House, 304 N. Los Carneros Rd. in Goleta.

The beautiful gardens make this a perfect place for a night of pre-Fiesta fun that includes sampling of food from local restaurants, wines from award-winning local wineries, craft beer and signature drinks. Guitarist Tony Ybarra will play as the crowd mingles, followed by performances from the 2016 Spirit and Junior Spirit of Fiesta. Then dance the night away to the ever-favorite sounds of Area 51.

Fiesta dancers, photo by Fritz Olenberger, courtesy Old Spanish Days.

Fiesta dancers, photo by Fritz Olenberger, courtesy Old Spanish Days.

“We look forward to welcoming you for a rare opportunity to enjoy this lovely, historic landmark after the sun sets for a magical night at the Ranch,” says Amanda De Lucia, executive director of Goleta Valley Historical Society.

Restaurants and chefs to showcase their fabulous fare include Anna’s Bakery, Angel Oak at Bacara Resort & Spa, Catering Connection, Country Catering & Meat Market, Goodland Kitchen, McConnell’s Ice Cream, The Nugget, Pepe’s Mexican Food, Rincon Events, Trattoria Grappolo, Caffe Primo, On The Alley, Benchmark Eatery, Farmer Boy, High Sierra Bar & Grill, Woodstock’s Pizza, Woody’s BBQ and Nothing Bundt Cakes.

Guests will sip wine by Alexander & Wayne, Arthur Earl, Bella Cavalli Vineyard, Sunstone, Windrun and Zaca Mesa, along with craft beer from Hollister Brewing Co., Enegren Brewing, Captain Fattys, Santa Maria Brewing, Telegraph Brewing and Knee Deep Brewing.

Fiesta photo by Fritz Olenberger, courtesy Old Spanish Days.

Fiesta photo by Fritz Olenberger, courtesy Old Spanish Days.

Tickets for the event are $65 and are now all inclusive (no more pesky drink tickets) and may be purchased online at http://www.sbfiesta.org. Tickets will also be available onsite for $80 at the door. Designated driver and group discounts are available, and guests must be 21 to enter. Attendees are encouraged to dress in Fiesta or ranch attire.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on June 9, 2016.

Summer Editor’s Pick: Concerts at Santa Barbara Bowl

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Paul Simon performs at Santa Barbara Bowl Jun. 5, courtesy photo.

Paul Simon performs at Santa Barbara Bowl Jun. 5, courtesy photo.

We are lucky to have an amazing 4,562-seat outdoor amphitheater in our midst. There’s a special vibe that comes with concerts at Santa Barbara Bowl, perhaps because both the performers and the patrons are just so darn happy to be there. This summer’s concert line-up is especially stellar, including Paul Simon (Jun. 5), Bob Dylan (Jun. 11), Bonnie Raitt (Jul. 29) and Jackson Browne (Aug. 27), among many, many others (sbbowl.com).

—Leslie Dinaberg

This story originally appeared in the Summer 2016 issue of Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine.