Category Archives: Arts & Culture

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.

SBIFF Variety Artisans Awards

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Suicide Squad Hair and Makeup Artist Alessandro Bertolazzi is honored at the SBIFF Variety Artisans Awards on Feb. 6. Courtesy photo.

Suicide Squad Hair and Makeup Artist Alessandro Bertolazzi is honored at the SBIFF Variety Artisans Awards on Feb. 6. Courtesy photo.

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival‘s Variety Artisans Awards celebrates those essential to the filmmaking process and who have exhibited the most exciting and innovative work of the year in their respective fields. The Tribute evening takes place on Monday, February 6, at the Lobero Theatre and will be moderated by Variety’s Senior Vice President Awards Editor, Tim Gray.

The Variety Artisans Award will be presented to the following 2017 Oscar nominees:

Alessandro Bertolazzi for Makeup and Hair for the Warner Brothers film Suicide Squad, directed by David Ayer.  This marks Bertolazzi’s first Academy Award nomination.  His previous credits include Skyfall, Biutiful, and Babel.

Jess Gonchor, for Production Design in the Universal Pictures film Hail, Caesar! directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. Gonchor was previously nominated for an Academy Award for his work on True Grit, which was nominated for a total of 10 Academy Awards. Gonchor has worked with the Coen Brothers on each of their films since No Country For Old Men.

Oh Hail, Caesar from CityofIrving on Vimeo.

Justin Hurwitz, for original score in the Lionsgate musical La La Land, directed by Damien Chazelle. Hurwitz received both the Golden Globe and Critic’s Choice Award for Best Original Score for the film. He is a first time Oscar nominee this year.

Justin Hurwitz, Benj Pasek & Justin Paul for Original Song “City of Stars” in the Lionsgate musical La La Land.  The song received both the Golden Globe and Critic’s Choice Award for Best Original Song this year.

Mary Zophres for Costume Designer in La La Land. She was nominated for an Academy Award for her work in the Coen Brother’s film True Grit. In 2016, she received the Key West Film Festival’s Career Achievement Award for costume design.

James Laxton for Cinematographer in A24’s Moonlight directed by Barry Jenkins. Laxton won the Los Angeles Film Critics,  New York Film Critics, and San Francisco Film Critics award for Best Cinematography for his work on the film.

Robert Legato for Visual Effects in the Disney live-action film The Jungle Book, directed by Jon Favreau. Legato has won two Academy Awards (and has been nominated a total of four times) for his work on Titanic and Hugo.

Alan Murray for Sound Editing in the Warner Brothers film Sully, directed by Clint Eastwood.  He has been nominated for eight Academy Awards and won for his work on Eastwood’s films, American Sniper and Letters from Iwo Jima.

Kevin O’Connell for Sound Mixing in the Lionsgate Film Hacksaw Ridge, directed by Mel Gibson. This is his 21st Academy Award nomination for films that include Top Gun and Transformers.

Joe Walker for Editor in the Paramount Film Arrival, directed by Denis Villeneuve, for which he is nominated for an Oscar. Walker was nominated for an Academy Award for his work on 12 Years A Slave.  Arrival is his second collaboration with Villeneuve following last year’s critically-acclaimed Sicario, and they are currently working together on the upcoming Bladerunner.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit http://sbiff.org/product/variety-artisans-award/.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on February 6, 2017.

Poetry: William Stafford Community Reading

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William Stafford, courtesy photo.

William Stafford, courtesy photo.

The 11th annual  William Stafford Community Reading takes place at the First Crossing Day Use Area on Paradise Road in Los Padres National Forest at 2 pm on Saturday, January 28.

“This year’s featured readers are Enid Osborn, Ron Alexander, and the inspiring student poets from the Los Prietos Boys Camp,” says organizer Paul J. Willis, former Santa Barbara Poet Laureate and Westmont College Professor of English. 

“There are always a couple of featured readers, but anyone in attendance is also welcome to read a Stafford poem aloud,” Willis says.

Since 2007, Willis has hosted the Los Prietos Stafford Readings, an annual community reading of the poems of William Stafford at the First Crossing Day Use Area on Paradise Road in Los Padres National Forest. This is the former site of the Los Prietos Civilian Public Service Camp, where Stafford served as a conscientious objector during World War II. The First Crossing Day Use Area does not have an address, but it is almost directly across the road from the Los Prietos Boys Camp, 3900 Paradise Rd., Santa Barbara, CA 93105. (In case of rain, meet a mile down the road at the Los Prietos Ranger Station, 3505 Paradise Rd., Santa Barbara, CA 93105.)

Also on the horizon at 7:30 pm on Thursday, February 16, the young adult novelist Sara Zarr will read and speak in Kerrwood Hall at Westmont College (955 La Paz Rd.).  Zarr is the author of six novels, the first of which, Story of a Girl, was nominated for the National Book Award.

Both of these readings are free and open to the public. 

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 26, 2017.

Hold Hope | Obama in Santa Barbara, 2007

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HOLD HOPE: Obama in Santa Barbara, 2007, by Patricia Houghton Clarke.

HOLD HOPE: Obama in Santa Barbara, 2007, by Patricia Houghton Clarke.

International award-winning photographer (and Santa Barbara Seasons contributor) Patricia Houghton Clarke presents never-before seen black and white images from Barack Obama’s campaign stop in Santa Barbara in 2007.

She says, “The photographs embody the President’s abiding power, grace, and most importantly, HOPE.”

There will be an opening reception from 4-7 p.m. on Jan. 28 at PATRICIA CLARKE STUDIO at the Palm Lofts (410 Palm Ave., Space A 18, Carpinteria). A closing reception will also be held in that same location on Feb. 25 from 2-4 p.m.

Barack Obama, 6, 2007, photo by Patricia Houghton Clarke.

Barack Obama, 6, 2007, photo by Patricia Houghton Clarke.

Proceeds from the sales of these images will benefit the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and may also be purchased online through February 25 at: http://patriciahoughtonclarke.com/section/334090_obama_in_santa_barbara_2007.html.

All events are free and open to the public. Studio hours are also available by appointment and groups are welcome. For more information, call 805/381-1758 or email pcphotog@gmail.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

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

SBIFF is on the Way With Another Excellent Lineup

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Here's the poster for the upcoming Santa Barbara International Film Festival feb. 1-11. It spotlights the historic Riviera Theatre which is the new home of the festival's year round activities. Lots of great things are in store for us this year. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Here’s the poster for the upcoming Santa Barbara International Film Festival feb. 1-11. It spotlights the historic Riviera Theatre which is the new home of the festival’s year round activities. Lots of great things are in store for us this year. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

It’s hard to believe, but it’s almost time for the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) to begin on February 1. At last week’s press conference, Executive Director Roger Durling revealed the poster (once again designed by local graphic artist Barbara Boros) as well as an impressive slate of programming, including films representing 50+ countries, 51 world premieres and 64 U.S. premieres, along with tributes with the year’s top Oscar-contending talent, panel discussions, and free community education and outreach programs.

To download the film program, click here.

SBIFF 2017 kicks off on February 1 at the historic Arlington Theatre with the World Premiere of the documentary film Charged (sponsored by UGG).

Directed by Phillip Baribeau, Charged chronicles the journey of chef and outdoorsman, Eduardo Garcia and his recovery after being electrocuted by 2400 volts of electricity miles from help in the Montana backcountry.  Garcia had his hand amputated, lost ribs, muscle mass and nearly his life, but more important than what he lost is what he found. Charged tells Eduardo’s remarkable journey from getting up off the forest floor to becoming the man he is today.

SBIFF features the U.S. Premiere of Heal the Living (Réparer les vivants), a French–Belgian drama directed by Katell Quillévéré and written by Quillévéré and Gilles Taurand. Starring Tahar Rahim (A Prophet, The Past, Grand Central, The Informant), Emmanuelle Seigner (Venus in Fur, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly) and Anne Dorval (Mommy, Heartbeats). Three seemingly unrelated stories are masterfully woven together in this family medical drama. A French teenager takes a road trip to the sea with friends to go surfing; a woman learns her heart is failing; and the staff at a regional hospital struggles through another day of saving lives.

The Festival will close with the Lone Scherfig’s period comedy–drama Their Finest at the Arlington Theatre on February 11 in advance of the film’s March 24 stateside release. The Closing Night Film is sponsored by Winchester Mystery House.

The year is 1940, Britain. With the nation devastated by the war, the British ministry turns to propaganda films to boost morale at home. Realizing their films could use “a woman’s touch,” the ministry hires Catrin Cole (Gemma Arterton) as a scriptwriter in charge of writing the female dialogue. Although her artist husband looks down on her job, Catrin’s natural flair quickly gets her noticed by charming lead scriptwriter Buckley (Sam Claflin). Catrin and Buckley set out to make an epic feature film based on the Battle of Dunkirk starring pretentious fading movie star Ambrose Hilliard (Bill Nighy). As bombs are dropping all around them, Catrin, Buckley and their colorful cast and crew work furiously to make a film that will warm the hearts of the nation.

In addition to the wonderful films, SBIFF has become an important showcase for Academy–Award frontrunners, many of whom have arrived as nominees and gone on to win the Oscar. The 32nd Santa Barbara International Film Festival celebrates some of the year’s finest work in film.  The complete list of 2017 Honorees (in order of appearance) is:

  • Viola Davis will present Denzel Washington with the Maltin Modern Master Award, moderated by longtime friend and film historian Leonard Maltin on Thursday, February 2.
  • The Outstanding Performers of the Year Award sponsored by Belvedere Vodka will be awarded to Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. The tribute will be moderated by Roger Durling on Friday, February 3.
  • The Virtuosos Award presented by UGG, will be awarded to Aaron Taylor Johnson (Nocturnal Animals), Dev Patel (Lion), Janelle Monáe (Hidden Figures, Moonlight), Mahershala Ali (Moonlight), Naomie Harris (Moonlight), Ruth Negga (Loving), Simon Helberg (Florence Foster Jenkins) and Stephen McKinley Henderson (Fences) in recognition of the year’s emerging film artists. The evening will be moderated by Dave Karger on Saturday, February 4.
  • Casey Affleck and Michelle Williams will receive the Cinema Vanguard Award, moderated by Scott Feinberg, on Sunday, February 5.
  • The Variety Artisans Awards will take place on Monday, February 6 and will be moderated by Variety’s Sr. VP Awards Editor, Tim Gray. Honorees to be announced.
  • The Outstanding Director of the Year Award sponsored by The Hollywood Reporter will be Tuesday, February 7 and will be moderated by Pete Hammond. Honorees to be announced.
  • Isabelle Huppert will be presented with the Montecito Award on Wednesday, February 8, moderated by Anne Thompson.
  • Jeff Bridges will receive the American Riviera Award sponsored by Bella Vista Designs on Thursday, February 9, moderated by Scott Feinberg.

All tributes take place at the historic Arlington Theatre except the Variety Artisans Award, which will be at the Lobero Theatre.

 

The panel series begins on Saturday, February 4 with the “Movers and Shakers,” (Producers Panel), bringing together the industry’s most prolific producers to talk about current projects, hopes for the future of filmmaking, and insight into the creative process. Moderated by Glenn Whipp.

That same day proceeds with “It Starts With the Script” (Screenwriters Panel), bringing together top writers to discuss their craft. The panel will be moderated by Anne Thompson.

On Saturday, February 11, Creative Forces: Women in the Business (Women’s Panel), will be moderated by Madelyn Hammond.

All panels take place at the Lobero Theatre.

The 2017 Film Program addresses timely themes including a focus on environmental activism, feminism in the Middle East, efforts to thwart ISIS around the world including, Mali and Kurdistan, the fight for democracy in Ukraine and the global refugee crisis. In addition, some of the new highlights in the program include:

  • Nordic Cinema Competition: A diverse showcase of contemporary cinema From Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
  • Crime Scenes: An international selection of crime thrillers and neo-noirs filled with gritty underworlds and moral nihilists.
  • Documentary Shorts: Refugees: A program of short documentaries featuring compelling stories from refugees living in Malawi, Syria, West Africa, Greece, Sweden and the United States.

For more information and festival updates, visit sbiff.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 20, 2017.

Congregation B’Nai B’Rith Celebrates 90 Years

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Cantor Mark Childs to be Honored at Dreamers Ball on Jan. 22 

Congregation B’nai B’rith celebrates its 90th anniversary at a Chagall-inspired Dreamers Ball to be held at the Bacara Resort on January 22.

The dreamers theme—which honors yesterday, today and tomorrow—pays homage to the 14 founding families who had a vision to build a home for the Jews in Santa Barbara in 1927. What started as a dream thrived beyond expectation to the temple of today—a beautiful sanctuary that serves as a spiritual home to more than 800 families.

The Dreamer’s Ball celebrates the rich history of Congregation B’nai B’rith, the vibrant current community, led musically by Cantor Mark Childs,  and the commitment to innovation and strength into the future.

Cantor Mark Childs, photo by Jay Farbman.

Cantor Mark Childs, photo by Jay Farbman.

“This is a moment to pause in a long continuum of time to celebrate our growth, to honor those who kept us going over the decades, to remember those who have passed along the way, to sigh as we recollect the hard times, to laugh as we recall the high moments, to marvel at the vision of those upon whose shoulders we stand, and to embrace each other as we face our road forward,” says Cantor Childs who will be honored at the gala for his 25 years of service at Congregation B’nai B’rith.

“Congregation B’nai B’rith has been, and will always be filled with the spirit of close community and the priority of educating the next moral, ethical and literate Jewish generation,” says Rabbi Stephen Cohen, who has been the synagogue’s spiritual leader since 2014, and works in partnership with Cantor Childs.

“I believe that right now, we are setting the stage for the next 100 years of Congregation B’nai B’rith communal life. We will maintain our deep connections to the Jewish people around the world, and throughout history, but we are also finding our place in Santa Barbara, alongside the Chumash, and the Latinos, the marvelous interfaith community of Muslims, the Catholics, Unitarians, Episcopalians, Evangelicals, Mormons, Hindus and Buddhists. Here in Santa Barbara, we Jews have a role to play. Our congregation should be a light to our entire city, and a model of healthy, feisty, dynamic, reverent, warm and welcoming community,” explains Rabbi Cohen.

Through song, Jewish teaching and humor, Cantor Childs has touched thousands of lives in Santa Barbara since his arrival 25 years ago. From his weekly song sessions with preschoolers at Beit Ha Yeladim, to his work with hundreds of b’nai mitzvot students, to his inspired leadership, interfaith partnerships and connection with seniors and community members throughout Santa Barbara, Cantor Childs has been a role model and an inspiration, marking everyday moments and significant life-cycle milestones with music and prayer. “He is an exceptional human being, a brilliant and humble leader, a supremely reliable teammate and partner, and a gifted singer,” says Rabbi Cohen.

Congregation B’nai B’rith serves as a spiritual sanctuary to its diverse and inclusive community (the temple has over 25% interfaith families), but is also integral to the greater Santa Barbara community, through social action and religious outreach programs and collaborations with the Santa Barbara Interfaith Initiative, Cottage Hospital, assisted living homes, Showers of Blessings, Anti-Defamation League, UCSB Hillel, and many others.  A temple-wide annual Mitzvah Day sends volunteers into the community to benefit dozens of nonprofits. In addition, Congregation B’nai B’rith has ongoing programs serving food to the homeless community in Pershing Park and working with Transition House in their community kitchen. The temple’s reach even extended to build the Ubumwe Center preschool and elementary school in Rwanda, Africa.

The celebration takes place on January 22 at 5:30 p.m. at Bacara Resort & Spa, 8301 Hollister Ave., Goleta. To find out more about the Dreamers Ball, visit the event page at www.cbbsb.org/dreamersball, call 805/964-7869, or email dreamersball@cbbsb.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 4, 2017.

 

The Books of 2016

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So many books, so little time—part ten.

My son started keeping a reading list in third grade, so I did too. This is the tenth year we’ve done this.

My favorite books of 2016 were probably You Will Know Me by Megan Abbott, a mystery-thriller set in the world of women’s gymnastics; Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave, set in the world of wine-making; Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler, which is about the restaurant business; Barbara the Slut and Other People by Lauren Holmes, a terrific collection of shot stories; and The Monsters of Templeton by Lauren Groff, who also wrote Fates and Furies, one of my favorite books I read last year.  

As usual, I tend to find an author I like and then read anything I can get my hands on. I adored Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple so much that I also read her two other novels, Today Will be Different (in development as a TV series with Julia Roberts) and This One is Mine, both of which I liked but didn’t LOVE the way I did Bernadette.

Anyway, I’d love to hear about other people’s favorite books this year.

Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake Anna Quindlen
Why Not Me? Mindy Kaling
Boys & Girls Together William Goldman
Fun Home Allison Bechdel
Precious Gifts Danielle Steel
23 Degrees South Neal Rabin
Last One Home Debbie Macomber
Feel This Ben Stiller & Janeane Garofalo
A Whole New Light Sandra Brown
All Fall Down Jennifer Weiner
The Children Act Ian McEwan
Purity Jonathan Franzen
Crooked Little Lies Barbara Taylor Sissel
The Rumor Elin Hildebrand
The Truth About Alice Jennifer Mathieu
Girl Tripping Gina Iamanna
Everything’s Relative Jenna McCarthy
The Clasp Sloane Crosley
The Guestbook Andrea Hurst
The Art of Peeling an Orange Victoria Avilan
What Alice Forgot Liane Moriarty
Bettyville George Hodgman
Between the Lines Jodi Picoult & Samantha van Leer
Miss Adventure Geralyn Corcillo
Who Do You Love? Jennifer Weiner
Girl Waits With Gun Amy Stewart
The Tender Bar J.R. Moehringer
The Monsters of Templeton Lauren Groff
Connect the Stars Marisa de los Santos and David Teague
Barbara the Slut and Other People Lauren Holmes
The Moon and More Sarah Dessen
The Apartment Danielle Steel
Dead of Night J.D. Robb, Mary Blayney, Ruth Ryan Langan and Mary Kay McComas
The Swans of Fifth Avenue Melanie Benjamin
Lizzie Bennett Diaries Bernie Su and Kate Noble
The List Siobhan Vivan
One Plus One JoJo Moyes
Nora Roberts Land Miles Ava
Windfallen JoJo Moyes
Dear Mr. You Mary Louise Parker
The Sleuth Sisters Maggie Pill
Fireside Susan Wiggs
Sweetbitter Stephanie Danler
Tiny Pretty Things Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton
My Favorite Husband Pam McCutcheon
The Fixer Upper Mary Kay Andrews
The Inn at Rose Harbor Debbie Macomber
I Was Told There Would be Cake Sloane Crosley
A Girl’s Guide to Moving on Debbie Macomber
Drinking Closer to Home Jessica Anya Blau
Identical Scott Turrow
If I Stay Gayle Forman
Euphoria Lily King
Eight Hundred Grapes Laura Dave
In the Unlikely Event Judy Blume
Remembrance Meg Cabot
Innocents & Others: A Novel Dana Spiotta
Calling Invisible Women Jeanne Ray
Royal Wedding Meg Cabot
Eligible Curtis Sittenfeld
The Man of the House Stephen McCauley
Be Frank With Me Julia Claiborne Johnson
Fallen in Love Lauren Kate
Four of a Kind Valerie Frankel
The Bridge Ladies Betsy Lerner
The Goodbye Quilt Susan Wiggs
French Roast Ava Miles
Behind Closed Doors B.A. Paris
Heat & Light Jennifer Haigh
The Grand Opening Ava Miles
Paris for One & Other Stories JoJo Moyes
My Kind of Perfect Hannah Ellis
Heroes Have Always Been My Weakness Susan Elizabeth Phillips
You Will Know Me Megan Abbott
The History of Love Nicole Krauss
Today Will Be Different Maria Semple
This One is Mine Maria Semple

Cavalia’s Odysseo is One Wild Ride

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Odyesseo "Freedom," photo by Jak Wonderly.

Odyesseo “Freedom,” photo by Jak Wonderly.

If you’re looking for a perfect way to entertain the whole family this holiday season, Cavalia‘s new Odysseo show is just the ticket.

Odyesseo "The Fairies," photo by Pascal Ratthe.

Odyesseo “The Fairies,” photo by Pascal Ratthe.

This magical spectacle blends jaw-dropping equestrian artistry with Cirque du Soleil level acrobatics and music, as well as beautiful costumes and incredible set design. It’s really quite a magical experience, and well worth the drive to Irvine, where it’s playing through January 8 (under a giant White Big Top at the junction of the I-405 & the SR-133).

Odyesseo "Finale," photo by Lynne Glazze.

Odyesseo “Finale,” photo by Lynne Glazze.

The production is so unique that it’s hard to describe. “Odysseo marries the equestrian arts, stage arts and high-tech theatrical effects at never-before-seen levels. A veritable revolution in live performance, Odysseo comprises a list of superlatives: the world’s largest touring production and traveling big top, the biggest stage, the most beautiful visual effects, and the largest number of horses at liberty,” according to the promoters.

For once, they aren’t exaggerating in the least.

Odyesseo "Carosello," photo by Dan Harper.

Odyesseo “Carosello,” photo by Dan Harper.

The 65 horses and 48 artists who star in the show take you on a journey into a dreamy world of the planet’s most unforgettable landscapes. This is a show you won’t soon forget. For tickets and information visit www.cavalia.net/Irvine‎.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Odyesseo "The Angels," photo by Andrew Miller.

Odyesseo “The Angels,” photo by Andrew Miller.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 4, 2016.

“Please Don’t Touch the Art”

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Bebop by Dan Levin.

Bebop by Dan Levin.

Dan Levin‘s solo art show, “Please Don’t Touch the Art” at Restaurant Roy (7 W. Carrillo St.)  will include a “one night only pop up store” during the reception on December 1, during 1st Thursday from 7-11 p.m. Levin’s Lonely Hearts altered playing card decks, shirts, candles and small assemblages will be available for sale on Thursday, in addition to a room full of larger works that will be up until the end of January.

For more information visit danlevin.com, and https://www.facebook.com/danlevinart.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on November 29, 2016.

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.