Tag Archives: SB Seasons Magazine

SBIFF Unveils World Premiere Film Lineup

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The 2018 Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) offers 200+ films representing 58 countries, 45 World premieres, and 53 U.S. premieres, along with tributes with the year’s top talent, panel discussions, and free community education and outreach programs.

Below is the list of world premiere features at the 2018 SBIFF.

WORLD PREMIERE FEATURE FILMS

A Sniper’s War, USA, Ukraine, Russia

Directed by Olya Schechter

A Sniper's War, courtesy photo.

A Sniper’s War, courtesy photo.

Acid Horizon, USA

Directed by Ivan Hurzeler

 

Broke: The Santa Barbara Oil Pipeline Spill of 2015, USA

Directed by Gail Osherenko

Chasing the Thunder, USA

Directed by Mark Benjamin and Marc Levin

 

The Doctor From India, USA

Directed by Jeremy Frindel

 

The End of Meat (Eine welt ohne fleisch), Germany

Directed by Marc Pierschel

 

The Independents, USA

Directed by Greg Naughton

 

Living in the Futures Past, USA

Directed by Susan Kucera

 

Making Babies, USA

Directed by Josh Huber

Making Babies, courtesy photo.

Metamorphosis, Canada

Directed by Nova Ami and Velcrow Ripper

 

My Indiana Muse, USA

Directed by Ric and Jen Serena

 

My Indiana Muse (official trailer) from Serena Creative on Vimeo.

¡Oh Mamy Blue!, Spain

Directed by Antonio Hens

 

Off the Menu, USA

Directed by Jay Silverman

 

One Last Night, USA

Directed by Anthony Sabet

 

the public, USA

Directed by Emilio Estevez

 

The Push, USA

Directed by Grant Korgan

 

Scotch: A Golden Dream, USA

Directed by Andrew Peat

 

Silicon Beach, USA

Directed by Max Gold

 

Threesome (Le trip à trois), Canada

Directed by Nicolas Monette

 

Waiting for the Drop: Rise of the Superstar DJs, USA

Directed by Alexei Barrionuevo

 


The War in Between, USA

Directed by Riccardo Ferraris

 

We Are Galapagos, USA

Directed by Kum-Kum Bhavnani

 

The White Orchid, USA

Directed by Steve Anderson

 

U.S. PREMIERE FEATURE FILMS (listed alphabetically)

 

3 Things (3 ting), Denmark

Directed by Jens Dahl

 

A Land Without Borders, Israel

Directed by Michael Alalu and Nir Baram

 

Adventures in Public School, Canada

Directed by Kyle Rideout

 

Before I Forget (Antes que eu me esqueça), Brazil

Directed by Tiago Arakilian

 

Beyond – An African Surf Documentary, Austria

Directed by Mario Hainzl

 

Beyond Dreams (Dröm vidare), Sweden

Directed by Rojda Serkersöz

 

Big Wata, Netherlands

Directed by Jan Paul Van der Velden

 

Bingo: The King of the Mornings (Bingo: O rei das manhãs), Brazil

Directed by Daniel Rezende

 

Black Kite, Canada, Afghanistan

Directed by Tarique Qayumi

 

The Butterfly Tree, Australia

Directed by Priscilla Cameron

 

Cardinals, Canada

Directed by Grayson Moore & Aidan Shipley

 

Catch the Wind (Prendre le large), France

Directed by Gaël Morel

 

Darling, Denmark

Directed by Birgitte Stærmose

 

Daybreak (Dita zë fill), Albania

Directed by Gentian Koçi

 

The Double Lover (L’amant double), France

Directed by François Ozon

 

Edie, UK

Directed by Simon Hunter

 

The Eternal Road (Ikitie), Finland

Directed by Antti-Jussi Annila

 

Euthanizer (Armomurhaaja), Finland

Directed by Teemu Nikki

 

The Faithful Son (La part sauvage), Belgium

Directed by Guérin van de Vorst

 

Fence Your Best, Israel

Directed by Liat Mer

 

Fifty Springtimes (Aurore), France

Directed by Blandine Lenoir

 

Filthy (Spina), Czech Republic, Slovakia

Directed by Tereza Nvotová

 

Get the Weed (Misión no oficial), Uruguay

Directed by Denny Brechner, Alfonso Guerrero and Marcos Hecht

 

Giant (Handia), Spain

Directed by Jon Garaño and Aitor Arregi

 

Grace and Splendor (Donaire y esplendor), Panama

Directed by Arturo Montenegro

 

Grand Cru, Canada

Directed by David Eng

 

Guerrero, Mexico

Directed by Ludovic Bonleux

 

Imposed Piece (Opgelegd Werk), Belgium

Directed by Brecht Vanhoenacker

Imposed Piece, courtesy photo.

Imposed Piece, courtesy photo.

In Love and In Hate (Los que aman, odian), Argentina

Directed by Alejandro Maci

 

The Island, Israel

Directed by Adam Weingrod

 

The Last Suit (El último traje), Argentina

Directed by Pablo Solarz

 

Maracaibo, Argentina

Directed by Miguel Angel Rocca

 

Mary Goes Round, Canada

Directed by Molly McGlynn

 

Meditation Park, Canada

Directed by Mina Shum

 

Modified, Canada

Directed by Aube Giroux

 

The Order of Things (L’ordine delle cose), Italy

Directed by Andrea Segre

 

Sad Hill Unearthed, Spain

Directed by Guillermo de Oliveira

 

Secret Ingredient (Iscelitel), Greece

Directed by Gjorce Stavreski

 

Soviet Hippies, Estonia, Germany, Finland

Directed by Terje Toomistu

 

Sunshine That Can Move Mountains, China

Directed by Qiang Wang

 

Star Boys (Kaiken se kestää), Sweden

Directed by Visa Koiso-Kanttila

 

The Swan (Svanurinn), Iceland, Estonia, Germany

Directed by Ása Hjörleifsdóttir

 

The Unseen (Los últimos), Argentina

Directed by Nicolás Puenzo

Unwanted (T’padashtun), Kosovo, Netherlands

Directed by Edon Rizvanolli

 

Wall, Canada

Directed by Cam Christiansen

 

While We Live (Mens vi lever), Denmark

Directed by Mehdi Avaz

 

NON-PREMIERE FEATURE FILMS

 

All You Can Eat Buddha, Canada, Cuba

Directed by Ian Lagarde

 

Angels Wear White (Jia nian hua), China, France

Directed by Vivian Qu

 

Arrhythmia (Aritmiya), Russia, Finland, Germany

Directed by Boris Khlebnikov

 

Back to Burgundy (Ce qui nous lie), France

Directed by Cédric Klapisch

 

Beartrek, USA, Canada, Indonesia, Peru

Directed by Chris Morgan & Joe Pontecorvo

 

Blue, Australia

Directed by Karina Holden

 

Borg vs. McEnroe, Sweden, Denmark, Finland

Directed by Janus Metz

 

Breath (Nafas), Iran

Directed by Narges Abyar

 

Dirtbag: The Legend of Fred Beckey, USA, Canada, China

Directed by Dave O’Leske

Elish’s Notebooks, Israel

Directed by Golan Rise

 

The Essential Link – The Story of Wilfred Israel, Israel

Directed by Yonatan Nir

 

Faces Places (Visages, villages), France

Directed by JR and Agnès Varda

 

The Future Ahead (El futuro que viene), Argentina

Directed by Constanza Novick

 

The Gospel According to André, USA

Directed by Kate Novack

 

Gutland, Luxembourg, Germany, Belgium

Directed by Govinda Van Maele

 

Holy Camp! (La Llamada), Spain

Directed by Javier Ambrossi & Javier Calvo

 

Hotel Salvation (Mukti Bhawan), India

Directed by Shubhashish Bhutiani

 

Icarus, USA

Directed by Bryan Fogel

 

In Syria (Insyriated), Belgium, France, Lebanon

Directed by Philippe Van Leeuw

 

The Insult (L’insulte), Lebanon

Directed by Ziad Doueiri

 

Just Like Our Parents, Brazil

Directed by Laís Bodanzky

 

Killer Bees, USA

Directed by Ben & Orson Cummings

 

Kim Swims, USA

Directed by Kate Webber

Leaning Into the Wind: Andy Goldsworthy, USA

Directed by Thomas Riedelsheimer

 

The Line (Čiara), Slovakia, Ukraine

Directed by Peter Bebjak

 

Love Means Zero, USA

Directed by Jason Kohn

 

Miracle on 42nd Street, USA

Directed by Alice Elliott

 

Montana, Israel

Directed by Limor Shmila

 

Nelson Algren Live, USA

Directed by Oscar Bucher

 

Oh Lucy!, USA, Japan

Directed by Atsuko Hirayanagi

 

The Party, USA

Directed by Sally Potter

 

Point of No Return, USA

Directed by Quinn Kanaly & Noel Dockstader

 

The Quartette (Kvarteto), Czech Republic

Directed by Miroslav Krobot

 

Racer and the Jailbird (Le fidèle), Belgium

Directed by Michaël R. Roskam

 

Scaffolding (Pigumim), Israel, Poland

Directed by Matan Yair

 

Scary Mother, Georgia, Estonia

Directed by Ana Urushadze

 

Skid Row Marathon, USA

Directed by Mark Hayes

 

Sky and Ground, USA, Serbia/Montenegro, Macedonia, Hungary, Greece, Germany, Austria

Directed by Joshua Bennett & Talya Tibbon

 

Something New (Qualcosa di nuovo), Italy

Directed by Cristina Comencini

Something New, courtesy photo.

Something New, courtesy photo.

Soufra, Singapore, USA, Lebanon

Directed by Thomas A. Morgan

 

The Starry Sky Above Me, (Le ciel étoilé au-dessus de ma tête), France

Directed by Ilan Klipper

 

Streetlight Harmonies, USA

Directed by Brent Wilson

 

The Third Murder, (Sandome no Satsujin), Japan

Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda

 

Tulipani: Love, Honour and a Bicycle (Tulipani: Liefde, Eer en een Fiets), Netherlands

Directed by Mike van Diem

 

Triumph: The Untold Story of Perry Wallace, USA

Directed by Rich Gentile

 

Under the Tree (Undir Trénu), Iceland, Denmark, Poland & Germany

Directed by Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurðsson

 

Wife and Husband (Moglie e marito), Italy

Directed by Simone Godano

 

You Disappear (Du forsvinder), Denmark, Sweden

Directed by Peter Schønau Fog

 

SHORT FILMS

72%, Spain – US Premiere

Directed by Lluis Quilez

 

Abroad, USA – World Premiere

Directed by Zayn Alexandar

 

Aeris, USA

Directed by Paul Castro Jr.

 

Afterwork, Spain, Peru, Ecuador – World Premiere

Directed by Luis Uson

 

The Artist & The Great Bear, USA – World Premiere

Directed by Jeff Mcloughlin

 

As Long As It Takes (Le temps qu’il faut), Canada

Directed by Abeille Tard

 

Audition, USA

Directed by Richard Van

 

Bargain, USA – World Premiere

Directed by Clifford Miu

 

Basha Man, China

Directed by Daniel Chein

 

Bigfoot’s Love Slave, USA

Directed by Heather Tom

 

The Cannonball Woman, (La femme canon), France, Switzerland, Canada – US Premiere

Directed by David Toutevoix and Albertine Zullo

 

Cascarón, USA – World Premiere

Directed by Casey McGarry

 

Catacomb, USA – World Premiere

Directed by Alex Z. Avila

 

Couch for Sale, USA – World Premiere

Directed by Takashi Doscher

 

Cowboy of Mount Laurier (Le cowboy du mont Laurier), Canada – US Premiere

Directed by Gabriel Vilandré

 

Crossing the Channel, USA – World Premiere

Directed by Ryan Slattery

 

Cuba: Music Revolution, USA

Directed by Juan Ponce de León

 

Dancing with Dragons, USA, Zimbabwe, New Zealand, Mexico, Belize

Directed by Mark Romanov

 

Don’t Mind Alice, USA – World Premiere

Directed by Maude Apatow & Olivia Rosenbloom

 

The Driver Is Red, USA

Directed by Randall Christopher

 

Field Song (Canción de Campo), USA

Directed by Brad Bischoff

 

Fern, UK – US Premiere

Directed by Johnny Kelly

 

Ferryman at the Wall, USA

Directed by David Freid

 

Fingerprints, USA

Directed by Don Hardy

 

From Golf Course to Wetland, USA – World Premiere

Directed by Michael Love

 

Hide and Seek (Bújócska), Hungary

Directed by Gábor Benő Baranyi

 

Home Shopper, USA

Directed by Dev Patel

Dev Patel directs Home Shopper, courtesy photo.

Dev Patel directs Home Shopper, courtesy photo.

Hybrids, France

Directed by Florian Brauch, Kim Tailhades, Matthieu Pujol, Romain Thirion and Yohan Thireau

 

Keep Calm and Tampon, USA – World Premiere

Directed by Claudia Lonow

 

Killing Games: Wildlife in the Crosshairs, USA

Directed by Camilla H. Fox

 

The Last Man You Meet, USA

Directed by Chris Bone

 

Long Term Delivery, USA – World Premiere

Directed by Jake Honig

 

Los Comandos, USA

Directed by Joshua Bennett

 

Lunch Ladies, USA

Directed by J.M. Logan

 

Mariela, UK

Directed by Victoria Romero

 

Martien, Switzerland

Directed by Maxime Pillonel

 

Me, My Phone and I, USA

Directed by Luke Mullen

 

Mott Haven, USA

Directed by Kyle Morrison

 

Negative Space, France

Directed by Max Porter and Ru Kuwahata

 

Online Shopping, Iran

Directed by Ghasideh Golmakani

 

Out of the Ashes, USA – World Premiere

Directed by Hallie Brown

 

Poles Apart, USA

Directed by Paloma Baeza

 

Phototaxis, USA

Directed by Melissa Ferrari

 

The Red Flag, USA – World Premiere

Directed by Mike Winger

 

RFLKTR, USA – World Premiere

Directed by Matt K. Turner

 

Santa Claus, USA

Directed by Jeff Man

 

Sequin, Taiwan – US Premiere

Directed by Yachi Yang

 

Siren Song: Women Singers of Pakistan, USA, Pakistan, and India

Directed by Fawzia Afzal-Khan

 

Shadow Boxer (Skyggebokser), Denmark – World Premiere

Directed by Andreas Bøggild Monies

 

Shark Bight, USA – US Premiere

Directed by Stephanie Foster

 

The Shift, USA

Directed by Elivia Shaw

 

Simularity, USA

Directed by Ryan O’Nan

 

Soul of the City, USA – World Premiere

Directed by John Klein

 

Souls of Totality, USA

Directed by Richard Raymond

 

Space Butthole, USA

Directed by David Chai

 

The Take Off, USA – World Premiere

Directed by Ryan Kalil

 

The Tesla World Light, (Tesla: Lumière Mondiale), Canada

Directed by Matthew Rankin

 

Tigerstyle, United Kingdom, USA – World Premiere

Directed by Elliott Powell, Jordyn Romero, Paloma Young, Rachel Lattin, and Riani Singgih

 

The Tipping Point, USA – World Premiere

Directed by Danielle Cohen

 

Toward the North (Hacia el norte), USA

Directed by Elivia Shaw, Jessica Chermayeff, and Joshua Bennett

 

Towards the Sun (Hacia el sol), United Kingdom

Directed by Monica Santis

 

Two Balloons, USA – US Premiere

Directed by Mark C. Smith

 

Under Her Wing, USA

Directed by Keenan McGuckin

 

Undiscovered, USA

Directed by Sara Litzenberger

 

Virtually Yours, USA – World Premiere

Directed by Andrea Lithner

 

Wildlife and the Wall, USA

Directed by Ben Masters

 

You Are Here, United Kingdom

Directed by Nicholas Jones

 

Yours Sincerely, Lois Weber, USA

Directed by Svetlana Cvetko

 

“Yours Sincerely, Lois Weber” Trailer from David Scott Smith on Vimeo.

For the complete list of films, synopses, and other special events please visit sbiff.org and download the SBIFF app for the latest updates and schedule changes.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 25, 2018.

 

 

PuppetPalooza Kick-Off Fundraiser

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Come play with the puppets this weekend when PuppetPalooza Central—Museum and Theatre  celebrates their opening with a fundraiser extravaganza on Saturday, January 27, from 4-7 p.m. in Paseo Nuevo.

The festivities  honor Santa Barbara’s beloved anchorman John Palminteri and the KEYT News Channel 3 team for going above and beyond with their coverage of the Thomas Fire and aftermath in Santa Barbara County. A special  “John Palminteri Puppet” will perform live with “The Palm.”

The Muppets will headline the Puppetpalooza Festival on Mar. 2 at the Marjorie Luke Theatre. Courtesy photo.

The Muppets will headline the Puppetpalooza Festival on Mar. 2 at the Marjorie Luke Theatre. Courtesy photo.

Guests also will enjoy a showcase of the puppetry attractions coming to PuppetPalooza, as well as live performances, and and light bites and beverages.

“We hope our joyous festival filled with music, puppets, families and fun can bring renewed hope and laughter to our entire community after a winter season that has been difficult for everyone and tragic for too many,” states festival creator Mitchell Kriegman. “Honoring those in our community who have been reporting about our tireless first responders and informing all of us about these pressing events seemed like the best way to kick off our festival.”

Featured at the fundraiser, and on display throughout the season at PuppetPalooza Central, is noted puppeteer—and Vice Chair and Director of Dance of the UCSB Theater and Dance Department—Christina McCarthy and her handcrafted puppets. 

The Paseo Nuevo headquarters also features the regional debut screenings of Handmade Puppet Dreams presented by Heather Henson, the daughter of legendary puppeteer Jim Henson. Handmade Puppet Dreams is a traveling film series that promotes independent artists exploring their handmade craft specifically for the screen. 

Fundraiser tickets are $25 and are available for purchase online here or at PuppetPalooza Central in Paseo Nuevo (301 Paseo Nuevo). For more information, visit puppetpaloozasb.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 25, 2018.

SBIFF American Riviera Award Honors Sam Rockwell

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SBIFF American Riviera Award honoring Sam Rockwell, courtesy photos.

SBIFF American Riviera Award honoring Sam Rockwell, courtesy photos.

Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice Award winner Sam Rockwell is being honored with the 2018 American Riviera Award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF).

Rockwell’s tribute celebrates his acclaimed performance in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

“In Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, audiences are treated to the kind of mesmerizing and extraordinary performance we have come to expect from Sam Rockwell,” states Roger Durling, Executive Director of SBIFF. “We are long overdue to celebrate this tremendous talent who has lit up the screen for decades.”

The American Riviera Award was established to recognize actors who have made a significant contribution to American Cinema. Rockwell will join a prestigious group of past recipients, including Jeff Bridges, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Mark Ruffalo, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Robert Redford, Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, Annette Bening, Sandra Bullock, Mickey Rourke, Tommy Lee Jones, Forrest Whitaker, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Kevin Bacon and Diane Lane.

The 33rd edition of the Festival runs from January 31 to February 10 and the American Riviera Award takes place on Wednesday, February 7, at 8 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St..

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit sbiff.org.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 24, 2018.

An Evening with Condoleezza Rice

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Condoleezza Rice, courtesy UCSB Arts & Lectures.

Condoleezza Rice, courtesy UCSB Arts & Lectures.

UCSB Arts & Lectures presents An Evening with Condoleezza Rice on Thursday, January 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St.

As secretary of state and national security advisor, Rice pioneered a policy of transformational diplomacy and heralded the formation of new global governments based on democratic principles. Her most recent book, Democracy: Stories from the Long Road to Freedom (2017), offers a sweeping look at the global struggle for democracy. Dr. Rice will share her unparalleled expertise on global affairs, national security and education.

“Rice as Secretary of State in the second Bush term emerged as the single most influential voice shaping foreign policy,” according to the The New York Times. The Washington Post called Rice, “One of the most powerful individuals on the world stage.”

From January 2005-2009, Rice served as the 66th Secretary of State of the United States, the second woman and first African American woman to hold the post. Rice also served as President George W. Bush’s assistant to the President for national security affairs (National Security Advisor) from January 2001-2005, the first woman to hold the position

Rice is currently the Denning Professor in Global Business and the Economy at the Stanford Graduate School of Business; the Thomas and Barbara Stephenson senior fellow on public policy at the Hoover Institution; and a professor of Political Science at Stanford University.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 23, 2018.

Local Dish: Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Week

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Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Week returns Jan. 21-27 to showcase wine country restaurants at once-a-year prices.  Back for the eighth consecutive year, Restaurant Week features three-course meals prepared by the Valley’s most creative chefs for just $20.18 Foodies can savor a rare value to celebrate the food and wine pairings that have made this region a gem in California Wine Country.

Representing each of the Santa Ynez Valley’s six distinct communities, 26 restaurants—ranging from the region’s emerging establishments to long-time favorites—will participate in Restaurant Week this year. The list includes a Puerto Rican-inspired menu at Industrial Eats in Buellton, which is donating 100% of the proceeds to hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico.

This year’s list of participating restaurants includes:

RESTAURANTS
Ballard

The Ballard Inn & Gathering Table, 2436 Baseline Ave., 800/638-2466

Buellton

 

Bottlest Winery Bar & Bistro, Bottle Branding photo.

Bottlest Winery Bar & Bistro, Bottle Branding photo.

Bottlest Winery Bar & Bistro, 35 Industrial Way, 805/686-4742

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.,45 Industrial Way, 805/694-2252

Firestone Walker Brewing Co., 620 McMurray Rd., 805/697-4777

Hitching Post II, 406 E. Hwy 246, 805/688-0676

Industrial Eats, 181 Industrial Way, 805/688-8807

Los Alamos

Bob’s Well Bread Bakery, 550 Bell St., 805/344-3000

Plenty on Bell, 508 Bell St., 805/344-3020

Valle Fresh, 380 Bell St., 805/865-2282

The Bear and Star, photo by Grey Crawford.

The Bear and Star, photo by Grey Crawford.

Los Olivos

The Bear and Star, 2860 Grand Ave., 805/6861359

Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café, 2879 Grand Ave., 805/688-7265

The romantic S.Y. Kitchen Firepit at Night , Photo by Rocco Ceselin.

The romantic S.Y. Kitchen Firepit at Night , Photo by Rocco Ceselin.

Santa Ynez

The Lucky Hen Larder, 1095 Meadowvale Rd., 805/691-9448

S.Y. Kitchen, 1110 Faraday St., 805/691-9794

The Vineyard House, 3631 Sagunto St., 805/688-2886

Trattoria Grappolo, 3687 Sagunto St., 805/688-6899

Solvang

Cecco Ristorante, 475 1st St., 805/688-8880

First & Oak, 409 1st St., 805/688-1703

Fresco Valley Café, 442 Atterdag Rd., 805/688-8857

Leonardo’s Ristorante, 632 Alamo Pintado Rd., 805/686-0846

Mad & Vin at The Landsby, 1576 Mission Dr., 805/688-3121

Petros Kafe, 487 Atterdag Rd., 805/686-5455

Root 246, 420 Alisal Rd., 805/686-8681

Santa Ynez Café, 606 Alamo Pintado Rd. #1, Solvang, 805/688-3543

Solvang Brewing Co., 1547 Mission Dr., 805/688-2337

Succulent Café Wine Charcuterie, 1555 Mission Dr., 805/691-9444

The Ridge, 1618 Copenhagen Dr., 805/325-9820

For the latest updates on Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Week, including menus and dining hours, visit www.DineSYV.com.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 20, 2018.

Cocktail Corner: Southern Exposure Garagiste Wine Festival

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Southern Exposure Garagiste Wine Festival returns to Solvang Feb. 9-11, featuring just about every varietal of small production wines. Courtesy photo.

Southern Exposure Garagiste Wine Festival returns to Solvang Feb. 9-11, featuring just about every varietal of small production wines. Courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

The Garagiste Festival is back in Solvang next month and I am so excited to taste what they have in store for us this year.

A fun and very unique wine festival celebrating small production wines and their makers (who are usually there to pour and talk about all things vino), Garagistes (garage-east) is a term originally used in the Bordeaux region of France to put down renegade small-lot wine makers, sometimes working in their “garages” (anything not a chateau), who refused to follow the rules, and has now become a full-fledged movement responsible for making some of the best wine in the world.

The 2018 Southern Exposure Garagiste Wine Festival, which features more than 30 of California’s best micro-production wineries, takes place on Feb. 9-11 at the Veterans’ Memorial Hall in Solvang (1745 Mission Dr.). 

New this year, the festival’s sixth in Santa Barbara County, is a seminar series that pays tribute to the “Original Garagistes,” featuring a Q&A and wine tasting with Central Coast winemaking pioneer, Bob Lindquist of Qupé.  An original Rhône Ranger (America’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting American Rhone varietal wines) and recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award, Lindquist was one of the first in the wine industry to advocate American-made Syrah and other Rhône varietals. His winery Qupé has been named one of the Wineries of the Year for Wine & Spirits Magazine every year since 1999.

“A true original garagiste, Bob is an inspiration to micro-production winemakers everywhere and epitomizes everything that the American Garagiste movement is about—handcrafting stunning wines from under-appreciated grapes, ignoring established rules, innovating and taking risks and generously sharing knowledge with peers,” says Garagiste Festival Co-founder Doug Minnick.  “There would be no Garagiste movement, no Rhone Rangers—and the Central Coast would still be a blip on the way to Napa—without visionary winemakers like Bob.”

Southern Exposure Garagiste Wine Festival returns to Solvang Feb. 9-11, for its sixth annual festival. Courtesy photo.

Southern Exposure Garagiste Wine Festival returns to Solvang Feb. 9-11, for its sixth annual festival. Courtesy photo.

The weekend’s fun kicks off on Friday night, Feb. 9, with a “No Repeats, Rare and Reserve” tasting and BBQ, featuring food from local favorite Neighbor Tim’s BBQ (6480 Calle Real, Goleta). The “Original Garagiste” event with Lindquist takes place on Saturday, Feb. 10, immediately preceding the Grand Tasting, at Veterans Memorial Hall. Sunday, Feb. 11 marks the return of Passport Day, which offers special deals at participating local wineries for Garagiste Festival ticket holders who want to further explore the area.

Winemakers already scheduled to pour include:

Ann Albert Wines, Santa Barbara County

Ascension Cellars, Paso Robles

Bevela Wines, Central Coast

 

Courtesy photo.

Courtesy photo.

Bradley Family Winery, Santa Ynez Valley

Buscador Wine, Buellton

Byron Blatty Wines, Los Angeles

Caliza Winery, Paso Robles

Camlow Cellars, Russian River Valley

Cavaletti Vineyards, Southern California

Cholame Vineyard, Buellton

Cloak & Dagger Wines, Paso Robles

Clos de Amis Winery, Ventura County

Cordon Wine, Santa Barbara County

D. Volk Wines, Santa Ynez Valley 

Courtesy Garagiste Festival.

Courtesy Garagiste Festival.

Diablo Paso, Paso Robles

Dunites Wine Co., San Luis Obispo County

Dusty Nabor Wines, Westlake Village

El Lugar Wines, San Luis Obispo

Elwood Wines, Santa Maria Valley

Golden Triangle, Paso Robles

Ground Truth Wine, Santa Barbara County

Hoi Polloi Wines, Central Coast

Kimsey Vineyards, Santa Barbara County

Luna Hart Wines, Buellton

March Wines, Napa Valley

Marin’s Vineyard, Lockwood 

Courtesy Garagiste Festival

MCV Wines, Morro Bay

Metrick Wines, throughout California

Mollie Wines, Santa Barbara County

Montagne Russe, Mill Valley

Montemar Winery, Lompoc

Ryan Cochrane Wines, Santa Barbara County

Serrano Wine, Paso Robles

Sycamore Ranch Winery, Crestline

TLO Wines,  Paso Robles

Torch Cellars, Paso Robles 

TW Fermentation Co., Paso Robles

Velvet Bee Wine, Santa Ynez Valley

Vino Vargas, San Miguel

Volatus Wines, Paso Robles

Weatherborne Wine Co., Santa Barbara County

Called “wildly exuberant and fun,” “wine tasting Nirvana” and “not-to-be missed’ by the Los Angeles Times, Garagiste Festival: Southern Exposure has showcased hundreds of micro-production winemakers from Santa Barbara/Santa Ynez area, many of who poured their first vintage at the festival and have gone on to greater renown.

Garagiste Festivals Inc. is a nonprofit organization and benefits the Garagiste Scholarship at Cal Poly Wine and Viticulture Department, so not only can you drink great wine and meeting interesting winemakers, your ticket also gives back to local youth. 

For more information, visit californiagaragistes.com. Hope to see some of you there.  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.”

 Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons

on January 19, 2018.

Trevor Noah

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Trevor Noah, photo by Paul Mobley.

Trevor Noah, photo by Paul Mobley.

Trevor Noah, who was launched into the international spotlight in 2015 when he was selected to fill Jon Stewart’s shoes as host of The Daily Show, makes his Santa Barbara debut on January 19 when UCSB Arts & Lectures presents an evening of stand-up with Trevor Noah, at 8 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre  (1317 State St.).

Raised in post-apartheid South Africa by a white Swiss father and a black Xhosa mother at a time when such a union was punishable by five years in prison, Noah brings a unique perspective to his stories and hit comedy specials, including Afraid of the Dark, Lost in Translation, African American and his award-winning memoir, Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood.

Newsweek called him, “A cultural chameleon who has learned to mine his surroundings as much for survival and human connection as for comedy.”  Noah’s incisive humor slips from jokes to earnest insights for a moving, thought-provoking and hilarious experience. 

Noah continues to tour all over the world and has performed in front of sold-out crowds at the Hammersmith Apollo in London and the Sydney Opera House in Australia as well as many U.S. cities.

 For tickets and more information, call UCSB Arts & Lectures at 805/893-3535 or visit ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 13, 2018.

Cocktail Corner: Cocktails for a Cause

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A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Community Cocktail for a Cause: Glitz, Glam & Get Down

Their New Year’s festivities may have been cancelled, but the show must go on, so The Kimpton Canary Hotel with Finch & Fork Restaurant are hosting a 2018 Community Cocktail for a Cause: Glitz, Glam & Get Down with DJ Darla Bea (winner of “Best Event DJ” for 2016 and 2017) getting everyone out on the dance floor.

“Let’s celebrate and welcome in 2018, and help provide support to those affected in the community by the Thomas Fire,” say the organizers.

The rooftop party will be on January 20, from  7-11 p.m., with a portion of proceeds benefiting United Way of Santa Barbara.

 2018 Community Cocktail for a Cause: Glitz, Glam & Get Down at the Canary, courtesy photo.

2018 Community Cocktail for a Cause: Glitz, Glam & Get Down at the Canary, courtesy photo.

There will also be a community cocktail competition featuring popular local cocktail bar competitors, with the winner giving raffle proceeds to the charity of their choice, benefitting Thomas Fire affected community members.

Tickets for the cocktail party are $120 amount with a portion of proceeds to United Way of Santa Barbara. That includes sweet treats from Finch & Fork Restaurant, an end of night champagne toast to the community, and a cash bar. 

Tickets: https://nightout.com/events/community-cocktail-thomas-fire/tickets

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.”

 Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 12, 2018.

Westmont Museum Raises Big $ With Small Artworks

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 Large crowds flocked to the 5×5 exhibition in 2014, photo courtesy Westmont College.Large crowds flocked to the 5×5 exhibition in 2014, photo courtesy Westmont College.

An update from Westmont College : Small works of art from several hundred artists from around the country will be auctioned during “5X5: Celebrating Westmont College’s 80th Anniversary” at the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art. The online auction will begin Thursday, Jan. 11, at westmontmuseum.org and last until Jan. 26 at 5 p.m. However, due to the destruction in the local community from mudslides, an opening reception will be delayed until Thursday, Jan. 18, from 4-6 p.m. The opening reception, which includes coffee and cake, is free and open to the public. This is the largest fundraiser of the year for the museum.

Several hundred small works of art from artists from around the country will be auctioned during “5X5: Celebrating Westmont College’s 80th Anniversary” at the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art from Jan. 11-26.

The online auction kicks off with an opening reception on Thursday, Jan. 11, from 4-6 p.m., and bidding will continue until  Jan. 26 at 5 p.m. The opening reception, which includes refreshments, is free and open to the public.  (Event delayed due to flooding) All proceeds from the event will go towards the museum.Artists were invited to create a unique work of art on a five-inch square piece of paper which they received and returned to the museum by mail.

The exhibition features renowned artists Christo, Charles Arnoldi and Chris Raschka along with local luminaries Tony Askew, Mary Heebner, Penelope Gottlieb, Dane Goodman, Richard Aber and author T.C. Boyle.

In the past, the auction has raised upwards of $20,000 for the museum.

“We have been looking forward to bringing the 5×5 exhibition back and Westmont’s 80th Anniversary is the perfect way to celebrate,” says Judy Larson, R. Anthony Askew professor of art history and museum director. “It’s a great opportunity to support the museum’s programs, meet new artists and connect with old friends.”

For more information, visit westmontmuseum.org or contact the museum at 805/565-6162. Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art is located at 955 La Paz Rd. It is free and is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. It is closed Sundays and college holidays.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 11, 2018.

Local Dish: The Bear and Star Chef’s Table

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Guest Chef Vartan Abgaryan of critically acclaimed restaurant 71 Above in Los Angeles (left) joins the Bear and Star Chef John Cox on Tuesday, January 16 for a special Chef's Table dinner. Courtesy photos.

Guest Chef Vartan Abgaryan of critically acclaimed restaurant 71 Above in Los Angeles (left) joins the Bear and Star Chef John Cox on Tuesday, January 16 for a special Chef’s Table dinner. Courtesy photos.

The Bear and Star‘s next installment in their popular Chef’s Table Dinner series features Guest Chef Vartan Abgaryan of critically acclaimed restaurant 71 Above in downtown Los Angeles and takes place on Tuesday, January 16, with two seatings at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Dinner begins with an Amuse – Oyster with Uni, Caviar, Tarragon, Champagne and Parsnip Crème Brûlée; followed by a First of Beet with Tofu, Huckleberry and Black Walnut; then a Second of Sturgeon with Soy Pearls, Black Garlic, Crispy Skin and Finger Lime; Third course of Lasagna with Porcini, Pistachio and White Truffle; Fourth of Turbo with Potato, Leek, Vin Jaune, Meyer Lemon and Smoked Clams; followed by a Fifth of Oxtail with Bone Marrow, Horseradish and Red Sorrel. To finish for a Sixth and final course, guests will enjoy Chocolate with Coffee, Caramel and Pecan. Wine pairings are available for the dinner by The Bear and Star’s General Manager Robert Williams.

The Bear and Star’s Chef Room, photo by Kodiak Greenwood.

The Bear and Star’s Chef Room, photo by Kodiak Greenwood.

Chef Abgaryan, a native Angeleno, was formally trained at Le Cordon Bleu, mentoring at the iconic André Soltner restaurant, Lutèce. He returned to Los Angeles to lead the kitchens of acclaimed restaurateur Tim Goodell’s Red Pearl Kitchen, ‘A’ Restaurant, and Public Kitchen. For the next three years, Abgaryan served as executive chef at Cliff’s Edge Restaurant to great critical acclaim. LA Weekly’s restaurant critic Besha Rodell wrote, “Abgaryan’s food is composed above all else—the chef focuses as much on visual beauty as on taste.”

In 2015, Chef Abgaryan joined forces with Emil Eyvazoff to debut a new, world-class dining destination on the 71st floor of the US Bank Tower. At 950 feet above ground level, 71Above is the highest restaurant west of the Mississippi. Offering elevated modern American cuisine, 71Above boasts breathtaking ocean views from Malibu to Laguna Hills, along with spectacular views of the Los Angeles basin and the surrounding mountain ranges. In addition to the magnificent views, 71Above was designed to provide a number of varying dining experiences. Guests may choose to dine within the buzz of the bar or in our adjacent lively main dining room. The Chef’s tables offer views of the open kitchen and transition into a semi-private dining area, offering a quieter and more intimate dining environment.

For reservations, call 805/686-1359 to prepay by credit card or visit Eventbrite for tickets.

Mark your calendars for upcoming guest chef collaborations:

February 25—Chef Neal Fraser, Redbird, Los Angeles

March 21—Chef Josiah Citrin, Melisse, Santa Monica

The Bear and Star is located at 2860 Grand Ave., Los Olivos.

—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 9, 2018.