Santa Barbara Calendar of Events

Join us for an evening presentation on Aura Advantage with Cynthia Sue Larson, MBA Have you noticed pregnant women with "a special glow', or seen people in love "beaming"? Cynthia explains why some days are happier, healthier and luckier. Learn how you can transform from an accidental manifestor into a conscious creator. CYNTHIA SUE LARSON, MBA, created RealityShifters in 1999 as an educational resource for anyone seeking to find out how good it can get when our thoughts and feelings literally change the world.

A performance of 20 local professional and exhibition groups with over 100 dancers. After the show, we invite our patrons and our dancers to the opening night on stage GALA. Dance along with our artists and enjoy refreshments. Patron ticket includes GALA.

The Italian Cultural Heritage Foundation of Santa Barbara once again presents its Cinema Italiano Classico series of free screenings. MARCH 12: "Casanova 70," is a comedy that stars Marcello Mastroianni as a NATO officer who, despite being surrounded by beautiful women, is sexually aroused only when physical danger threatens. MARCH 19: "Il Mostro" (the Monster) stars Roberto Benigni in a hilarious comedy about a man whose habit of getting caught in compromising situations causes him to become the prime suspect in the case of a vicious serial sex killer. All films subtitled in English.

Favorites at Santa Barbarba’s Mariachi Festival, Mariachi Reyna®, was formed in 1994 and have performed with notable musicians such as Vikki Carr, Guadalupe Pineda and Miguel Aceves Mejia. Guided by the mentorship of legendary ranchera vocalist Lola Beltran, Mariachi Reyna®, has taken the history of women in mariachi music from appearing solely singers to making up the full complement of a musical ensemble. Current director Jose Hernandez has provided much of the vision and musical arrangements, promoting mariachi music among families.

Now in its 65th year, the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show is one of the oldest and largest orchid shows in the country. Featuring lush displays of thousands of orchids showcased under the theme “Nature in Harmony.” More than 70 exhibitors from the U.S. and foreign countries will exhibit their most diverse and unique plants. Special features include ongoing demonstrations about orchid care, a flower arrangement area, plants and orchid memorabilia for sale, and information about open houses at several local orchid nurseries.

Fareed Zakaria will discuss The Next Security Crisis – Global Threats and U.S. Foreign Policy. "The most influential foreign policy adviser of his generation." <Esquire>

Editor of Newsweek International, columnist and CNN Host Fareed Zakaria is widely respected for his ability to spot economic and political trends around the world. His national bestseller, The Post-American World, is about "the rise of the rest" – China, India, Brazil – and what it means for the future.

Art From Scrap offers weekly art workshops every Saturday, from 10:00- 12:00. Our workshops are open to all ages and skill levels. Children aged 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Favorites at Santa Barbarba’s Mariachi Festival, Mariachi Reyna®, was formed in 1994 and have performed with notable musicians such as Vikki Carr, Guadalupe Pineda and Miguel Aceves Mejia. Guided by the mentorship of legendary ranchera vocalist Lola Beltran, Mariachi Reyna®, has taken the history of women in mariachi music from appearing solely singers to making up the full complement of a musical ensemble. Current director Jose Hernandez has provided much of the vision and musical arrangements, promoting mariachi music among families.

Favorites at Santa Barbarba’s Mariachi Festival, Mariachi Reyna®, was formed in 1994 and have performed with notable musicians such as Vikki Carr, Guadalupe Pineda and Miguel Aceves Mejia. Guided by the mentorship of legendary ranchera vocalist Lola Beltran, Mariachi Reyna®, has taken the history of women in mariachi music from appearing solely singers to making up the full complement of a musical ensemble. Current director Jose Hernandez has provided much of the vision and musical arrangements, promoting mariachi music among families.

Meet Snow White, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty and their friends at Princess Day, a Benefit for Frog Conservation. Celebrate the first day of Spring by learning about frogs and amphibians. There will be games, crafts, special animal appearances, and lots of princesses! Bouncers, games, and educational activities will make this an event worthy of royalty! Costumes are encouraged. All proceeds raised will go directly to benefit the Zoo’s frog & amphibian conservation efforts.

The Santa Barbara Master Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Steven Hodson, is presenting the exciting and unusual work "Canto General" by the Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis. A setting of the epic poem of the Chilean Nobel Prize winner Pablo Neruda, “Canto General” reflects the emotions that each of Theodorakis and Neruda felt at seeing his country under political oppression. This hymn to humanity is music that captures all the emotions: it provides an unforgettable experience for any listener.

Savor the rich heritage of California’s wine-making industry at Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort, offering a new tradition of Santa Barbara wine tasting. Join us every Friday and Saturday evening from 5:00pm to 7:00pm in Café Los Arcos, conveniently located within our beautiful main lobby. For just $12 per person, you’ll have the opportunity to sample six different Fess Parker wines, all locally produced near our quiet coastal enclave. Delight in one of the most intimate wine tastings in Santa Barbara, and indulge in the following exceptional vintages:

• 2006 Select Cuvée Chardonnay


• Fess Parker Syrah


• "Ashley's Vineyard" Chardonnay


• Fess Parker Viognier


• "Bien Nacido Vineyard" Pinot Noir


• "The Big Easy" Syrah

This exhibition will feature performance-based video works that explore the notion of the absurd. Based loosely on non sequitur Dadaist techniques and surrealist-inspired writings, this exhibition explores absurdity in its many meanings. In many instances, these artists employ theatrical techniques by utilizing crudely-made props, costumes, and flimsy sets. By engaging dark and oftentimes ironic humor in absurd or impossible scenarios, these artists expose the underlying brutality, dehumanization, fears and taboos of American society.

Children in kindergarten to sixth grade are invited to the Contemporary Art Forum (CAF) with an accompanying adult free of admission when they present a Passport to Santa Barbara County booklet. Collect a stamp in your passport booklet and experience the art of our time through a variety of art activities, as part of the Santa Barbara Educators Roundtable Passport to Santa Barbara County program. Children who collect eight stamps will receive a free T-shirt.

Transport yourself every Wednesday to the streets of Buenos Aires. Watch the street performers mesmerizing you with the amazing beauty of the exotic and elegant Argentine dance: TANGO. Cafe Buenos Aires is proud to present and support Brian Griffin and Fey Villanueva's dance crew. Two sets of wonderful coreographies. There isn't a better offer in Santa Barbara.

Each week the farmers in the marketplace display a colorful bounty of agricultural products grown right in our backyard. Seasonal diversity is available year round rain or shine. Music and entertainment enliven the markets while creating a positive ambiance. Come. Shop. Socialize. Certified - the only way to buy!

Discover how ceramics were made, used and traded in early California with the newest exhibit at El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, "Ceramics Rediscovered: Science Reshapes Understanding of Hispanic Life in Early California." Featuring period artifacts and reproduction pottery, this groundbreaking exhibit traces the evolution of California’s earliest potters and the material culture they helped shape.

"America's Wilderness in Art: A Growing Collection," exhibits works of art from the Museum's permanent collection. The variety of art features the impressive 1912 John Fery "Cascade on the Firehole"; the Henry J. Breuer "From the Lowest to the Highest Point in the United States," painted in 1918; Sheila Gardner's "Shadow Race," 1999, and David Wharton's "Brown Bear, Heads-Tails," 1988. Also, a series of linoleum block prints by the Everett Ruess, who disappeared in Escalante Canyon in 1934 at the age of 20, is also featured, along with other prints, paintings, and an array of photographs.

An American Century: 20th-Century Master Drawings January 16 - June 6, 2010 SBMA owns a superb group of American drawings from the 20th century, including works by Edward Hopper, Charles Sheeler, and many other major modernists and realists, as well as more purely California artists and more contemporary works. An American Century selects over 70 of the best to present a survey of American draftsmanship from the century when American art came of age and international recognition. From the most experimental to the most acutely life-like, these works on paper celebrate the diversity of techniques and styles possible when artists explore the medium of drawing.

Delacroix to Monet: Masterpieces of 19th-Century Painting from the Walters Art Museum January 30 - May 30, 2010 Assembled over a period of more than 140 years, the collection of the Walters Art Museum entails one of the finest holdings of 19th-century paintings in the United States. The only West Coast venue for the exhibition, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art is pleased to present 40 works from this renowned collection, selected for their art-historical significance and superior quality. Although strongly weighted in favor of French painting, this exhibition

Shortly after their marriage in 1907, Carolyn and Edwin Gledhill began their life-long careers as portrait photographers with the opening of "The Gledhills Portraits" studio. After several years of working together and independently, the Gledhills established themselves as THE photographers of Santa Barbara's cultural and social elite. Edwin Gledhill was a also leader in historical preservation and was the first director of the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. The portrait collection features images of Upton Sinclair, Edward Borien, David Gray and others.

The Reagan Ranch Center in downtown Santa Barbara, California is open to the general public for tours and visitation on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm. These galleries feature original Reagan Ranch artifacts matched with state-of-the-art, interactive, multimedia exhibits that highlight the history of Ronald Reagan’s quarter-century at Rancho del Cielo and the accomplishments of his presidency. Admission is FREE; $10/per person suggested donation. To schedule a group tour, please call 888-USA-1776. For more information visit www.yaf.org or call 888-USA-1776.

This tour starts with a cooking class demonstration, at the end of which you will be the beneficiaries of the Chef's hard work as you enjoy the meal! After lunch you'll be escorted to Chocolats du CaliBressan where chocolate becomes art. Here Chocolatier Jean-Michel Carre' will conduct a demonstration, tastings are included! Next you will meet Saul Alcaraz who will delight your senses as he demonstrates the ancient art of glass blowing, passed down from generation to generation. This is an experience you will not soon forget! Call (805) 564-1819 or visit www.captainjackstours.com

“Twittertini Tuesdays”  will feature a “$5” martini each Tuesday created by our own “award winning” Mixologist, Beth Weinberg.

Elements introduces "Sunday Suppers"  This concept will bring you back to your childhood roots with dishes such as Mac-n-cheese, meatloaf, paella, cioppino, specialty burgers, fried chicken and more updated versions of those delicious classics.  This 2-course special will be served in addition to our regular menu from 5:30-9:00pm every Sunday.  Wait, it gets better… we will also feature wine and cocktail specials all evening.  $19.95

The Casa del Herrero is noted as one of the finest examples of homes designed by George Washington Smith in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. The 11-acre estate’s collection of European antique furnishings, art and tiles remain as they were when the Steedman family was in residence. It offers a glimpse of life in Montecito in the 1930’s. Moorish style gardens, covering most of the 11 acres, were designed by Ralph Stevens & Lockwood de Forest. In 2009 the Casa was designated a National Historic Landmark by the US Secretary of the Interior. Tours at 10 AM and 2 PM are by Reservation only.

From India and Beyond: Gifts from Stephen Huyler and the Pal Family Collection March 6 - May 23, 2010 In 2008, the Museum received major gifts from two prominent scholars of Indian art. Dr. Stephen Huyler, art historian, cultural anthropologist, and photographer, donated his lifelong collection of 211 terracotta sculptures dating from India’s prehistory to the 12th century. Dr. Pratapaditya Pal, curator emeritus of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, scholar extraordinaire, and connoisseur, entrusted the Museum with 92 works from his family collection. Their gifts, reflecting the collectors’ distinctive visions and discriminating expertise, fundamentally changed the countenance of the Museum’s Indian collection while enriching the holdings of Himalayan and Southeast Asian art. This exhibition, covering a span of 4,000 years, celebrates diversity in Indian art, highlighting sculptures made of clay, stone, and bronze, paintings of various schools, and watercolors and lithography from the British colonial period. Hindu and Buddhist works of art from Kashmir, Nepal, Tibet, and Sri Lanka are also included.

Sanford Biggers: Moon Medicine Sanford Biggers: Moon Medicine is a major monographic exhibition featuring one of the most significant African American artists of this generation. Multi-disciplinary in scope, the exhibition comprises new and old sculpture, video, installation, a newly commissioned public performance, and an exhibition catalog. Bloom Projects: Melanie Schiff, Stones Utilizing formal elements such as the still life and the self-portrait, Melanie Schiff’s photographs address quiet moments wavering on the edge of a constructed poetic narrative and an instant found by chance.