Community Calendar

Join us for a featured talk and reception with  New York Times bestselling author Annabelle Gurwitch on Thursday, September 24 at 5:30 pm at New Beginnings Collaborative Center (530 East Montecito Street, Suite 101, Santa Barbara, CA 93103).

Annabelle Gurwitch is a New York Times Bestselling author, actress, and patient advocate known for her wit, warmth, and candor. She is the author of six memoirs whose writing has appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and New Yorker Magazine amongst other publications.
Annabelle has a long association with New Beginnings, having been a dedicated activist in support of housing the underserved and providing mental health services for marginalized members of our community.

Her most recent memoir, The End of My Life is Killing Me, The Unexpected Joys of a Cancer Slacker, published in March 2026, is a national bestseller. Annabelle shares her coping strategies and how she cultivates joy even in her darkest hours with both hilarity and heartfelt insights.

Annabelle and her book have been featured on Fresh Air with Terry Gross, AARP Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, The New York Times and most recently on All Things Considered on NPR.
 
Tickets are $50 and include: wine and appetizers, plus a signed copy of Annabelle's new memoir The End of My Life is Killing Me, The Unexpected Joys of a Cancer Slacker.

Voices Rock Adult Choir Comes to Westlake Village

Love to sing? Voices Rock California is launching a new no-audition adult rock and pop choir at Aspire Dance Studio in Westlake Village.

Led by vocalist and music educator Savannah Koenig, Voices Rock welcomes experienced singers as well as people who haven’t sung in years or aren’t sure they consider themselves singers. No auditions and no need to read music. Just come sing, meet people and have fun.

Thursdays, 7:45–9:00 p.m.
Beginning September 10
Aspire Dance Studio
5700 Corsa Ave., Suite 106
Westlake Village, CA
Information and registration: voicesrockcalifornia.com

Since 2007, UCSB Reads has fostered a shared sense of belonging by bringing the UCSB campus and Santa Barbara communities together to read a common book that explores compelling issues of our time. Conceived by then Executive Vice Chancellor Gene Lucas, the program is led by the UCSB Library in collaboration with campus and community partners. Each year, a committee of UCSB faculty, students, staff, and community members selects a thought-provoking, interdisciplinary book written by a living author that encourages a wide range of readers to engage with a contemporary social, political, cultural or scientific issue such as climate change, racial justice, technology, memory, identity, and democracy.

The program kicks off in winter with a book giveaway for UCSB students led by the Chancellor, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, and University Librarian, and culminates with a free public talk by the book’s author(s) at Campbell Hall in the spring. Throughout the winter and spring quarters, the Library sponsors a variety of free learning, experiential, and social events to explore the book’s themes. The selected book is also incorporated into the university curriculum for winter and spring, allowing students to explore its themes in an academic context. UCSB Reads is generously supported by many individuals, university departments, and organizations.

This exhibition highlights the history of UCSB Reads since its inception, featuring promotional posters, selected books, custom bookmarks along with testimonials and images of participants engaging with programming throughout the years. UCSB Reads has become a beloved campus tradition that brings together thousands of people every year and demonstrates the power of literature to bridge divides, promote intellectual engagement, and build community.

Jorge “Chucho” Hernandez, a Chula Vista-born artist and former Santa Maria resident, will open “Perspective,” a solo exhibition at Indah Gallery in Santa Ynez, on Thursday, August 27.

Working in oil on canvas and wood, Hernandez creates elaborate narrative paintings that use unexpected viewpoints and forced perspective to place viewers inside scenes involving cultural memory, spirituality, popular culture and contemporary life. Some of his major pieces take two to three years to complete.

The opening reception will be held Thursday, August 27, from 5–7 p.m. The exhibition continues August 28 through September 20, with an artist’s talk on Saturday, September 19 at 3 p.m.

Hernandez is available for an interview, and high-resolution artwork, installation photographs and additional background materials are available.

Indah Gallery
2190 N. Refugio Road
Santa Ynez, California
https://chuchoart.com
https://www.indahgallery.org/

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a88f8cin41cXNEOVSTbYgM5_IQ1nPheC/view?usp=sharing

Thank you for considering this local arts story.

Since 2007, UCSB Reads has fostered a shared sense of belonging by bringing the UCSB campus and Santa Barbara communities together to read a common book that explores compelling issues of our time. Conceived by then Executive Vice Chancellor Gene Lucas, the program is led by the UCSB Library in collaboration with campus and community partners. Each year, a committee of UCSB faculty, students, staff, and community members selects a thought-provoking, interdisciplinary book written by a living author that encourages a wide range of readers to engage with a contemporary social, political, cultural or scientific issue such as climate change, racial justice, technology, memory, identity, and democracy.

The program kicks off in winter with a book giveaway for UCSB students led by the Chancellor, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, and University Librarian, and culminates with a free public talk by the book’s author(s) at Campbell Hall in the spring. Throughout the winter and spring quarters, the Library sponsors a variety of free learning, experiential, and social events to explore the book’s themes. The selected book is also incorporated into the university curriculum for winter and spring, allowing students to explore its themes in an academic context. UCSB Reads is generously supported by many individuals, university departments, and organizations.

This exhibition highlights the history of UCSB Reads since its inception, featuring promotional posters, selected books, custom bookmarks along with testimonials and images of participants engaging with programming throughout the years. UCSB Reads has become a beloved campus tradition that brings together thousands of people every year and demonstrates the power of literature to bridge divides, promote intellectual engagement, and build community.

Jorge “Chucho” Hernandez, a Chula Vista-born artist and former Santa Maria resident, will open “Perspective,” a solo exhibition at Indah Gallery in Santa Ynez, on Thursday, August 27.

Working in oil on canvas and wood, Hernandez creates elaborate narrative paintings that use unexpected viewpoints and forced perspective to place viewers inside scenes involving cultural memory, spirituality, popular culture and contemporary life. Some of his major pieces take two to three years to complete.

The opening reception will be held Thursday, August 27, from 5–7 p.m. The exhibition continues August 28 through September 20, with an artist’s talk on Saturday, September 19 at 3 p.m.

Hernandez is available for an interview, and high-resolution artwork, installation photographs and additional background materials are available.

Indah Gallery
2190 N. Refugio Road
Santa Ynez, California
https://chuchoart.com
https://www.indahgallery.org/

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a88f8cin41cXNEOVSTbYgM5_IQ1nPheC/view?usp=sharing

Thank you for considering this local arts story.

Welcome to Xochipilli de Santa Barbara’s 2026 Folklorico Showcase, Herencia Sin Fronteras - A Legacy Beyond Limits! We invite you on a folkloric and cultural journey through music, dance, and color, across states & regions, and beyond any line drawn in the sand. Prepare to be taken in by all the culture, the spins, the revelry, cheers and smiles. We have a great show in store for you that will be so much more than just dance! We hope you enjoy what we have in store, and enjoy all the rhythm and color Mexico’s folklorico has to offer here in our beloved community!

Comedy Night returns with another outstanding lineup of nationally touring comedians, each bringing a unique style and years of experience entertaining audiences across the country.

Chris Cope — a nationally touring comedian known for his quick wit, laid-back storytelling, and appearances on The Jimmy Kimmel Show, Laughs, and Dry Bar Comedy.

Kevin Flynn — a veteran headliner whose energetic, relatable comedy has made him a favorite at theaters, comedy clubs, and corporate events throughout the country.

James Connolly — an internationally acclaimed comedian and former writer for Blue Collar TV, known for his sharp observations, engaging storytelling, and appearances on America's Got Talent and television around the world.

The evening begins with the Alcazar's resident improv team, warming up the crowd with spontaneous comedy before the stand-up takes the stage.

Doors open at 6:30 PM | Show starts at 7:00 PM

Tickets are available now through the Alcazar Theatre box office and online. These comedy nights have been drawing great crowds, so purchasing in advance is recommended.

Since 2007, UCSB Reads has fostered a shared sense of belonging by bringing the UCSB campus and Santa Barbara communities together to read a common book that explores compelling issues of our time. Conceived by then Executive Vice Chancellor Gene Lucas, the program is led by the UCSB Library in collaboration with campus and community partners. Each year, a committee of UCSB faculty, students, staff, and community members selects a thought-provoking, interdisciplinary book written by a living author that encourages a wide range of readers to engage with a contemporary social, political, cultural or scientific issue such as climate change, racial justice, technology, memory, identity, and democracy.

The program kicks off in winter with a book giveaway for UCSB students led by the Chancellor, Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, and University Librarian, and culminates with a free public talk by the book’s author(s) at Campbell Hall in the spring. Throughout the winter and spring quarters, the Library sponsors a variety of free learning, experiential, and social events to explore the book’s themes. The selected book is also incorporated into the university curriculum for winter and spring, allowing students to explore its themes in an academic context. UCSB Reads is generously supported by many individuals, university departments, and organizations.

This exhibition highlights the history of UCSB Reads since its inception, featuring promotional posters, selected books, custom bookmarks along with testimonials and images of participants engaging with programming throughout the years. UCSB Reads has become a beloved campus tradition that brings together thousands of people every year and demonstrates the power of literature to bridge divides, promote intellectual engagement, and build community.

Healthcare for Homeless Animals is celebrating 30 years of helping shelter animals with a special anniversary fundraiser on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Westlake Yacht Club.

This heartfelt brunch event will bring together animal lovers, volunteers, veterinary partners, shelter staff, donors, sponsors, local businesses, and community supporters. Guests will enjoy brunch, welcome drinks, coffee, tea, soft drinks, special gifts, raffles, silent auction prizes, animal success stories, and meaningful moments celebrating three decades of saving lives.

Proceeds help Healthcare for Homeless Animals fund medical care for shelter animals at Agoura Animal Care Center, including exams, diagnostics, x-rays, surgeries, medications, dental care, senior wellness care, foster recovery, rehabilitation, and other essential treatment.

Tickets and event information: www.healthcareforhomelessanimals.org/events
Sponsorship & Donations: www.healthcareforhomelessanimals.org/sponsorship-2026