Sep 11 Friday
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.
Welcome Back to Moorpark Women’s Club. Our speaker is Jenny Calcoen who spent twenty-six years in corporate leadership, including seven years running a global single-family office for a billionaire family, before leaving to build a private practice for women moving through the transitions that success doesn't prepare them for. She is the founder of Inner Earthquake, and she works privately with women at turning points in their lives and their careers. Her talk is called “The Other Woman in the Room”. It is about leadership, and about the women sitting in the room.
Lunch: Boxed Lunch from Corner Bakery, with five options.
Enjoy a night of nonstop laughter under the stars while supporting two organizations that make a meaningful difference in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Comedian Dennis Regan brings his quick wit, relatable storytelling, and brilliantly funny observations about everyday life to Solvang Festival Theater. Dennis has entertained audiences for decades, with appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show, Comedy Central, and Showtime. His laid-back style, sharp perspective, and effortless delivery have made him a favorite on stages across the country.
Opening the evening is our very own Santa Ynez Valley comedian Owen Andersen & Bangs Out!, bringing high-energy improv, spontaneous comedy, and big laughs to kick off an unforgettable night.Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the incredible community work of Solvang Rotary Club and Solvang Theaterfest.
Through scholarships, youth programs, local initiatives, community support, and charitable outreach, Solvang Rotary continues to make a lasting impact throughout the Santa Ynez Valley while helping keep arts and entertainment thriving at Solvang Festival Theater.
Guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the theater's beautiful outdoor garden setting before the show. Beer, wine, snacks, and concessions will be available for purchase throughout the evening.
Come for the comedy and leave knowing your ticket helped support two organizations serving the local community.
Get ready for a night of nonstop laughter with comedian Dennis Regan live under the stars at Solvang Festival Theater. Known for his quick wit, relatable storytelling, and brilliantly funny takes on everyday life, Dennis has been entertaining audiences for decades with appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show, Comedy Central, and Showtime. His laid-back style, sharp observations, and effortless delivery have made him a favorite on stages across the country.
Opening the evening is SYV local comedian Owen Andersen & Bangs Out!, bringing high-energy improv, spontaneous comedy, and big laughs to kick off an unforgettable night of live comedy in Solvang.
Proceeds from this special event support the incredible community work of Solvang Rotary Club and Solvang Theaterfest. Through scholarships, youth programs, local initiatives, community support, and charitable outreach, Solvang Rotary continues to make a lasting impact throughout the Santa Ynez Valley while helping keep arts and entertainment thriving at Solvang Festival Theater.
Early Bird Pricing (June 10–July 4 at Midnight):
Center Sections $50 | Outer Sections $40
Regular Pricing (after July 4 at Midnight):
Center Sections $55 | Outer Sections $45
Sep 12 Saturday
Eva Scow is an American mandolinist and violinist from Fresno, California. She began studying music at a young age, starting on the piano and violin at age 4, and later adding the mandolin at age 8. Growing up she played in Classical orchestras and bands, exploring different kinds of music from Bluegrass to Brazilian Jazz. She began playing professionally in high school, collaborating with different musicians/bands around the country.
At age 15 she recorded for mandolin pioneer David Grisman on his album ‘Tone Poets’. She was selected to perform at Carnegie Hall in 2006 for a Young Artist Spotlight alongside bassist Edgar Meyer. She recorded her debut album with guitarist Dusty Brough entitled ‘Sharon by the Sea’ (Adventure Music) in 2007. The album features influences, from Flamenco, Jazz, and Brazilian folk music. That same year she also recorded with jazz guitarist Anthony Wilson for his album ‘Power of Nine’ (2007). Eva has performed at the International Festival du Mandoline in Lunel, France (2010). She toured alongside country pop duo Attwater, opening up shows for Willie Nelson (2011). Eva has opened concerts for artists Poncho Sanchez, Lee Ritenour, and JJ Cale. She has recorded on numerous projects, ranging in styles from R&B, Country, Pop, and Jazz. Eva also teaches string orchestra and jazz education at the middle school level in Fresno, CA. Eva is a member of the contemporary jazz quartet Espacio, and the progressive funk group The Experience. She continues to play in numerous groups across California as a side-person, equally at home in the classical, folk and jazz idioms.
Sep 13 Sunday
Show the beach some love! Join Explore Ecology for a cleanup on the 2nd Sunday of every month at 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at beautiful Arroyo Burro Beach. Meet in front of the Watershed Resource Center (blue building) to sign in.
You are welcome to bring your own clean up supplies or use ours. Cleanups will be self-guided and can include the beach, the parking lot, or the open spaces surrounding Arroyo Burro.
Be sure to visit the Watershed Resource Center during cleanup hours to see interactive displays about local watersheds from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Participants will receive a coupon for a free cup of chowder from the Santa Barbara Shellfish Co.
Community service volunteer hours are available for this fun outdoor volunteer opportunity.
There’s no need to RSVP- you can just show up. We can’t wait to see you there!
For 30 years, Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) has been the voice for Ventura County’s rescue dogs. This September, we’re celebrating this massive milestone at our brand-new home: 'olołkoy Beach Park (Oxnard Beach Park). Join us for a day of sun, sand, and wagging tails as we walk to save lives. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a first-time walker, we can’t wait to see you there!
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 Gallery2190 N. Refugio RoadSanta Ynez, Californiahttps://chuchoart.comhttps://www.indahgallery.org/
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a88f8cin41cXNEOVSTbYgM5_IQ1nPheC/view?usp=sharing
Thank you for considering this local arts story.