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The Association for Women in Communications – Santa Barbara (AWC-SB) will honor five distinguished creatives building community through the arts at the 2025 Women of Achievement Awards luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21 at Cabrillo Pavilion. The honorees are: Adriana Arriaga, visual artist, entrepreneur, and activist; Teresa Kuskey, Founder/Artistic Director of La Boheme Dance; Frances Moore, Co-founder/Artistic Director, Santa Barbara Ringshout Project; Melinda Palacio, Santa Barbara Poet Laureate; and Joanne Wasserman, Artistic Director and Conductor, Santa Barbara Choral Society. The honorees’ disciplines include visual art, dance, choral music, traditional ringshout song and movement, and poetry.

The 17th Annual Women of Achievement awards luncheon is made possible by Presenting Sponsor Women Connect4Good.

This year’s Women of Achievement honorees represent the 2025 Women of Achievement theme, “Creative Communication: Building Community Through the Arts.” As individuals and collectively, they employ the arts as an impactful form of communication and a way to bring people together to build community.

The luncheon will feature performances, an art exhibition, and poetry reading showcasing the honorees’ community-building artistic work. Caroline Feraday, award-winning journalist at KCLU Radio, will emcee the event.

Attendees will enjoy a welcome drink while we give a brief introduction to our bean-to-bar, dark chocolate making process. Ingredients for decorating will abound and inspire, and you'll learn a few tidbits about how we invent flavor combinations for new delicious, sweet products at our chocolate factory. We will fill chocolate bar molds with luscious 75% dark chocolate, and you will get to decorate chocolate bars with local ingredients, like flowers, salt and fruit. While bars are setting up, we will lead a 20-30 minute chocolate tasting experience while you sip on perfectly paired wines to enhance the flavors. We are happy to provide a non-alcoholic tasting experience for anyone in the group who might require that. Your custom chocolate bars will go home with you in beautiful, resealable Twenty-Four Blackbirds pouches. Don't miss out on this delicious experience!

Camerata Pacifica, a chamber music collective renowned for its musical versatility and bold programming, caps its 2024-25 season with an unexpected mix of chamber works by Frédéric Chopin, William Bolcom, and Lara Auerbach.

William Bolcom’s irreverent Orphée-Sérénade, composed in 1984 for piano and chamber orchestra, which deftly shifts from lyrical to witty, and flippant to propulsive, sets the tone for the program.

Providing a luscious musical palate cleanser, Camerata Pacifica Principal Pianist Irina Zahharenkova is spotlighted on Chopin’s virtuosic Andante spianato et Grande polonaise brillante in E Flat Major, Op. 22. The kaleidoscopic work combines technical brilliance, rich harmonies and tremendous emotional depth.

Concluding the program and the 2024-25 season is Lera Auerbach’s Dreammusik, for cello and chamber ensemble written in 2014 for Camerata Pacifica and Principal Cellist Ani Aznavoorian, who is featured on the work. Commissioned by Sandra Tillisch Svoboda in memory of her husband Al, it reflects the broad musical sensibilities of Auerbach, “an artist of her time” (Gramophone) who creates “music of extraordinary power and intensity” (The New Yorker).

In addition to Zahharenkova and Aznavoorian, the artists featured on the season finale include Jolente De Maeyer, violin; Jason Uyeyama, violin; Che-Yen Chen, viola; Ani Aznavoorian, cello; Andrew Janss, cello; Tim Eckert, double bass; Sooyun Kim, Flute; Nicholas Daniel, Oboe; Kathleen McLean, Bassoon; Jose Franch-Ballester, Clarinet; Irina Zahharenkova, Piano; and Ji Hye Jung, Percussion.

Camerata Pacifica, a chamber music collective renowned for its musical versatility and bold programming, caps its 2024-25 season with an unexpected mix of chamber works by Frédéric Chopin, William Bolcom, and Lara Auerbach.

William Bolcom’s irreverent Orphée-Sérénade, composed in 1984 for piano and chamber orchestra, which deftly shifts from lyrical to witty, and flippant to propulsive, sets the tone for the program.

A National Medal of Arts, Pulitzer Prize, and Grammy Award-winner, Bolcom is noted for composing “music in a range of styles that all but erases the lines between art music and popular music” (WOSU).

Providing a luscious musical palate cleanser, Camerata Pacifica Principal Pianist Irina Zahharenkova is spotlighted on Chopin’s virtuosic Andante spianato et Grande polonaise brillante in E Flat Major, Op. 22. The kaleidoscopic work combines technical brilliance, rich harmonies and tremendous emotional depth.

Concluding the program and the 2024-25 season is Lera Auerbach’s Dreammusik, for cello and chamber ensemble written in 2014 for Camerata Pacifica and Principal Cellist Ani Aznavoorian, who is featured on the work. Commissioned by Sandra Tillisch Svoboda in memory of her husband Al, it reflects the broad musical sensibilities of Auerbach, “an artist of her time” (Gramophone) who creates “music of extraordinary power and intensity” (The New Yorker).

In addition to Zahharenkova and Aznavoorian, the artists featured on the season finale include Jolente De Maeyer, violin; Jason Uyeyama, violin; Che-Yen Chen, viola; Ani Aznavoorian, cello; Andrew Janss, cello; Tim Eckert, double bass; Sooyun Kim, Flute; Nicholas Daniel, Oboe; Kathleen McLean, Bassoon; Jose Franch-Ballester, Clarinet; Irina Zahharenkova, Piano; and Ji Hye Jung, Percussion.

Fire and water are common symbols in world religions. Together and separately, they can symbolize a life giving force, destruction, purification, and inspiration. Join us Tuesday, May 20th as representatives from Hinduism, Buddhism, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints discuss the use and symbology of fire and water in their faiths and take questions from the audience.

This event is for all ages and takes place at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center in Ventura.

The mission of the Ventura County Interfaith Community, established in 2005, is to create a safe and nurturing space where individuals from diverse faiths and backgrounds can come together to learn, share, and grow while warmly embracing all community members.

Immerse yourself in the spirit of tea deep within nature away from the hustle and bustle from daily life. Disconnect from technology and reconnect to the essence of the soul as we gather together in sacred silence.

Embark on a quiet journey into nature. We’ll hike 1.5 miles to a riverside spot for a guided tea ceremony, followed by a silent 20-minute meditation by the water. There will be time to reflect and integrate together as a community on our relatioship to technology and nature. Light snacks will be shared before walking back together.

Details
- Approx 2.5-3 miles roundtrip
- Bring water, trail shoes, towel/blanket to sit on
- Bring a journal to write in

Facilitator
Flowing River

Flowing River is a poet, musician, and spiritualist that studies under the tutelage of Bhai Bahadur Singh Ji and the Sangat of the Divine Light. Having traveled to over 30 countries over the past 15 years he has amassed a wealth of knowledge on how to cleanse, clear, and purify the mind, body, and spirit. Flowing River shares this wisdom freely with all who are ready to make a positive change in their lives for the better. Now he aims to cultivate conscious community through cups of tea that warm the heart and enlighten the soul.

Sarah Erickson

John Zipperer’s bio reads a lot like his new album. Tales of highways, rivers, and rails. From New England to the Deep South, to the edge of Hollywood, John has lived life to its fullest and he has shared his visions with us on “Devil Rail”, his brilliant new CD that has been ten years in the making. These songs have been road-tested and honed through years of countless live performances in front of wildly appreciative audiences, like the highly enthusiastic, sold-out crowd recently celebrating its release at Santa Monica’s legendary venue, McCabe’s Guitar Shop.

Kicking off with the driving blues of its title track, John’s new album “Devil Rail” is essentially the epitome of Americana music. You will be moved by the swinging gypsy jazz of “OoLa”, a soulful gospel hymn like “We Walk Together”, the bouncy reggae imbuing “This Song”, the blistering bluegrass wit in “She Came”, the straight-ahead rock of “When the Muse Comes Out”, or even some Folk Rap in “Everybody Sing”. John Zipperer draws inspiration from ALL the great forms of the truly American musical traditions. With John’s incredibly moving vocals front and center, his dazzling instrumentals adding a lustre, and his amazing all-star band backing him up, the term “tour de force” hardly seems adequate!

For this very special performance, his first appearance at NAMBA, John will be supported by his world-class backing group, The Current Band. A powerful musical force in its own right, the band is led by John’s record producer, Nick Kirgo. Nick is known not only as one of the most respected producers around, with many releases by top-notch artists on his resume, but he is also one of the most respected guitarists in all of SoCal. Joining John and Nick are vocalists Leslie Barker and Tara Sitser to complete the amazing four-part vocal harmonies that are a hallmark of this wonderful group.

You don’t want to miss this special night! Buy your tickets early, there is sure to be great demand for seats and you don’t want to be left out!

Skyrie is an electrifying contemporary Celtic music trio renowned for their dynamic performances and innovative sound. Their music blends traditional Scottish and Irish tunes, poignant original songs, tunes and soundscapes with modern influences from rock to funk.

Get ready to stomp, sway, and straight-up revel—Skyrie is jetting in from the wilds of Fife with a turbo-charged blend of Scottish-Irish tradition and modern edge. Think blazing fiddle reels that crash head-first into funk-rock grooves, haunting pipes that melt into lush vocal harmonies, and foot-stomping ceilidh sets where the band actually jumps offstage to call the dances themselves. Between them, Lesley Thompson Smith, James “Jimmy” Anderson, and Christopher Martin Smith have traded licks with legends like Dougie MacLean, Shirley Manson (Garbage), Big Country, and Kathy Mattea—lighting up everything from Glasgow’s iconic Celtic Connections to a New Year’s Hooley that had the entire city of Dundee twirling in the street. Fresh off their 2024 U.S. debut and armed with their acclaimed new album Hunger Road—dubbed “essential listening” by New Celtic Music Magazine—Skyrie is ready to turn our house into a Highlands-meets-Ventura dance party. Bring your dancing shoes, your inner Celt, and a thirst for fearless musical adventure—because when Skyrie fires up, the only direction is up and the only rule is move.

Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is hosting its first Summer Celebration fundraiser Saturday, August 16, to celebrate farming, food and community, and to raise funds for SEEAG’s cost-free education programs. The event will also raise funds for SEEAG’s newly proposed 2.5-acre educational farm campus on underutilized Ventura County land in partnership with the Ventura County Probation Agency.

The Celebration will be at the Ventura County Agricultural Museum in Santa Paula. It highlights the flavors of summer with brunch stations, appetizers, and locally crafted beverages curated by Seasons Catering—featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients from SEEAG’s farm partners and artisanal products from Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Attendees can learn about SEEAG's programs, be the first to view its vision for its new farm campus, explore the museum's current exhibition, enjoy live music, and participate in a live auction.

SEEAG’s programs, including Ventura and Santa Barbara County Farm Days, reach more than 15,000 students and community members annually, working to create deeper understanding and appreciation of local food production. Hours are 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $100 for adults and $50 for youth. Attendees can also purchase a $50 Flower Bar ticket to create their own fresh-cut floral bouquet sponsored by Pyramid Flowers.

Tickets and more information are at https://www.seeag.org/summer-celebration.

Join Our Monthly Sewing & Mending Club!

Discover the joy of creating and repairing with our welcoming community at the Explore Ecology Makerspace. Whether you're a seasoned seamstress or just beginning your sewing journey, our monthly club is the perfect place to bring your projects to life.

Every month, we invite you to drop in with your sewing ideas, projects, or mending needs. Our Makerspace is equipped with nine sewing machines and a wide array of materials to fuel your creativity. Plus, our knowledgeable staff is always on hand to offer guidance, tips, and tricks to help you bring your vision to reality.

From crafting personalized garments to reviving old favorites through expert mending techniques, there's no limit to what you can achieve with our supportive community by your side.

Join us for a night of creativity, camaraderie, and crafting excellence. Your next sewing adventure awaits at the Explore Ecology Makerspace. See you there!