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“The Fantasticks,” the beloved musical that holds the record as the longest running musical of all time, having run consecutively for 42 years in New York and continues to charm audiences in countless theaters around the world. The simple story of young lovers manipulated by old fathers and a dashing bandit never pales in its simple theme, with its combination of heartfelt songs and belly-felt comedy. Who can forget the classic nostalgia and romance of “Try to Remember,” “Soon It’s Gonna Rain,” or “They Were You,” from the young lovers, plus the vaudeville showstoppers “Plant a Radish” and “Never Say No” from the persnickety fathers, or the memory-challenged “Old Actor” who mashes up Shakespearean lines into a deliriously chockablock, but charming, mess.

The laughs and the love run August 25-27, and September 1-3 at Matilija Auditorium, directed by the dynamic new director, Ojai’s own Rosie Gordon.

Auditions will take place at the Ojai Presbyterian Church, 304 Foothill Road.

Thursday, June 1st, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 3rd, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Come prepared to sing, act and make magic. For character breakdowns, sides, and contact information please visit the OPAT website: ojaitheater.org

40th Annual Light Up a Life Ceremony

Join Hospice of Santa Barbara for their 40th Annual Light Up A Life. This beloved community tradition takes place to remember and honor those you miss this holiday season.

Light Up a Life will host four ceremonies, featuring speakers and special guests, entertainment, refreshments, and the lighting of a memorial tree. Guests can also hang one or more stars in memory of a loved one who has died or in honor of someone living.

Locations include:

Santa Barbara (Lobero Theatre) - Sunday, December 3 at 5:30 pm
Montecito (Upper Village Green) - Wednesday, December 6 at 4:00 pm
Carpinteria (Seal Fountain) - Saturday, December 9 at 5:00 pm
Goleta (Camino Real Marketplace) - Sunday, December 10 at 5:00 pm

In addition to the four in person ceremonies, you can also dedicate a star to a loved one on HSB’s Virtual Tree of Remembrance. For a suggested donation of $15, you can dedicate a digital star(s) with their loved one’s name, photo, and a special message.

All events are free. To learn more and dedicate a star to a loved one in person at one of the four locations or on the Virtual Tree of Remembrance, please visit: http://www.hospiceofsb.org/lual

America’s first all-female mariachi
Blazing a trail for women in a male-dominated musical genre, Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles brings sensitivity, beauty, warmth, and vivacious spirit to the historic art of mariachi. Established in 1994, the group had a strong beginning thanks to the mentorship of Lola Bertran, La Reina de La Musica Ranchera. Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles has since gone on to record three albums, share the stage with world-renowned musicians like Vicki Carr, Guadalupe Pineda and Lucha Villa, and perform for some of the world’s highest-profile celebrities including Tom Cruise, Oprah Winfrey, and Barack and Michelle Obama.

THREE FREE PUBLIC PERFORMANCES
Fri, Jan 19 | 7 PM | Isla Vista Elementary, 6875 El Colegio Rd, Goleta
Sat, Jan 20 | 7 PM | Guadalupe City Hall, 918 Obispo St, Guadalupe
Sun, Jan 21 | 6 PM | Marjorie Luke Theatre, The Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E Cota St, Santa Barbara

For more information please visit:
https://artsandlectures.ucsb.edu/learn/viva-el-arte-de-santa-barbara/

UCSB Library, Room 1539, the "Fish Bowl"

Space is limited. Sign up for the Workshop
Light refreshments will be served.

Join us for a free art making workshop at the Library in conjunction with UCSB Reads 2024 and the Art, Design, and Architecture (AD&A) Museum's new exhibition "A Box of One's Own: Women Beyond Borders."

Workshop will be led by MFA graduate student Negar Farajiani. Farajiani’s social practice projects address global environmental and social issues.

Exhibition Tour: Prior to the workshop, Leticia Cobra Lima, PhD Candidate in the Dept. of Art & Architecture, will lead a tour of the AD&A exhibition.

4:30 PM–6:00 PM Workshop (supplies to make your own artistic box provided)

Space in the workshop is limited. We will follow up with you by email to confirm your participation.

Questions? Email UCSBReads@library.ucsb.edu
Image Credit: Seniloli Sovea, Jewels of Fiji (1999), 2023.005.132, Women Beyond Borders Art Collection founded by Lorraine Serena, the Art, Design & Architecture Museum, UC Santa Barbara.


Note: The exhibition is free and open to the public Wednesday through Sunday from Noon to 5PM. If you cannot make the 4:00PM tour, please visit the exhibition the week before the workshop.

Join Ocean Conservancy for an impactful evening as we dive deep into California’s plastic pollution crisis and explore effective policy solutions to tackle this urgent and growing threat.

During this event, you’ll hear from advocacy, science and policy experts who will discuss California’s pressing plastic pollution issues and the harmful impacts on our environment. We’ll dive into Ocean Conservancy’s strategic and effective policy initiatives aimed at reducing plastic production, promoting recycling and combating pollution for a sustainable future. After the presentation, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a lively Q&A with our experts to gain valuable insights. Then we’ll cap off the night with a networking reception where you can connect with like-minded individuals, fellow ocean advocates and speakers while enjoying light refreshments. This event will enable you to feel empowered and equipped to take meaningful steps toward a plastic-free future, armed with tangible actions for your Santa Barbara community.

Event Timeline:
5:00 p.m. – Doors open
5:15 p.m. – Presentation followed by a Q&A session
6:30 p.m. – Networking with light refreshments
7:30 p.m. – Event concludes

Support the New West Symphony while feasting on a sumptuous gourmet buffet under the evening stars.

Rock out to iconic hits from the incredible Jason Scheff, long-time lead vocalist of the iconic band Chicago, and his all-star bandmates including Steve Porcaro (Original TOTO member, prolific songwriter/keyboardist), Rick Cowling (guitarist/vocalist for Kenny Loggins, Ambrosia), Phil X (lead guitarist for Bon Jovi, Alice Cooper), and Sherry Hursey (film, television, award-winning theater actress/vocalist). Devon Geyer’s country music band and New West Symphony orchestra members performing classical delights will complete your dazzling entertainment extravaganza.

Music will include your favorite hits like “25 or 6 to 4,” “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” “Africa,” “Biggest Part of Me,” “Baba O’Riley” and more.

Whimsical sculptures by world-renowned artist Ann Krasner will be on display. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of music, good food and great company in beautiful surroundings.

Proceeds benefit the New West Symphony’s artistic and educational programs. Tickets are $300 for both the dinner & concert. A limited number of tickets for the concert only are available for $125.

Have you ever wondered how avocados made their way to America? Rob Crisell, author of California Avocados: A Delicious History, will explore key events in the rise of California’s avocado industry including how avocados became popular in California. As part of the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History’s Talk & Talkback Speaker Series, Crisell will discuss how avocados won the “war on fat” in food, why Haas avocados are so popular, and the most important avocado recipes in history.

The 2025 Talk & Talkback Speaker Series is hosted by the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History. Avocado Land: The History of California’s Avocado Industry will be held on Friday, Aug. 8 from 5 p. m. to 6 p.m. at the museum, 956 Maple Ave. in downtown Carpinteria. The talk is free for members of the museum and $10 per person for visitors.

"Rob Crisell is an avocado historian and enthusiast," said Jayme Yahr, the museum's director. "The museum looks forward to a fun, informative, and locally important talk on all things avocado.” For more information on the Talk & Talkback Speaker Series, volunteering at the museum, or other questions, call (805) 684-3112, email info@carpinteriahistoricalmuseum.org, or visit carpinteriahistoricalmuseum.org.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Central Coast at SCAPE’s (Southern California Artists Painting for the Environment) annual juried Fall Show, Nature’s Palette. Held at the prestigious Music Academy of the West in Lehmann Hall, this two-day event celebrates stunning local art, while supporting environmental education nonprofit Explore Ecology.

The show opens on Friday, September 12th at 2:00 pm, with a reception from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The exhibition will also be open on Saturday, September 13th from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm.

The juror for the exhibit is Michael Drury, renowned local artist and Oak Group member. Some of Michael’s work will be on display.

Explore and purchase artwork inspired by the natural splendor of the Central Coast, knowing that your participation supports Explore Ecology’s innovative programs. Don’t miss this opportunity to support local art, artists, and environmental education!

SCAPE fosters camaraderie and artistic growth among its members while organizing art events that benefit non-profit environmental organizations. Learn more at https://scape.wildapricot.org

Proceeds benefit Explore Ecology’s environmental education programs for Santa Barbara County youth.

Admission: Free. All ages welcome.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Central Coast at SCAPE’s (Southern California Artists Painting for the Environment) annual juried Fall Show, Nature’s Palette. Held at the prestigious Music Academy of the West in Lehmann Hall, this two-day event celebrates stunning local art, while supporting environmental education nonprofit Explore Ecology.

The show opens on Friday, September 12th at 2:00 pm, with a reception from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The exhibition will also be open on Saturday, September 13th from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm.

The juror for the exhibit is Michael Drury, renowned local artist and Oak Group member. Some of Michael’s work will be on display.

Explore and purchase artwork inspired by the natural splendor of the Central Coast, knowing that your participation supports Explore Ecology’s innovative programs. Don’t miss this opportunity to support local art, artists, and environmental education!

SCAPE fosters camaraderie and artistic growth among its members while organizing art events that benefit non-profit environmental organizations.

Proceeds benefit Explore Ecology’s environmental education programs for Santa Barbara County youth.

Admission: Free. All ages welcome.

Santa Barbara Permaculture Network’s
2025 Annual Eco Hero Award
Honoring Bill & Athena Steen & Roxanne Swentzell
Natural Building Pioneers

Sunday, March 23, 6:30-9pm, 2025
TICKETS $10, $20, & Friends of Eco Hero $100 (students & kids free)

Location: Lobero Theatre
33 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Tickets on Sale Now: Lobero Ticket Office

Reception follows in the Lobero Courtyard for all ticket holders

Santa Barbara Permaculture Network celebrates its 5th Annual Eco Hero Award, continuing to honor those making significant and positive change, this time honoring Natural Building pioneers, Bill & Athena Steen & Roxanne Swentzell, joining us in person on Sunday, March 23, 2025.

All three hail from the American Southwest, they are natural builders, authors and acclaimed artists, each one devoted to the beauty of the land, with a commitment to building with care of the earth as a priority.