A soul-shaking, microphone-smashing tribute brings Janis Joplin’s legend to life onstage – family, friends, and hometown heroes in full-throttle rock-and-roll mode. Santa Barbara turned the volume up for opening night at the New Vic Theatre, where Ensemble Theatre Company unleashed a full-throttle celebration of Janis Joplin – equal parts grit, glamour, and glorious sound. After […]
By Lisa Marie Duncan Supporters of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum gathered over the weekend for the festive “Love Boat” Gala, an evening devoted to celebrating maritime heritage while raising funds for the museum’s growing education and outreach programs. The ocean-inspired event highlighted the museum’s role as a vibrant hub for maritime history and ocean […]
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By Colleen Graffy In its 80th anniversary year, the Channel City Club – known as Santa Barbara’s “Window on the World” – continues its mission of bringing global perspectives to our local community. On Wednesday, February 25th, the club hosted an extraordinary event at the University Club featuring Michelle Hanlon, executive director of the Center […]
Opera Santa Barbara’s new production of Handel’s Caesar & Cleopatra reshaped the Lobero stage into a luminous vision of ancient Egypt under director and designer Josh Shaw. Framed by Helena Kuukka’s sculptural lighting and Stacy Logue’s opulent costumes, Shaw’s staging balanced Baroque spectacle with exotic locale. Props by T. Theresa Scarano and makeup by Heather […]
Montecito Bank & Trust’s MClub recently spent a delightful morning with Fannie Flagg, beloved Southern storyteller and author of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café, during an intimate Valentine’s-themed Lunch & Learn at the Santa Barbara Club. She shared personal stories of her childhood, her challenges with dyslexia, the inspiration behind each of […]
Written by Melissa Borders FestForums 2026 – “The Premier Gathering for Festival Leaders” – founded by Laurie Kirby of Montecito, convened over 600 of the most forward-thinking leaders across festivals, live events, arts, and culture. More than a conference, FestForums serves as a dynamic hub where artists, producers, creators, technologists, and community builders come together […]
Written by David Bolton Montecito was abuzz for the Valentine’s Day wedding of Teresa Kuskey and Rick Oshay at the sprawling Music Academy of the West. The well-manicured gardens and historic setting provided the perfect backdrop for a spectacular and memorable night of dance, celebration, friends, family and love. A throng of 175 community members […]
Evenings offered an inside look at State Street Ballet’s creative process, staged inside the company’s studio at the Gail Towbes Center for Dance. The in-studio setting created an intimate tone with audience members sitting right next to dancers, and wine and hors d’oeuvres getting the evening off to a pirouetting start. The program featured nine […]
Written by Renee Cooper Over two remarkable days at the Granada Theatre, the Santa Barbara Symphony achieved something genuinely rare: a complete traversal of all five piano concertos by Ludwig van Beethoven, performed with sustained intensity, clarity, and cohesion – and embraced by audiences with near-unanimous enthusiasm. The Beethoven Piano Concerto Marathon this past week […]
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Written by Sarah Ettman-Sterner Montecito rang in the New Year with glam, goodwill, and a dash of Monte Carlo flair at Mary and Bob Gates’ “Carriage House of Pepper Hill,” the beautifully restored 1916 estate they call home. Nearly 100 guests arrived dressed to the nines, stepping into a courtyard washed in blue and green […]
Written by Sarah Ettman-Sterner La Lieff kept spirits high and tails wagging at its 2nd Annual Jingle Paws Dog Show & Holiday Party, where pups and their people arrived decked out in festive finery. The red carpet doubled as a catwalk – well, dogwalk – as every four-legged star strutted off with a special award. […]
Written by Maria McCall The Santa Barbara Club buzzed at its recent Distinguished Speaker Series Luncheon, where club member Dana Newquist welcomed and introduced Amy Weaver, the new CEO of Direct Relief – the Santa Barbara-based global humanitarian organization. Direct Relief is active in all 50 states and more than 80 countries, with a mission […]
Written by Maria McCall It was a who’s who of Santa Barbara’s arts patrons as the Santa Barbara Museum of Art welcomed its top donors and museum circles members for an exclusive viewing of its latest extravaganza. Director and CEO Amada Cruz greeted guests with her contagious enthusiasm, inviting them to view the collections and […]
Keith Moore donated a rare 1966 Old Spanish Days Fiesta poster to the Santa Barbara Historical Museum. The image of a caballero flamenco dancer, reminiscent of Timo Nuñez, still bears the artist’s signature, prompting Museum Director Dacia Harwood to call it a remarkable find. The gift carries special meaning for Moore. His mother, Phyllis Moore, […]
