SANTA BARBARA —The Music Academy of the West’s 2024-25 Mariposa Concert Series, a collection of concerts and experiences held in the intimate Hahn Hall, on the Music Academy’s lush Miraflores campus kicked off on October 5 with “African Queens,” celebrating the legacy of seven revered African Queens, featuring soprano Karen Slack and pianist Kevin Miller. The series continues on December 7, with one of contemporary music’s indispensable ensembles, JACK Quartet.
Sixty vendors will offer unique gifts ranging from handcrafted candy and crepe paper flowers to organic seasonings, glass art, ornaments and curated gift baskets.
“Holidays in the Village is where to find that perfect gift for a special family member or friend,” said Matt Midura, event co-chair.
SANTA BARBARA — Just in time for the holiday gift-giving season, more than 50 arts and crafts faculty and students from the SBCC School of Extended Learning will be selling their wares at Wake Campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7.
The topic is Cesar Chavez’s life and legacy in Ventura County. Parts of my talk will cover material from my next book project on the Chicano Movement in Ventura County after 1975, specifically farmworker struggles against camp evictions at Cabrillo Village in Saticoy and Rancho Sespe between Santa Paula and Fillmore, Barajas said.
VENTURA — Ventura Harbor is delighted to announce the 48th Annual Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks, a holiday tradition filled with color and dazzling displays, on Friday, December 13th and Saturday, December 14th at 6:30 pm, followed by a spectacular fireworks display at 8:00 pm. This year’s theme, “Candy Land,” will transform the waterfront into a sugary spectacle, with vibrant boats and holiday cheer lighting up the night sky. Join us for this sweets-inspired event featuring live entertainment, delectable treats, and a spectacular fireworks finale (weather permitting). Boater applications are now open, and it is free to participate in the boat parade, which includes prizes and awards for boaters – captains can sign up on venturaharborvillage.com/pol-boaters/
SANTA BARBARA — The Unity Shoppe’s 38th Annual Holiday Celebration and Telethon, held on December 13, 5-8 p.m. and will be aired on KEY-TV. The telethon will feature appearances by Kenny Loggins, Brad Paisley, and Michael McDonald, along with other celebrity surprises.
Joining KEYT-TV News Anchors CJ Ward and Beth Farnsworth as a host this year is British actor and Santa Barbara local Duane Henry. Duane is best known for his roles in “The Dark Knight Rises” (2012), “Captain Marvel” (2019), and “NCIS” (2016-2018).
The King’s Singers
“Christmas Time is Here”
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Concert at 4:00 PM (Doors 3 PM)
Ventura Center for Spiritual Living
101 South Laurel Street, Ventura
Join us for a holiday concert this Dec 14th! The King’s Singers have set the gold standard in a cappella singing on the world’s greatest stages for over fifty years.
SANTA BARBARA — Experience the magic of the holiday season as the Santa Barbara Festival Ballet proudly presents the 49th anniversary of The Nutcracker at the historic Arlington Theatre! This year’s production of the timeless holiday classic blends the elegance of Tchaikovsky’s cherished score with a fresh, modern energy and visual brilliance.
Audiences will be dazzled by mesmerizing costumes and radiant stage designs that bring to life the enchanting world of The Nutcracker. Our internationally renowned guest artists Alexandra Hutchinson and Kouadio Davis, both from the prestigious Dance Theatre of Harlem, will grace the stage, showcasing their breathtaking skill and artistry. The powerful live symphony orchestra, conducted by Elise Unruh, will immerse the audience in the thunderous soundscape that enhances every magical moment.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Portland’s “little orchestra” Pink Martini featuring China Forbes performing a joyful Holiday Show on Tuesday, December 17 at 7:30 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre. Pink Martini brings its signature blend of jazz, classical and pop music. With a dozen musicians and songs in more than a dozen languages, “this multi-denominational, multicultural jubilee overflows with enough holiday spirit to warm your entire family” (NPR). Performing classics like “White Christmas” alongside Chinese New Year tunes and a samba-inspired version of “Auld Lang Syne,” as well as fan favorites from the band’s 11 studio albums, this joyous, globetrotting concert is sure to make you merry.
SANTA BARBARA — As the holiday season reaches its peak, the First United Methodist Church of Santa Barbara invites the community to pause and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas in a tradition that has captivated visitors since its inception in 1990.
Living Nativity takes place on December 20 and 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., offering visitors a recreation of the Holy Night. Set beneath a towering redwood tree adjacent to the historic church, this distinctive display features live animals including camels, sheep, donkeys, and goats, alongside costumed participants portraying the Holy Family, the Three Kings, angels, and shepherds gathered around the Christ child.
OXNARD — The first crisp days of fall bring the air of anticipation about the upcoming holiday season, and The Collection at RiverPark has plenty of festive activities to look forward to. From The Annual Tree Lighting Celebration and Photos with Santa to the Gingerbread Scavenger Hunt, Merry Vibes Market, and of course Black Friday shopping there’s plenty of fun for everyone.
VENTURA — Immerse in the wonder and spirit of the holiday SEAson at Ventura Harbor Village, a seaside playground along Central California’s scenic Highway 101. With a spectacular line-up of 2024 events, paired to sparkling seasonal décor, come celebrate by the water! Enjoy Small Business Saturday on November 30, the sensational Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights & Fireworks on December 13 & 14, Santa Paddle 2024 on December 21, followed by the family-friendly Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace 2024, December 21. venturaharborvillage.com/events
VENTURA — Rocks & Drams, a celebrated downtown Ventura cocktail bar renowned for its exceptional dining and craft cocktails, is thrilled to announce the return of its beloved holiday pop-up, Miracle at Rocks & Drams, for the second consecutive year. This seasonal event, running from November 20th to January 5th, continues its partnership with Miracle and Sippin’ Santa, bringing back the internationally renowned holiday-themed experience with an even more festive twist for 2024.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25th
Lobero Theatre
Santa Barbara
TICKETS NOW ON SALE.
Lobero.com
For a full list of Trae Crowder’s tour dates and tickets, please visit TraeCrowder.com
H??ng Ngô: Core Memory is an exhibition that synthesizes the artist’s reflections on her family’s time in refugee camps in Hong Kong and their experiences as new immigrants in the US. Woven throughout the exhibition is a series of cyanotypes created solely from sunlight and water at the edge of a body of water. An image of the weather and waves of the day, they are also stand-ins for the refugee body, battered by the elements and an artifact of their resilience. Read more >
A Deeper Love will offer an artistic examination into some of the ocean’s most vibrant, ecologically productive, and fragile landscapes throughout the world. In addition to the intrinsic beauty of coral reefs and the equally breathtaking underwater communities that they support, it is
The Mariposa Concert Series, which debuted in 2022, furthers the Music Academy of the West’s mission to bring exceptional music to the community throughout the year. The series showcases the artistry of world-renowned musicians, including esteemed Music Academy alums, in unique musical experiences and events this fall through spring 2025. Featuring visionary artists, these performances offer fresh context and perspective on music spanning more than 700 years — from 1390 to 2025!
Autism Society Ventura County Presents: Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show
Opening Reception January 11
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
@Museum of Ventura County
100 E. Main St., Ventura
Museum of Ventura County welcomes Autism Society Ventura County’s “Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show” January 11 – 14 from 11 am – 5 pm daily with a special opening reception on January 11 from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm. Explore the imaginative works of 43 neurodiverse artists of all ages. Reserve your spot HERE and immerse yourself in creativity!
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Maritime Museum is looking for new volunteers and docents for the 2024 year! We are hosting a six weeks docent training starting on January 13th. Contact SBMM’s Guest Services manager at volunteer@sbmm.org for more information.
Premiere Party: “30 Under 30”
Saturday, January 20, 2024 • 4 PM to 6 PM
$5 SPAM members • $10 Non-members
We’re kicking off 2024 with an all-new exhibit opening Saturday, January 20! “30 Under 30” features 30 radically diverse artworks by California artists under 30, ranging from still life to surrealism, abstraction to animation, to digital and street art media. With a propensity for innovative storytelling, these 30 emerging artists are challenging the rules of traditional fine art and heralding a new chapter for California’s art scene. “30 Under 30” will be on view from January 20 to May 5, 2024.
LOMPOC — Lompoc is just minutes from some of the most spectacular rocket launches on California’s Central Coast! As the primary spaceport on the West Coast, Vandenberg Space Force Base is just minutes from Lompoc, making our valley and the surrounding area the best place to view rocket launches. The launches take place from several Space Launch Complex launch sites (SLC’s).
As Vandenberg is an active space force base, only members of the military can view the launch on the base. However, we have put together a list of several great sites where you’ll be able to view the launch action.
We kindly ask for your support as we enter into 2024. Please consider making a much needed gift in support of art, artists, and our community before December 31, 2023. We are grateful for your donation by credit card, check, or gift of appreciated securities, it will all be put to good use ensuring the success of our forthcoming exhibitions and public programs. Thank you!
The Current will return to your inbox Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024 with more research news, compelling campus features and other engaging UC Santa Barbara stories.
To VMF donors, colleagues, and festival–goers:
I leave VMF after a grand nine-year run, grateful for the music and the memories. I love my successor Lalé Welsh’s experience, energy & skill-set. If anyone can grow and nurture the Festival, she can.
Susan Scott, VMF Executive Director, 2014-2023
Dear Ventura Music Festival Community,
It’s an honor to be selected as the new Executive Director for this wonderful organization. I am delighted to be here, and grateful to the Board of Directors, staff; Grace Mooney, Lacey Utter, Nuvi Mehta and of course, to Susan Scott for an exciting and fun-filled transition. We all stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us, and as such, I will do my best to continue the VMF mission and spread the joy and healing power of music in ways that can make my predecessors proud. In the meantime, I look forward to meeting and working with each and every one of you toward our goals over the coming weeks, months and years.
Lalé Welsh, VMF Executive Director
CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Girls Inc. of Carpinteria successfully hosted its fourth annual Operation Holiday Cheer, a festive family night generously sponsored by Cox Communications. Launched in 2020 and presented by Cox Communications from its inception, Operation Holiday Cheer aims to bring gifts and holiday spirit to Girls Inc. families facing economic hardships.
“This occasion is more than just a gift distribution event; it’s about fostering a sense of community and joy during a season that can be financially challenging for many,” said Jamie Collins, executive director Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. “Cox Communications has been an incredible partner in making Operation Holiday Cheer a reality. Their commitment to supporting our community has made it possible for us to bring smiles and happiness to the faces of over 105 families every year.”
CAMARILLO — The Fire Departments of Ventura County are teaming up with Ventura County’s Health Care Agency to bring cheer to children in hospital by delivering toys while ramping up their repelling techniques through the Spark of Love Toy Drive. Santa is scheduled to descend from the roof of the Ventura County Medical Center on Monday, Dec. 18 to bring cheer to children at the hospital’s pediatric and pediatric intensive care units.
SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) returns with its first event of the year– a free community performance by America’s first all-female mariachi, Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles. A collaboration between UCSB Arts & Lectures, The Marjorie Luke Theatre, the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, and the Isla Vista School Parent Teacher Association, Viva is dedicated to bringing the rich cultural heritage of Latin America to Santa Barbara County community members and students.
CENTRAL COAST — (On Dec. 1), the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) and the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) celebrated and honored the farmworker families of Santa María at an event called “La Cultura Cura” (The Culture Cures). More than 60 people attended the event, which aimed to help build a more united community, one that connects and strengthens through art. Music, dance, song, poetry, and painting were the centerpieces of a special night that will undoubtedly remain in the memory of the people present. After a year often marked with painful reminders about the challenges faced by farmworkers, from high-profile investigations of labor violations to the workplace deaths of farmworkers in Guadalupe and Cuyama (see statement here), the “Cultura Cura” event offered an opportunity to reflect in joy and value family bonding moments.
Primera muestra de cortos en español del Teatro de las Américas 2023
Teatro de las Américas Spanish Short Film Showcase
“The Art of George Lockwood” is a solo exhibition by Santa Barbara County artist, and Santa Paula native, George Lockwood. The exhibit features 37 original paintings representing scenes and subject matter from Santa Paula to the Central Coast to the Pacific Northwest. All of the artworks are available for purchase.
VENTURA — This holiday season, Island Packers will be offering a series of one-hour Holiday Lights Harbor Cruises, departing from Ventura Harbor Village. The Cruises are a splendid way to celebrate the season with family and friends all month long.
The one-hour Holiday Lights Harbor Cruises in Ventura Harbor are offered to visitors on select dates through 12/23 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Visitors cake opt to take a cruise of the Ventura Keys to view decorated waterfront homes and listen to seasonal music on
December 17, 18 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23, 2023.
2024 All-New Membership Perks!
Gift a Membership this Holiday Season
MVC is thrilled to announce the relaunch of its Membership Program, welcoming supporters to join the cultural community and become part of an exciting new chapter at the Museum. MVC’s updated Membership Program features accessible payment options, two new membership levels, and an expanded selection of member events and benefits. View the details HERE.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to double your donation! Any gift received by December 10 will be 100% matched.
Just $15 can open the door to discovery for one child. Imagine the impact we can make by reaching ALL the schools in our County. We’re on a mission to raise $150,000 to double the number of tours and pay for more bus rides.
Every donation, no matter how big or small, has the power to ignite a child’s curiosity, nurture a college student’s career, and shape the future of Ventura County.
VENTURA — This holiday season, Island Packers will be offering seasonal cruises for family and friends, as well as group functions in Ventura Harbor. Ventura Harbor Holiday Cruises and Whale Watching trips are splendid ways to celebrate the winter season.…
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health was honored to welcome world-renowned global media leader, producer, actress, author and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey as the keynote speaker at its Annual Medical Staff Dinner. Winfrey delivered a compelling address on the profound impact of the human connection between healthcare professionals and their patients.
Winfrey set the tone for an evening of reflection and appreciation for the significant role physicians play in the lives of patients with a powerful quote on doctoring by physician and professor Francis Peabody, who once said, “For the secret of the care of the patient is in caring for the patient.”
Written by Wendy Eley Jackson, a lecturer in film and media studies, “Napa Ever After” is part of an effort to create movies that appeal to African-American families, particularly women, and reflect the themes of love, romance and personal growth.
Dear MVC Supporter,
Thank you for your generous support! We’ve made great progress towards our goal, but there’s still some distance to cover.
MVC is on a mission to reach every elementary school in Ventura County. Your generous gift can bring us closer to our $150,000 goal.
A $150 donation brings a group of 10 eager learners to the MVC Agriculture Museum, inspiring them to dig deep into Ventura County agricultural history and the world of plant science. Can you imagine the joy of planting seeds, exploring a beehive, and discovering the essence of collaboration and community? This is what MVC is all about.
#1: Shop Our Holiday Market
Saturday, December 2, 2023 • 10 AM to 4 PM
Free admission for everyone
Find unique gifts for everyone on your holiday list at SPAM’s Holiday Market! Indulge in a complimentary glass of bubbly and yummy holiday treats while you shop for gorgeous items from the Museum’s popular gift shop and a dozen local artist vendors. Browse original art, jewelry, bags, pottery, home decor, and more. Every purchase supports the Santa Paula Art Museum, and SPAM members always receive 10% off in the gift store. Admission to the event is free for everyone.
Guests are invited to bring a new, unused, unwrapped toy and/or book, or non-perishable canned or boxed food item to support Rotary Club of Santa Paula’s Christmas Basket Food and Toy Drive.
In this season of gratitude, from all of us at MCASB, we wish you a restorative and contemplative time with friends and family.
We would like to take this opportunity to emphasize MCASB’s commitment to working towards a more equitable and accessible museum for all of those who call Santa Barbara County and the Central Coast home. The work of systemic change within established institutions is hard, disruptive, and complicated, but we are committed to doing it. And we can’t do it without the help of the community, funders, and other non-profit organizations that support positive changes for the community. We believe strongly that today more than ever institutions of the arts should support collective community healing through art and cultural events.
LOMPOC — Seeking a a new adventure in wine tasting? Something more exciting than simply popping into a tasting room for a flight? Look no further, because two Lompoc wineries now offer a rugged, off-the-beaten-path way to learn about their wines, experience their land and understand more about the winemaking process – All-terrain Vehicle (ATV) Tours!
Do you remember the thrill of your first museum visit? At the Museum of Ventura County (MVC), we strive to gift this unforgettable experience to every child in our community – particularly those from low to moderate income families.
Your generous support enables us to offer FREE school tours immersing children in the rich history and culture of Ventura County. Plus, your contribution also aids first-generation college interns, offering them valuable work experience while earning a fair wage. Donate today and help us inspire curiosity, connection, and compassion in Ventura County’s future generations.
P.S. Act before December 10, and an anonymous donor will match your donation 100%! Double your impact by clicking HERE today!
DOUBLE YOUR CONTRIBUTION TODAY!
MEINERS OAKS — Assemblymember Steve Bennett, in partnership with Senator Monique Limón, secured $500,000 from the State Budget to create a community park in Meiners Oaks. The 2-acre county-owned parcel is located on 312 E. El Roblar Drive, Meiners Oaks, CA. The current design concept features native vegetation, interpretive education, and social gathering areas. A check presentation is being coordinated with Supervisor LaVere’s office for early 2024.
“Open space has been at the heart of my work since I entered public office. I’m pleased to preserve more public spaces for Meiners Oaks, and deeply grateful to our partners who helped make this happen,” said Assemblymember Bennett.
LOMPOC — Lompoc comes alive with festive spirit during the holiday season, offering plenty of fun holiday events. With a magical blend of community spirit and holiday cheer, step into relaxing, small town holiday charm with a weekend getaway in Lompoc! Celebrate the season with a calendar full of family-friendly activities, specialty retail shopping, or go wine tasting at one of 30+ local wine tasting venues. After the fun, kick back for a relaxing evening at one of our comfy hotels. www.explorelompoc.com
Professor Emeritus Francisco Lomelí and Osiris Aníbal Gómez Ph.D. ’20 won an International Latino Book Award for their work on the former poet laureate.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures and United Way of Santa Barbara County are teaming up this holiday season to help you provide gifts for young people in need.
Audiences for Arts & Lectures’ two big holiday shows –Mariachi Sol de México in José Hernández’ Merry-Achi Christmas at the Arlington Theatre on December 6 andSamara Joy’s A Joyful Holiday at The Granada Theatre on December 8 – are invited to donate to United Way’s annual Holiday Gift Drive. Tickets to both shows are available now from UCSB Arts & Lectures (805) 893-3535 and via the Arlington and Granada box offices.
SANTA BARBARA — The Performing Arts Scholarship Foundation, a nonprofit organization providing financial aid to deserving vocal and instrumental students in Santa Barbara County, recently announced the selection of its board for the 2024 season.
This year’s board members are Deborah Bertling, Erin Bonski-Evans, Rosalind Amorteguy Fendon, Ronald D. Fendon, David T. McKee, Kristine Pacheco-Bernt, Barbara H. Burger, Dr. Marjorie Gies, Peter G. Bertling, Neil DiMaggio and Noel Lucky-Ris.
All board members have a long history of service to the Santa Barbara community and the performing arts. Deborah Bertling is a classically trained singer, actor and teacher with more than three decades of experience and has served as president of the PASF board for the last 20 years. She is married to Peter Bertling, an attorney at Bertling Law Group and legal advisor for the board.
Purchase tickets online today—it’s quick and easy!
Muestra de cortos en español
Presented By Teatro De Las Americas
Dec 15th 2023, 7:00 PM
Holiday Market
Saturday, December 2, 2023 • 10 AM to 4 PM
Free admission for everyone
Treat yourself to SPAM’s Holiday Market! Indulge in a complimentary glass of bubbly and yummy holiday treats while you shop for gorgeous gifts from the Museum’s popular gift shop and a dozen local artist vendors. Browse original art, jewelry, bags, pottery, home decor, and more. Every purchase supports the Santa Paula Art Museum. Admission to the event is free for everyone.
Guests are invited to bring a new, unused, unwrapped toy and/or book, or non-perishable canned or boxed food item to support Rotary Club of Santa Paula’s Christmas Basket Food and Toy Drive.
The recognition streak continues for the 13th consecutive year! The Oxnard Harbor District was awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada. This award was given to the Oxnard Harbor District, which owns the Port of Hueneme, for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2022.
