Category: Events

July 20 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present Reading and Conversation of ‘Blue Skies’ by T.C. Boyle

Returning to the Museum in what has become a much-anticipated and highly-animated annual event, T.C. Boyle, Santa Barbara’s prolific and perennial favorite, reads from his latest novel, Blue Skies.

July 21 — The Apocalypse Is Here in New ‘King Lear’ at CLU

THOUSAND OAKS — The Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival (KSF) concludes its 26th season with “King Lear,” running Fridays through Sundays from July 21 through Aug. 6 on the California Lutheran University campus. A novel twist on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, which is set in a pre-Christian, pagan time and place, the Kingsmen production takes place in the near future, in an abandoned shopping mall after an apocalyptic event.

“We don’t know what this apocalyptic event is, or when it takes place,” said KSF co-founder and Artistic Director Michael J. Arndt, who is directing the play, “but there’s a sense of this person trying to maintain power in his ‘kingdom.’”

July 21 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Mars Attacks! at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Garden

SANTA BARBARA — Get ready to explore the galaxy this summer with UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2023 FREE Summer Cinema line-up: “Out of This World.” The series continues with Tim Burton’s send-up of vintage sci-fi invasion flicks, Mars Attacks! at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden on Friday, July 21 at 8:30 pm.

July 23 — Bilingual report — Music Academy’s SING! and Young People’s Chorus of NYC to hold joint concert in Santa Barbara

The Music Academy’s SING! Children’s Choir and the renowned Young People’s Chorus of New York City (YPC) are excited to announce their joint concert, taking place at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara. The much-anticipated performance will be held on Sunday, July 23 at 3 pm and promises to captivate audiences of all ages.

July 23 — BEYOND CONVERSATION at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art presents Radiant Frequencies

SANTA BARBARA — At the invitation of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art (SBMA), Awol Erizku, a noted photographer, sculptor, and painter and subject of a recent New Yorker profile, is collaborating with nine 2023 fellows at the Music Academy of Santa Barbara to plan a memorable one-night-only performance on July 23, that will bridge visual art and classical music.  

Erizku is a natural choice for Radiant Frequencies project because music threads through his unusually varied and impossible to easily package practice. Nefertiti—Miles Davis Gold (2022) is a gold mirrored mosaic in the form of the ancient Egyptian queen, which also references Miles Davis’s album Nefertiti (1968). Moreover, the artist says that No Hesi(2022), from his new Cosmic Drill series, relates to Drill, a genre of hip hop. Both artworks are in the Museum’s collection and are currently on display. He is also widely known for his photographs of musicians, including Beyoncé, Nipsey Hussle, J-Cole and Bad Bunny.  

July 27 — Inviting Central Coast Korean War Veterans (and loved ones)

Dear Korean War Veterans (and their loved ones),
We are inviting our Central Coast Veterans who served during the Korean War Era to join us on July 27th from 9:30 am – 11:30 am at the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum in San Luis Obispo. In addition to good coffee sponsored by Coastal Peaks Roasters (local and veteran owned), breakfast treats, and conversation, we are offering the opportunity to sit for a free professional portrait photo to those who attend.

Thursday, July 27th, 2023, marks the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement. Some refer to it as the ‘Forgotten War’ but for those who served, their families, and all Americans, it should always be remembered.  Our museum’s mission is to honor our veterans from past and present with emphasis on those from the Central Coast of California. 

July 28 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents The Fifth Element at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden

SANTA BARBARA — Get ready to explore the galaxy this summer with UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2023 FREE Summer Cinema line-up: “Out of This World.” The series continues with Luc Besson’s outrageous sci-fi adventure, The Fifth Element at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden on Friday, July 28 at 8:30 p.m. 

July 28 — Introducing IchigoCon: Ventura County’s First Gaming and Anime convention

OXNARD — The Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC) is proud to present Ventura County’s first one-day convention that brings together the worlds of gaming and anime on Friday, July 28! IchigoCon promises an unforgettable day where gaming and anime enthusiasts of all ages can come together, reveling in the fandom of these captivating worlds. 

The convention kicks off at 11 am with the highly anticipated Super Smash Bros tournament. Prepare to witness an intense clash of skills as over 100 players, including both amateur enthusiasts and professional players, battle it out for glory and a handsome $1,000 cash pot. With a diverse range of competitors, the tournament guarantees electrifying matches that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Confirmed players include Missouri’s Apollokage (Top 20 Best World Super Smash BrosPlayer) and Canada’s Ouch!? (Top 50 Best World Super Smash BrosPlayer).

July 29 — Community Roots Garden in Oxnard will host free cultural art workshops

OXNARD — Community Roots Garden, at 1801 Joliet Pl. in Oxnard, will host  some beautiful collective workshops and conversations guided by some wonderfully talented individuals. These workshops are geared towards healing and connecting by sharing knowledge of ancestral ways of being through storytelling and cultural art practice shares. All workshops start at 10 a.m. with options to stay to help paint the mural after each workshops.

Aug. 3 — SBMA’s Art Matters Lecture explores the Paradox of Art Restoration

Bart Devolder discusses the role a conservator plays in the life of an artwork. What does it mean to respect the artist’s original intention during a restoration treatment and can we even know what those intentions were? Using several case studies, Devolder illustrates that restoring a work of art to its former glory is not always straightforward.

Aug. 4 — Yarrow YMCA’s ‘Parents’ Night Out’ in Westlake Village

WESTLAKE VILLAGE — Parents can have an evening to themselves while their kids have fun under supervised care at the Yarrow Family YMCA, Friday, August 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

While parents spend the event out, their kids will enjoy a night of carnival games, races, prizes, and basketball gym free play. All activities are led by YMCA staff.

Aug. 4 — Mixteco/Indígena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) to present twelfth annual Night in Oaxaca

On Friday, August 4th, the Mixteco/Indígena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) will hold its twelfth annual Night in Oaxaca. Throughout the years, Night in Oaxaca has become the largest and most sought-after fundraiser that helps MICOP continue our mission of supporting, organizing, and empowering the indigenous migrant community on California’s Central Coast. 

Your attendance and participation during Night in Oaxaca enable us to provide vital resources to our community, including crucial services such as case management, system navigation, community organizing, and policy advocacy. Together, we can ensure our community’s voice is heard loud and clear. Let’s celebrate the vibrant indigenous culture and help us advance our important work.

Aug. 4 — Celebrate Tay Day – A Taylor Swift Event in Ventura Harbor Village Where One Lucky Fan Will Win Tickets to the Eras Tour in Los Angeles!

VENTURA — Celebrate Tay Day where One Lucky Fan Will Win Tickets to the Eras Tour in Los Angeles! The event will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4, A Taylor Swift Event in Ventura Harbor Village, 583 Spinnaker Drive Ventura.

Ventura Harbor Village is teaming up with Cumulus Broadcasting KBBY 95.1 to give away 2 tickets to the most popular concert of the year – Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour! Tickets are for the August 5, 2023 show at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Aug. 11-12 — Teatro de las Américas — Will you be at opening night for Entre Pancho Villa y una mujer desnuda?

Congratulations to everyone who has worked so hard to bring this production to life. Break a leg!

Entre Pancho Villa y una mujer desnuda
Presented By Teatro De Las Americas

Aug 11th 2023, 7:00 PM
Aug 12th 2023, 7:00 PM

Aug. 11 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Star Trek at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden

Get ready to explore the galaxy this summer with UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2023 FREE Summer Cinema line-up: Out of This World. The series continues with J. J. Abrams’ thrilling 2009 resurrection of the Star Trek franchise. 

Aug. 19-20 — 42nd Annual Wings Over Camarillo to honor Korean War Veterans

CAMARILLO — Welcome to the 42nd annual Wings Over Camarillo presented by Oxnard Auto Center.

Wings Over Camarillo is back and better than ever!  Our 2023 theme is “Honoring Our Korean War Veterans”.

Join us in celebrating our aviation heritage at Ventura County’s premiere family event.

Buy your tickets in advance and SAVE. No cash will be accepted at the gate

Aug. 19 — Flying Goat Cellars Hosts National Honey Bee Day Celebration

LOMPOC — Lompoc Valley Beekeepers Association will celebrate National Honey Bee Day on August 19 from 11am-4pm at Flying Goat Cellars Tasting & Art Salon, located at 1520 East Chestnut Court in Lompoc. LVBA members will be on hand to offer local expertise and education on beekeeping, a peek into the life of bees with an observation hive and honey tasting. There is no charge and children of all ages are welcome. Local raw unfiltered honey will be available for purchase in several sizes. 

Aug. 19 — Santa Paula Art Museum to present 13th Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser

The Santa Paula Art Museum’s biggest fundraiser of the year is back in person! Sixty works of art will be up for grabs during the Museum’s 13th Annual Fine Art Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, August 19. The silent auction featuring 40 fine art pieces will run from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The live auction featuring 20 museum-quality artworks will run from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. led by professional auctioneer John Eubanks of California Auctioneers. Admission to the auction event is $15.00 for SPAM members and $20.00 for non-members. All proceeds benefit the Santa Paula Art Museum, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Aug. 19, 20 — Art Comes Alive at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum

OXNARD — The Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) is pleased to present its ever-popular Art Comes Alive event on August 19 and 20.

Paintings & ship models come to life with live maritime characters from the ages at Art Comes Alive. Museum docents, museum supporters, and local actors get into character and bring the Museum’s famous collection to life. 

Aug. 20 — New venue announced in Oxnard for Judy Collins/Sophie B Hawkins Concert

OXNARD — Sterling Venue Ventures has just announced that, due to the inclement weather forecast for Sunday evening, August 20, the Judy Collins / Sophie B. Hawkins concert scheduled to be outdoors at the Libbey Bowl in Ojai has been re-located to the Oxnard Performing Arts Center at 800 Hobson Way. Likewise, the show start time is moved to 7:30pm. All previously purchased Libbey Bowl tickets will be honored at this new location.

Aug. 20 — Free Summer Family Day at the Wildling Museum

SOLVANG — The Wildling Museum is pleased to announce the return of its free Summer Family Day event, now in its third year, on Sunday, August 20, 2023, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The event is now offered in both the winter and summer after growing popularity. Visitors are invited to bring the whole family and enjoy free museum admission during event hours, along with a day of art and nature-inspired activities.

Aug. 20 — Ventura Harbor Village to Host C.A.R.L.’s Pooch Parade

Costume contest with other canine activities returns after a four-year hiatus   SANTA PAULA — Do you love dogs and superheroes? Canine Adoption and Rescue League’s (C.A.R.L.) 2023 Pooch Parade Dog Walk and Pet Expo on Sunday, August 20, will give…

Aug. 24 — Community Environmental Council to present ‘Arresting Science’ Preview Screening & Panel

SANTA BARBARA — Join us for an exciting evening of exploration and discussion at the “Arresting Science” Preview Screening & Panel event.

Holly Becker’s documentary, “Arresting Science” follows Dr. Peter Kalmus, an impassioned climate scientist, who commits his first act of civil disobedience in downtown Los Angeles.

Through Aug. 25 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents the 2023 FREE Summer Cinema

UCSB Arts & Lectures presents the 2023 FREE Summer Cinema line-up: Out of This World, seven nights of space-inspired movies under the stars at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden, Friday nights from July 7 through August 25. (No screening Friday, August 4 due to Fiesta)

Aug. 25 — Grammy-nominated Pianist and Composer David Benoit to Perform at the Lobero Theatre

SANTA BARBARA — Iconic pianist, composer, arranger, producer, film and TV scorer David Benoit will be performing on Friday, August 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara. 

For four decades, the Grammy-nominated pianist, composer and arranger David Benoit has reigned supreme as one the founding fathers of contemporary jazz.  He has received three GRAMMY® nominations in the categories of Best Contemporary Jazz Performance for “Every Step of the Way” (1989), Best Large Ensemble Performance for GRP All-Star Big Band (1996), and Best Instrumental Composition for “Dad’s Room,” the latter from the album Professional Dreamer (2000) and in 2010, Benoit received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Smooth Jazz Awards.

Aug. 26 — Ventura Land Trust Hosts Annual Film Festival for Open Space Conservation

VENTURA — Ventura Land Trust’s annual benefit, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, returns on Saturday, August 26th to the expansive lawn of the Ventura County Credit Union headquarters. Now in its 14th year, the film festival features nearly two hours of environmental and activism films along with music, food trucks, and local beer, wine and spirits. 

Beyond being the Trust’s signature event to raise funds for the environment, it shares an urgent call to action, encouraging participants to learn more about what they can do to save our threatened planet. A family-friendly event, participants are encouraged to spread out on the Ventura County Credit Union lawn (2575 Vista Del Mar Drive, Ventura) with chairs and blankets. Doors open at 5 pm, and films begin just before 8 pm as the sky darkens. 

Aug. 26 — Bilingual report — Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) joins ‘Clear the Shelters’ event

VENTURA — Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) is thrilled to announce their participation in Clear The Shelters, the nationwide pet adoption event organized by NBC Universal.  This one-day pet adoption event will be held on Saturday, August 26th, 2023, from 11:00am – 5:00pm at both the Camarillo and Simi Valley Animal Shelters.  Shelter Director, Jackie Rose, says “The goal of Clear The Shelters is to find a loving home for every available animal in our care!”

To assist residents with the initial cost associated with adopting a shelter animal, VCAS will be waiving all pet adoption fees, though a small pet license fee may apply.  Adoption gifts provided by Hill’s Science Diet, VCA Animal Hospital, and Assemblymember Steve Bennett.

Aug. 27 — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present ‘Dancing Out Loud: Free Public Performances’

SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Museum of Art to present “Dancing Out Loud: Free Public Performances” at 5 and 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27 at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art Front Terrace, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara.

Award-winning dancer, choreographer, and deaf artist and advocate Antoine Hunter is joined by members of the Urban Jazz Dance Company, which he founded, in an imaginative, joyful celebration to accompany the exhibition The Private Universe of James Castle: Drawings from the William Louis-Dreyfus Foundation and James Castle Collection and Archive. Enjoy the electric energy of dancing out loud with this free public performance that Mr. Hunter has said, “puts the capital D in Deaf, representing power, culture, and strength.”

Aug. 30 — Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum (CCVMM) to present ‘Lost at Sea: Stories of Loss, Courage, and Remembrance’

Join the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum (CCVMM) for our final exhibit talk on our “Lost at Sea” special exhibit, which will only be on display at the Veterans Museum for a few more weeks. This temporary exhibit has been very well received and we encourage you to attend the final exhibit talk on August 30th to hear the stories of loss, courage, and remembrance come to life shared by a team of museum docents and Navy veterans. Seats are limited so please RSVP to attend the final talk.

Sept. 8, 9, 10 — Bilingual report — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! Launches 2023-2024 Season with Three Free Performances by Grammy-Nominated Perla Batalla

SANTA BARBARA — ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Bárbara! (Viva) is back with the first event of its spectacular 2023-2024 season. The season will launch with a free community performance by grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Perla Batalla. 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 students and community members.

Sept. 9-10 — Seaside Street Painters & Art Vendors Line the Waterfront for 15th Annual Summer Festival at Ventura Harbor Village

VENTURA —The 15th Annual Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival returns to picturesque Ventura Harbor Village on September 9th & 10th, 2023 from 10 AM to 5 PM. www.venturaartfestival.com

Presented by Ventura County Art Events, Inc., the Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival boosts 30 curated artist vendors showcasing their art in Ventura Harbor Village between popular eateries Brophy Bros. Restaurant & Clam Bar, On the Alley, and Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market. Works of art includepaintings, pottery, photography, and jewelry — all available for purchase.  Additionally, the sidewalks along the Ventura Harbor Village promenade and Fisherman’s Memorial will be the canvas for more than 20 talented and colorful chalk artists, creating murals ranging from 10×5 ft. to 10×10 ft. in size.  Well known chalk artists, Clif Gold, Julio Jimenez and Rod Tryon, plan to attend.

Sept. 18 — Unite to Light Presents ‘Mike Love Benefit Concert’ in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — Unite to Light, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing clean, renewable light and energy to people living without electricity, is partnering with REACH For Uganda to host the Mike Love Benefit Concert, an electrifying musical event with a purpose.

Reach For Uganda.
The concert aims to provide 2,000 solar powered Luke Lights to create Light Libraries at REACH For Uganda schools. A Light Library is where schools possess a number of solar-powered Luke Lights for students to “check out.”

Sept. 21 — Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation Presents: The Power Within

SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation presents, “The Power Within,” an evening with Victoria Arlen, ESPN host, Dancing with the Stars semi-finalist, Gold and Silver Medalist Swimmer and inspirational speaker, on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara. Hear Victoria’s inspiring story of recovery and rehabilitation.

In 2005, Victoria was only 11 years old when she was diagnosed with two rare neurological disorders, Transverse Myelitis and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis. In a persistent vegetative state for four years, Victoria was unable to communicate with those around her — sometimes suffering from seizures for more than 20 hours per day. After a decade-long rehabilitation, she regained the ability to walk again in 2016 after being paralyzed from the waist down.

Sept. 22 — One805 Live! Fall Music Festival with Headliner Maroon 5, John Fogerty, Raises Funds for Local First Responders

SANTA BARBARA — The One805LIVE! Music Festival fundraiser at Kevin Costner’s estate near Summerland, headlined by Maroon 5, will have some high-profile guests and participants who have graciously agreed to present the annual Heart of the Community Awards.  

“We are absolutely delighted that internationally well-known residents of Santa Barbara County (some, yet to be publicly announced), including Ellen DeGeneres, have agreed to support our County’s First Responders, by joining us at One805LIVE! this year,” said Kirsten Cavendish, CEO and Co-Founder of One805.  

“We have a packed evening of incredible music this year! The gates open at 4:00 PM and we encourage people to arrive by 5:00 pm so as not to miss any of the award ceremony or our special guests. And we may have additional surprises up our sleeves” added Richard Weston Smith, COO and Co-Founder of One805. 

Sept. 23 — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s Annual Bloom Fundraiser to honor Lynda Fairly & John Franklin

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria announced their annual event, An Enchanted Evening in Bloom, set to take place on Saturday, Sept. 23, honoring Carpinterian’s Lynda Fairly and John Franklin.

Lynda Fairly, a community philanthropist, is retired from a distinguished career in public education serving youth and adults and served at Santa Barbara City College for 34 years. She retired from her last position as Vice President of Adult Education almost 10 years ago. Upon retirement, Lynda moved to Carpinteria and dedicated her time to making a  difference in the community. She now serves on three nonprofit boards, actively volunteers with various organizations, and is a passionate advocate for the arts, notably as a lead donor for the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center. Raised by a single mom, Lynda had a role model for independence and knows the value mentorship plays in a child’s life. 

Sept. 23 — District216 to present MARQUEE EVENT – ‘SEX & PSYCHEDELICS’

EDUCATIONAL PANEL – “Sex & Psychedelics: Nurturing Sensuality & Enhancing Sexual Wellness”

FREE DINNER – Santa Barbara’s Only Blue Owl: Asian Inspired, Sandwiches, Salads, & Fried Rice

FREE ELIXIRS – Good + Bar: Functional, Non-Alcoholic Elixirs & Enlightening Beverages

TERPENE LOUNGE – Enjoy Top Shelf products in our Rooftop Terpene Lounge

WORKSHOP – Sex, Intimacy & Relationship with The Studio X

HEALING ROOM – Donation based Energy & Bodywork

SPONSORS – Experience Brand Activations & Meet Innovative Organizations

Sept. 24 — C.A.R.L.’s Pooch Parade Returns to Ventura Harbor

VENTURA — Animal welfare non-profit Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) will welcome canine superheroes and their owners to the 2023 Pooch Parade Dog Walk and Pet Expo on Sunday, September 24, at Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura on the grassy area. The expo starts at 10 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m. with the Parade starting at 1:15 p.m. 

With this year’s theme of “Superheroes,” participants will have opportunities to dress themselves and their dogs up as their favorite fictional comic book character. Canine contestants will be eligible for ribbons, prizes and a grand award going to the “Top Dog” of the Pooch Parade. The event will feature an emcee, Ken Vela, who served as emcee at the 2018 and 2019 Pooch Parades, vendors, a silent auction and a Frisbee demonstration with dogs. Major sponsors include Ohana Pet Hospital with offices in Ventura and Santa Paula and Boone Graphics in Goleta. 

Sept. 24 — Wildling Museum of Art and Nature in Solvang to present ‘California National Parks: Stories of Water’ exhibit

SOLVANG — The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature is pleased to present its third juried exhibition showcasing California’s nine national parks this fall. California National Parks: Stories of Water will feature 37 artists and 39 selected artworks juried from a pool of more than 240 submissions by artists across the U.S., competing for $4,000 in awards. The public is invited to attend an opening reception and awards ceremony at the Wildling on Sunday, September 24, 2023 from 3 – 5 p.m.

The exhibition explores various impacts of water – or its lack – in California’s national parks through a wide range of media and techniques, from acrylic, oil, and watercolor paintings, to photography, mixed media, and textile art.

Sept. 30 — Port of Hueneme presents 10th Annual Banana Festival

“The Banana Festival is a special opportunity for the Port of Hueneme to give back to the local community,” said Jess Herrera, Oxnard Harbor District Board President. “The Port has a rich 86-year history in Ventura County that has strengthened the community through strategic partnerships, created good high-paying jobs, and served as an economic engine for the region. The festival is an invitation to visit the Port to take a look into what we do on a daily basis and what makes the Port so special.”

Oct. 1 — Clean Power Alliance (CPA) sponsoring National Drive Electric Week EV Showcase at Ventura Harbor

VENTURA — Clean Power Alliance (CPA) is once again sponsoring the National Drive Electric Week EV Showcase at Ventura Harbor (1591 Spinnaker Drive, Main Lawn, Ventura, CA  93001). The popular event will take place Sunday, October 1, 2023, from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. Visit CPA’s exhibit while checking out the always amazing showcase of electric vehicles. Last year’s event displayed 69 vehicles representing 31 different models.

Through Oct. 1 — Yankee Dawg You Die at the Elite Theatre Company in Oxnard

OXNARD — The Elite Theatre would like to announce theupcoming production of Yankee Dawg You Die – a play by Philip Kan Gotanda, directed by Jolyn Johnson. The production runs for four weekends on The Elite’s South Stage beginning September 8, 2023 in Oxnard, California.

Long before Crazy Rich Asians or Everything Everywhere All At Once, Philip Kan Gotanda explored being Asian in Hollywood in Yankee Dawg You Die. In this play, two Asian-American men struggle to find a space in Hollywood in the 1980s: Bradley Yamashita is brash, outspoken, and opinionated; Vincent Chang is a survivor of Old Hollywood stereotypes, trying to remain regal and honorable. Bradley and Vincent’s unlikely friendship–as they talk of life, love, and Tinseltown–shows that generational divides might not be as wide as we think.

Oct. 1 — OPAC rebrands its annual arts festival to “CHELITA: Arts, Music and Miches Festival”

OXNARD — Making its post-COVID debut is OPAC’s annual arts festival scheduled for Sunday, October 1 from 11 am to 6 pm at picturesque Heritage Square, but with a twist.  Once known as “PACC the Arts Festival,” the event has been rebranded as “CHELITA: Arts, Music, and Miches Festival” and will continue to showcase local culture and creativity.

“COVID provided arts organizations an opportunity to reevaluate what we do and how we can best serve our community. PACC the Arts no longer felt on-brand for us, but CHELITA certainly does,” reflects OPAC’s Executive Director Carolyn Merino Mullin. “The concept: If Coachella and a Michelada Festival had a baby in Oxnard, it’d be CHELITA.”

CHELITA is set to transform Heritage Square into a dynamic hub of creativity, fostering an environment where art, music, and gastronomy collide to create an unforgettable experience for attendees of all ages. 

Oct. 1 — UCSB Arts & Lectures kicks off its 2023-2024 season with performance by five-time Grammy-winner Jacob Collier

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) presents Jacob Collier on Sunday, October 1 at 7 p.m. at Campbell Hall. Moving fluidly across jazz, pop and R&B, Jacob Collier creates mesmerizing soundscapes using layered vocal tracks and sophisticated digital editing techniques. His multi-frame, multi-instrumental viral videos and five Grammy wins have earned him a devoted international following and a roster of collaborators that ranges from Coldplay and SZA to Hans Zimmer. An energetic and engaging live performer, Collier is known for conducting his audiences in multi-part harmonies and beats.

Pre-concert festivities on the plaza in front of Campbell Hall begin at 6 p.m. Enjoy food trucks and a live DJ set by KCRW Program Director Anne Litt. 

Oct. 1 — Bilingual report — Half a Century of Hope: Festival Celebrates 50 Years of Service to Santa Maria Families

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — Family Service Agency is thrilled to announce Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center’s (SMVYFC) 50th anniversary celebration, marking half a century of dedicated service to the Santa Maria Valley community. The Santa Maria Family Festival takes place on Sunday October 1st from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Teresa Machado Plaza, located at the corner of North Pine Street and West Chapel Street.

“We invite the entire Santa Maria Valley community to come together to celebrate the remarkable achievements of SMVYFC and the countless lives it has positively impacted,” said Arcelia Sención, Chief Strategy and North County Programs Officer. “We anticipate many more years of promoting hope, strength and stability to children, families, and seniors in Santa Maria.

Oct. 4 — Senior Expo of Santa Barbara is Back!

SANTA BARBARA — Senior Expo of Santa Barbara County is back and even better than ever! Taking place at Earl Warren Showgrounds on Wednesday October 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Senior Expo is Santa Barbara’s premier event for seniors and caregivers offering a plethora of activities and information to stay healthy and active. A $5 admission fee provides access to flu vaccines and multiple health assessments, and over 100 exhibits. 

Halted for three years because of the COVID pandemic, Senior Expo is now in its 32nd year and expects to draw 1,200 seniors, family members, and caregivers seeking resources to improve their quality of life. 

This year, flu shots will be provided by Rite-Aid, including a senior’s dose for those 65 and older. Anyone wanting a flu shot must bring their prescription insurance card, otherwise, Rite-Aid will schedule them for a vaccine at a date of their convenience.

Oct. 4 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents iconic Martha Graham Dance Company at the Granada Theatre, Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) presents the Martha Graham Dance Company’s Graham100 on Wednesday, October 4 at the Granada Theatre. Recognized as a primal artistic force of the 20th century, Martha Graham single-handedly defined contemporary dance as a uniquely American art form. In this evening of new and reimagined works framing a Graham classic, the company performs Hofesh Shechter’s high-energy CAVEand Graham’s Dark Meadow Suite, an abstract work about life’s journey and the search for connection with one’s self and one’s community. A reconstruction of Agnes de Mille’s Rodeo rounds out the program, with a reorchestration of Aaron Copland’s score performed by a live bluegrass ensemble led by Punch Brother Gabe Witcher.

Oct. 6 — Works of Protest, Resistance at Cal Lutheran

THOUSAND OAKS — On Oct. 6, California Lutheran University’s William Rolland Gallery of Fine Art opens “Print+: Sameness & Otherness in Contemporary Print Media,” a show that presents works of protest and resistance by 22 artists from different backgrounds who use the tools and techniques of printmaking in novel ways. The opening corresponds with Cal Lutheran’s annual homecoming weekend and will be on display through Feb 1.

Multidisciplinary artist Sheila Goloborotko, the curator for “Print+,” said in her curatorial statement that the exhibit “focuses on the importance of showcasing artwork where diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion create an essential and fertile ecology.”