SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Cristina Mittermeier on Friday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Campbell Hall. National Geographic photographer Cristina Mittermeier has dedicated her life to safeguarding the world’s oceans and inspiring millions to do the same.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Ephrat Asherie Dance on Wednesday, May 15 at 8 p.m. at Campbell Hall. Ephrat “Bounce” Asherie, a New York-based b-girl with extensive training in ballet and modern dance, returns to reveal and explore the complexities of street and social dance forms. ODEON brings together and remixes street and club dances including breaking, hip hop, house and vogue, set to a mix of early 20th century romantic music and popular Afro-Brazilian rhythms.
Ephrat Asherie Dance | Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival 2018 (Jacob’s Pillow)
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Bruce Liu on Thursday, May 16 at 7 p.m. at Hahn Hall, Music Academy. Following his win at the Chopin International Piano Competition in 2021, Bruce Liu experienced a star-is-born moment at London’s Royal Festival Hall in March of 2022. Summoned at the last moment to join the Philharmonia Orchestra for an all-Tchaikovsky program, Liu called for the notoriously difficult Concerto No. 2 as a substitute for the more commonly played Concerto No. 1. After an astounding performance and glowing reviews, Liu found himself shifted to an even higher level of demand.
Pulitzer Prize finalist, cultural critic, producer and screenwriter Xochitl Gonzalez is a staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of its newsletter Brooklyn, Everywhere, about class, gentrification and the American Dream. Her debut novel, Olga Dies Dreaming, was named a Best of 2022 by The New York Times, Timemagazine, The Washington Post and NPR. Her highly-anticipated new book, Anita de Monte Laughs Last, was released in March 2024.
SANTA BARBARA — Due to unforeseen and extenuating circumstances, José Andrés is unable to join the UCSB Arts & Lectures series this Sunday. Mr. Andrés’ ongoing commitments to World Central Kitchen as they mourn the loss of their team members have made his attendance at the event impossible at this time.
We have worked closely with his team to reschedule his appearance for Thursday, May 23 at 5:30 PM at the Arlington Theatre, Santa Barbara. We offer our sympathies to José Andrés and the entire World Central Kitchen organization during this incredibly challenging time.
SANTA BARBARA — Make waves this summer with UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2024 FREE summer films line-up: Sun, Surf and Cinema. The program continues with Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves in the classic surf heist film, Point Break, at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden on Friday, July 12 at 8:30 pm. Come early to enjoy the glorious setting and share the night with friends. There will be giveaways and surprises.
Friday nights under the stars! Arts & Lectures’ annual FREE summer film series continues for 2024 with Sun, Surf and Cinema, seven nights of beach-inspired movies under the stars SUMMARY UCSB Arts & Lectures’ Sun, Surf and Cinema FREE summer…
SANTA BARBARA — Get ready to make waves this summer with UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2024 FREE summer films line-up: Sun, Surf and Cinema. The program continues with Hawaiian surf and romance in Blue Crush at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden on Friday, July 26 at 8:30 pm. Enjoy pre-screening festivities including a live set by DJ Darla Bea, raffle prizes and more.
SANTA BARBARA — Get ready to make waves this summer with UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2024 FREE summer films line-up: Sun, Surf and Cinema. The program continues with Wes Anderson’s 2004 film The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou starring Bill Murray and an all-star cast at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden on Friday, August 9 at 8:30 pm. Enjoy pre-screening fun including a live DJ set from Val Mar Records, raffle prizes and more.
SANTA BARBARA — Get ready to make waves this summer with UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2024 FREE summer films line-up: Sun, Surf and Cinema. The program continues with the smash hit ABBA musical Mamma Mia! at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden on Friday, August 16 at 8:30 pm. Enjoy pre-screening festivities with KLITE’s Catherine Remak, enter to win raffle prizes, and more. Costumes are encouraged.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures and the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts & Culture present the FREE outdoor summer film series, Sun, Surf and Cinema, seven classic flicks celebrating the thrills and delights of beach and ocean life, Friday evenings under the stars through Fri. Aug 23 at 8:30 p.m. at the County Courthouse Sunken Garden. This year’s totally tubular lineup includes: Jaws, Point Break, 50 First Dates, Blue Crush, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Mamma Mia! and Crazy Rich Asians. Bring breathable blankets, low chairs, a picnic and your friends!
SANTA BARBARA — Get ready to make waves this summer with UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2024 FREE summer films line-up: Sun, Surf and Cinema. The program concludes with the 2018 romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Garden on Friday, August 23 at 8:30 pm. Arrive early for pre-screening festivities, giveaways and a playlist curated by DJ Darla Bea.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Snarky Puppy on Tuesday, October 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre. Rousing solos set amidst a deep rolling groove will give the audience plenty to shout about as this powerhouse ensemble shows what has made them a festival favorite worldwide. Known for forging a new path through the thickets of the music industry, Snarky Puppy has earned a reputation as one of the hardest working and most sophisticated proponents of jazz and funk. Dueling drummers and a rotating roster of elite soloists keep the rhythmic fires burning whenever these imaginative musicians come to town.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Olivier Messiaen’s HARAWI produced in collaboration with Ojai Music Festival on Friday, October 4 at 8 p.m. at Campbell Hall. HARAWI, an American Modern Opera Company (AMOC*) production, realizes Olivier Messiaen’s deeply-affecting song cycle for voice and piano in a newly physicalized and dramatized version directed by Zack Winokur that features acclaimed soprano, Julia Bullock; pianist Conor Hanick; and dancers Bobbi Jene Smith and Or Schraiber.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Salman Khan, Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That’s a Good Thing) on Saturday, October 5 at 4 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre. The visionary behind educational nonprofit Khan Academy, Salman Khan seeks to remove the barriers to education that leave over 600 million children lacking basic math and reading skills. His free, world-class curriculum – available to anyone, anywhere – has made a massive impact, with its videos reaching over a billion views. Now, Khan is using the power of AI to make education even more accessible. With the introduction of the revolutionary Khanmigo, he’s giving every student around the world an AI-powered personal tutor that The Washington Post calls “the best model we have for how to develop and implement AI for the public good.” Author of the new book Brave New Words, Khan offers a uniquely prescient and practical look into how we can use AI to enhance HI: “human intelligence, human potential and human purpose.”
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Mavis Staples and The War and Treaty on Tuesday, October 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre. A chart-topping soul/gospel/R&B pioneer, civil rights icon, National Arts Awards Lifetime Achievement recipient and Kennedy Center honoree, Mavis Staples delivers roof-raising performances with youthful vigor and commanding maturity. Called “one of America’s defining voices of freedom and peace” by NPR, she marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., performed at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration and sang in Barack Obama’s White House. Combining traditional folk, country, R&B and spirituals into a dynamic blend that’s all their own, The War and Treaty (Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter) were the first Black artists ever nominated for Duo of the Year by the Country Music Association. Taking the stage separately, Staples and The War and Treaty promise an unforgettable evening of deep soul and heart-wrenching gospel passion.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents the London Philharmonic Orchestra on Saturday, October 12 at 7 p.m. at the Granada Theatre. Uniquely groundbreaking and exhilarating to watch, the London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) has been recognized as one of the world’s great orchestras since its founding in 1932. Heard by millions on the soundtracks for The Lord of the Rings and other films, the ensemble performs a rare Santa Barbara concert with violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Fight Night by Ontroerend Goed on Tuesday, October 15 at 8 p.m. at Campbell Hall. In the leadup to the 2024 presidential election, innovative Belgian theater company Ontroerend Goed offers a fun and thought-provoking night of interactive theater. A critically-acclaimed hit of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Fight Night puts digital voting devices – and the fate of its candidates – into the hands of the audience. With no political ideology or mention of politics, this production is a sharp, impartial and completely entertaining analysis of how democracy works. Make your vote count!
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Aida Cuevas, Canta a Juan Gabriel 40 años después on Sunday, October 20 at 7 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre. A Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning icon of Mexican music, Aida Cuevas is beloved for her devotion to traditional mariachi and for her mastery of its demanding vocal forms. An impassioned performer with a striking voice that evokes life’s greatest joys and most profound longings, Cuevas was the first female singer of the genre to win both Grammy and Latin Grammy awards. In her return to Santa Barbara, the “Queen of Ranchera Music” will lead a mariachi spectacular celebrating her late mentor and friend, pop legend Juan Gabriel.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures and the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara co-present Dr. Jennifer Doudna, CRISPR Gene Editing and the Future of Human Health on Tuesday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m. at The Granada Theatre. The world stands on the edge of an era when gene editing can address many serious ills plaguing humankind, says biochemist Jennifer Doudna, who earned the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for co-developing CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering technology.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents An Evening with Lil Buck and Jon Boogz on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. at Campbell Hall. An award-winning performing artist and advocate for the arts, Charles “Lil Buck” Riley defies gravity with a repertoire that spans Memphis Jookin’, hip hop, ballet and contemporary dance, to name just a few.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents An Evening with Percival Everett on Friday, October 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Campbell Hall.Percival Everett is one of the most prolific and innovative writers of our time. The author of more than 30 books, including novels, poetry and short story collections, he has won numerous awards and been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. His most recent novel, James, a retelling of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of a very different, highly literate version of the fugitive slave Jim, is currently a finalist for the National Book Award and shortlisted for the Booker Prize. In 2024, American Fiction, the film based on Everett’s 2001 novel Erasure, won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. With sharp observations and biting wit, Everett explores race, politics, gender and family from a uniquely contemporary American perspective.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Yung Pueblo in Conversation with Pico Iyer on Tuesday, October 29 at 7:30 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall. Yung Pueblo – pen name of Diego Perez – is an author and poet whose focus on self-knowledge and radical self-acceptance has made him a source of inspiration and wisdom to millions. He is the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of Lighter as well as the Inward Trilogy, a collection of three bestselling books of poetry including Inward, Clarity & Connection and the final installment, 2023’s The Way Forward.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Mandé Sila: Habib Koité, Aly Keïta and Lamine Cissokho on Wednesday, October 30 at 8 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall. Named the biggest pop star of the West African nation of Mali by Rolling Stone, Habib Koité’s sophisticated acoustic guitar technique brings the pentatonic tuning of the griot’s traditional kora to the slashing solos of classic rock. Koité’s soulful voice and magnetic personality have made him an international star of contemporary world music and inspired collaborations with the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne and Eric Bibb. In this all-star ensemble, two other standard bearers of West African musical traditions join Koité: kora player Lamine Cissokho and balafon master Aly Keïta.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan’s 13 Tongues on Saturday, November 2 at 7:30 p.m. at The Granada Theatre. In 13 Tongues, Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan brings the sights and sounds of Taiwan’s legendary night markets to life in all their human and spiritual dimensions. Mixing traditional storytelling with futuristic imagery and shifting between folk, classical and electronic music sources, 13 Tongues delivers an unforgettable experience of contemporary dance at its most innovative and spectacular. Drawing on childhood memories of a famous street performer from 1980s Taipei, Artistic Director Cheng Tsung-lung and the Cloud Gate dancers weave a brilliant tapestry of ancient and modern images set to a dazzling range of musical idioms.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents reigning violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman and Friends on Thursday, November 7 at 7 p.m. at The Granada Theatre. Two of the world’s most distinguished pianists – Emanuel Ax and Jean-Yves Thibaudet – join the reigning virtuoso of the violin Itzhak Perlman and the “endlessly agile” (The New York Times) Juilliard String Quartet for an evening of exceptional chamber music. Each member of this remarkable all-star lineup is fully capable of commanding a rapt audience on their own. In this lush and thrilling program of works spanning three centuries, they explore textures and nuances of expression only available to an extended ensemble.
SANTA BARBARA – UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Anne Lamott in a talk titled Somehow: Thoughts on Love on Wednesday, November 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arlington Theatre. An enchanting, lyrical writer, Anne Lamott takes on the most complex, intimate parts of life with grace and precision. Her novels and memoirs have won the most sought-after literary prizes and her latest book, Somehow: Thoughts on Love, explores the struggles of love and the transformative power of intimacy. Lamott’s trademark honesty and humor will be on full display as she discusses finding love late in life, the changing ways we love our children and the ways love can keep us going in a painful world.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Disney’s Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert on Thursday, November 14 at 6:30 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre. Sing along with Disney’s Academy Award-winning film Encanto as the magical tale of the extraordinary Madrigal family unfolds on the big screen.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Dr. Uché Blackstock in a talk titled Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons With Racism in Medicine on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall. FREE copies of Blackstock’s new book, Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons With Racism in Medicine, will be available while supplies last (pick up at event; one per household).
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Father Gregory Boyle speaking on the topic of Cherished Belonging: The Healing Power of Love in Divided Times on Tuesday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Campbell Hall.Over the past 30 years, Father Gregory Boyle has transformed thousands of lives through his work as the founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention program in the world.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Dorrance Dance’s The Nutcracker Suite on Thursday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. at The Arlington Theatre. Tap and jazz take on Tchaikovsky in Dorrance Dance’s vibrant version of this beloved holiday classic. The renowned tap company boogies, slides, struts and dives through the magical story of a young girl and her fantastical Christmas adventure. Taking their cue from Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn’s extraordinary reinterpretation of The Nutcracker Suite, Michelle Dorrance and co-choreographers Hannah Heller and Josette Wiggan transform the Sugar Plum Fairy into a slinky Sugar Rum Cherry, while the “March of the Toy Soldiers” becomes a swinging “Peanut Brittle Brigade,” featuring live music.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway on Friday, December 6 at 8:00 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall. A multi-talented songwriter and vocalist, Molly Tuttle’s spellbinding lyrics and exquisitely-crafted sound have garnered her a Best New Artist Grammy nomination and unprecedented back-to-back wins for Best Bluegrass Album in 2023 and 2024. She is lauded as “one of the world’s best guitar players” by American Songwriter and is the first woman ever named Guitar Player of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association. Together with her band Golden Highway, Tuttle weaves modern folk, bluegrass and Americana into an eclectic yet seamless musical fabric that stretches from Del McCoury to Jefferson Airplane and beyond.
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 — 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 — UCSB Arts & Lectures presents its 2023-2034 season of world-class cultural and artistic events, from stimulating lectures and animated conversations with today’s thought leaders to brilliant performances by the world’s most accomplished dancers, singers, musicians and performers. Single (non-subscription) tickets for UCSB Arts & Lectures’ 2023-2024 season go on sale Friday, August 4 at 10 a.m.
The 2023-2024 season begins on Sunday, October 1 with a concert and opening night festivities featuring the Santa Barbara debut of five-time Grammy-winner Jacob Collier. The spectacular opening week continues with the Martha Graham Dance Company on October 4 and Americana heroes Nickel Creek and special guest Hawktail on October 8. The classical super trio of Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Lisa Batiashvili and Gautier Capuçon arrive on October 10 to kick off another extraordinary season of the Great Performances series.
SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures welcomes Jenna Hamilton-Rolle as Director of Education & Community Engagement. Hamilton-Rolle was the Director of Education at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center, and brings substantial experience with community outreach, K-12 field trips, hands-on educational programming, and site-specific experiential learning to her new role with Arts & Lectures.
“I believe everyone in our community deserves access to engaging, high-quality educational opportunities. In alignment with UCSB Arts & Lectures mission, my career goals revolve around inspiring, educating, and engaging an increasingly diverse public” said Hamilton-Rolle. She also said that she has “admired A&L’s commitment to excellence, cogent programming, and dedication to accessibility” since her time as a graduate student at UCSB.
We are excited to announce several added events and opportunities this spring. From National Poetry Month to Mother’s Day, there are many opportunities to gather, to share, to laugh, to reexamine and to rejoice.
Please also note that masks are no longer required in the auditorium, however they are strongly recommended for all guests. Read more about our health and safety policies.
Calling all poets! In the spirit of National Poetry Month, you are invited to submit an original poem in one of two categories: K-12 or age 18+.
Instructions: Read U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón’s poem “Instructions on Not Giving Up,” which describes the growth of green leaves in spring as “a return to the strange idea of continuous living despite the mess of us, the hurt, the empty.” Then write a poem on A&L’s 2023 Thematic Learning Initiative theme of Leadership and Vision that’s about something that inspires you to move forward with strength, determination and hope.
Prizes include having your poem published in the Santa Barbara Independent, a copy of Ada Limón’s book The Hurting Kind, a $50 gift certificate to Chaucer’s Books and a $500 A&L ticket voucher good through 2024. One winner in each of the K-12 and 18+ categories will receive all of the prizes.
Editor’s note: UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L) announces that Nobel Peace Prize-winning journalist Maria Ressa has postponed her January 19 Santa Barbara appearance in order to appear in court in Manila, Philippines. The event is currently being rescheduled and the new date will be announced in the coming weeks.
Named one of Rolling Stone’s 50 Best Stand-up Comics of All Time, Tig Notaro is an Emmy and Grammy nominated comedian, writer, radio contributor and actor. She wrote and starred in the groundbreaking TV show One Mississippi and just released her second HBO special, Tig Notaro: Drawn. In 2021, Notaro co-directed the feature film Am I OK?, which debuted at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. She hosts the critically-acclaimed advice podcast Don’t Ask Tig and co-hosts the hilarious documentary film podcast Tig and Cheryl: True Story.
