May 2012: Calendar

All numbers are in the 805 area code unless otherwise noted. The calendar in next month’s June 2012 issue runs from Friday, June 1 to Saturday, June 30. Please make calendar submissions by the 15th of the month preceding the month your event is in. Submissions without a contact number for information verification or a publishable public information number will not be published. We will not be responsible for late changes or omissions in editorial materials previously submitted. All calendar listings are free and publication is based on space availability with advertisers’ activities, free events and nonprofits receiving space priority.  Submit calendar copy to: michael@sbfamilylife.com

Ongoing

Santa Barbara High School Theatre, Into the Woods

– An ambivalent Cinderella? A witch who raps? A Prince Charming with a roving eye? They’re all among the cockeyed characters in this fractured fairy tale by Stephen Sondheim, featuring book by James Lapine. It’s a high-end musical journey and quest to have a spell broken and a wish granted, which brings disastrous results. And what begins as a lively, irreverent fantasy in the style of The Princess Bride becomes a lesson about community responsibility and the stories we tell our children. Directed by Otto Layman, it’s one of Sondheim’s most popular works and a timeless yet relevant modern classic. Ongoing performances are Saturday April 28 at 7 p.m; Thursday, May 3 at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Friday, May 4 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, May 5 at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, May 6 at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information, call 966-9101, ext. 220, or online at www.sbhstheatre.com

 

 

 

Santa Barbara City College Theatre Group, “Through the Fire,”

see Arts & Entertainment

Circle Bar B Theatre, Wally’s Café

– Performances through May 20 of this classic that chronicles the paths of a New Jersey couple, Wally Murdock (Sean O’Shea) and his wife, Louise (Jean Hall), who buy a diner in the Mojave Desert in 1940. Enter Janet (Tiffany Story) on their opening day, a woman on her way to Hollywood to become a movie star, and a span of 50 years is launched as Wally, Louise and Janet move forward with lives in which eternal hope replaces fading dreams. Directed by Bill Egan, this funny and touching classic allows actors to portray characters from their late 20s to their early 70s. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. with brunch at 1 p.m. For tickets and more information call 967-1962 or check www.circlebarbtheatre.com

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday 1

Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra, Arunjuez to Italia

– Considered one of the “youngest stars of the guitar world” by The New York Times, Jason Vieaux (pictured) is a musician noted for his imaginative programming, virtuosic technique and unique communicative gifts, which will be showcased at the Lobero when he performs Joaquin Rodrigo’s Concierto de Arunjuez as guest soloist for this last SBCO concert of the season. Vieaux is currently head of the guitar department of the Cleveland Institute of Music, and, this season, has also performed works by Rodrigo, as well as Vivaldi and Castelnuovo-Tedesco, for the Buffalo and Ft. Wayne Philharmonics and the symphonies of Richmond, Kitchener-Waterloo and Amarillo has 11 commercially successful CDs to his credit and annually his communicative gifts are the subject of feature articles in print and Internet media outlets around the world. Under the musical direction of conductor Heiichiro Ohyama, the program is also seasoned with an Italian flavor in featuring Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4, Op. 90, “Italian,” as well as Ottorino Respighi’s Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite No. 3; 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, call the Lobero Theatre Box Office at      963-0761 or purchase online at www.lobero.com

Santa Barbara Revels, May Day Celebration

– At this year’s 4th annual celebration, you’ll dance, sing and circle ’round the maypole at a new location

in Center Court at Paseo Nuevo Mall. And again this year, Revels song leader Ken Ryals will lead everyone in festive spring songs, the Pacific Sword Company will perform their complicated maneuvers and traditional sword dance, and the Revels Morris Men will cajole everyone into joining them in a Country Dance. It’s all capped off with everyone learning how to circle the maypole with colorful ribbons; 5 p.m., and the celebration is free. Got questions? Call 565-9357 or check online at www.santabarbararevels.org

 

 

 

Thursday 3

Ojai Storytelling Festival,

see Events

San Marcos High School Performing Arts Department, Kiss Me, Kate – “Too Darn Hot,”

“Another Op‘nin’, Another Show,” and “So In Love” are only three of the many familiar songs from Cole Porter’s original Broadway production of Kiss Me, Kate featured in this 2000 revival by the San Marcos High School Performing Arts Department. It’s a classic show-within-a-show about a theatre company’s staging of a new musical based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Fred C. Graham (played by David Childs) is the producer, director and star of “Shrew” and it reunites him with his ex-wife, Lilli Vanessi (Kelly Noe), who plays the shrewish Katherine. The on again/off again nature of their relationship off- stage is echoed in the love/hate relationship between their on-stage Shakespearean counterparts in ”Shrew,” Petruchio and Katherine. And from within their respective roles, their love is renewed and launches a hilarity that runs from jealousy and revenge to gambling and the show-stopping tune “Brush Up Your Shakespeare”— sung by two mobsters. The production is directed by David Holmes with vocal direction by Carolyn Teraoka-Brady and conducted by Michael Kiyoi, sets by Theodore Michael Dolas, costumes by Marian Azdril and choreography by Lyndsey Gallagher. Opening this evening at 7 p.m., performances run May 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12 at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium, 4750 Hollister Ave. Tickets available at the box office or online at www.shopsmroyals.org and for more information call 967-4581.

 

Friday 4

UCSB Music Department, The Coronation of Poppea.

Opening this evening with performances through May 5. See Arts & Entertainment.

Saturday 5

Elephants Umbrella Fund Sale

– An annual sale whose proceeds go to saving the Asian elephant (pictured). Featured items include dish gardens, shade and garden plants and accessories, unused Chimera, turquoise Indian jewelry, bags, jade, Pashmina jackets and silk scarves, pots, ceramics and much more; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow, Sunday, May 6; 2121 Mt. Calvary Road. – follow the signs behind the Riviera near Sheffield Reservoir. For more information, check www.elephantsumbrella.org

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday 6

UCSB Arts & Lectures, Family Fun Series, Dan Zanes and Friend,

see Arts & Entertainment.

Santa Barbara Children’s Chorus, “An Evening of A Cappella & Jazz,”

see Arts & Entertainment.

 

Tuesday 8

Theatre League, Broadway at the Granada, Cirque Dreams Pop Goes the Rock,

see Arts & Entertainment.

Sunday 13 – Mother’s Day

Santa Barbara Jazz Society, “Peter Clark and Friends”

On this Mother’s Day, treat mom to some great jazz sounds at SOhO where pianist/musician Peter Clark (pictured) takes to the stage. Clark has had a stellar career as an entertainer in the US as well as Australia & Europe, opening for such jazz greats as Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Eckstine, & Oscar Peterson.  There will be a great lineup of guest musicians and singers, including singers James Arnold, Lois Mahalia and Daniel Salinas. Backing up Clark and friends is  bassist Louis Kabok, who was in Clark’s first band in the ’60s, drummer Craig Thatcher and saxophonist Justine Clavier; 1 to 4 p.m., SOhO Restaurant & Music Club, 1221 State St., upstairs in Victoria Court. Got questions? Call 570-1053 or check www.sbjazz.org

Friday 18

City at Peace, Echoes

Written and performed by a diverse group of local teens from several area high schools and junior highs, Echoes features original poems, monologues and songs in a production that embraces themes of divorce, bullying and social media. The production delves into the hearts and minds of local teens as they come to terms with their own life stories through the healing power of art in all its forms, and offers a true-to-life glimpse into the lives of teens and the issues they face. The production is directed by teenager Waldo Damaso-Figueroa — mentored by artistic director Joseph Velasco — produced by Karena Jew and City at Peace with musical direction by John Douglas, assisted by student lyricists and musicians. One performance on Friday May 18  at 7:30 p.m. with Open Mic to follow. At Center Stage Theatre, upstairs in Paseo Nuevo.   Got questions? Call 899-4292 or check www.cityatpeace.org

 

The Howard School, “Passport to Kindergarten”

- An opportunity for families who have kids entering kindergarten or pre-K to spend a morning exploring what Kindergarten is all about at the Howard School. Upon arrival, kids will receive a passport, have their photo taken, and then go to arts, letters, numbers, music, storytelling, etc., stations throughout the school campus, and discover all the fascinating things they will do in Kindergarten. At each station they will receive a stamp in their passport and parents will also have the opportunity to tour the school and talk to the headmaster about Kindergarten readiness. The morning ends with a healthy snack and the kids will have a full passport, to take home to remind them of what they have to look forward to; 8 a.m., 5315 Foothill Road in Carpinteria (at the Girls Inc. facility). RSVP appreciated, but not mandatory. Got questions? Call the school office at 745-8448, email to the office@thehowardschool.org or check online at www.thehowardschool.org

Ojai ACT (Art Center Theatre), “Brooklyn Boy,”

see Arts & Entertainment.

Sunday 20

Santa Barbara Dance Institute, Imagine That!

– An original dance performance and theater piece written by Rosalina Macisco and Rod Lathim for young people to explore the vast possibilities of what can happen when imagination and creativity are made a priority. The production highlights a kaleidoscope of music from vintage through contemporary and explores the wonder of letting one’s creativity run wild through the medium of dance. Featured are more than 300 young dancers from elementary schools in Santa Barbara, Solvang and Goleta as well as teachers, parents and community members; 3 p.m., Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E. Cota St. For tickets at $15 adults, $5 children and $10 for groups of five, call the Lobero Theatre Box Office at 963-0761, order online at www.lobero.com or make a donation for general admission at the door one hour before the performance. Got questions? Call 245-0794.

 

Music at Trinity Concert Series, Astonishment! Young Artists in Concert

- An annual concert featuring local youth in a program of music for voice, piano, flute, piccolo, classical guitar, viola, cello, trumpet, violin and organ and highlighted by a behind-the-scenes “Organ Encounter” demonstration of the organ’s 3,000 pipes and chambers. 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, 1500 State St. For more information, call 965-7419, 687-0189 or check online at   www.trinitysb.org

Santa Barbara Blues Society, Tab Benoit

- Louisiana Bluesman and environmentalist Tab Benoit (pictured) is the driving force behind Voice of the Wetlands, an organization dedicated to protecting and restoring Louisiana wetlands. Winner of The Blues Foundation “Best Album of the Year,” “B. B. King Entertainer of the Year” and “Blues Performer of the Year” — twice — Benoit’s live shows spotlight his powerful vocals and guitar prowess that blends Cajun gumbo with Deep South rural blues flavoring. Back by popular demand, his November 2008 SBBS appearance drew its largest crowd in 15 years and he continues to mesmerize audiences from coast to coast and has received rave review for his latest CD, “Medicine.” The show features free barbeque snacks and a large dance floor. Doors open at 6 p.m., music starts at 7 p.m., Warren Hall, Earl Warren Showgrounds. Got questions?  Call 722-8155 or check www.SBBlues.org

 

Phoenix Boys Choir,

a fundraiser hosted by and for Santa Barbara Children’s Chorus. See Arts & Entertainment.

Friday 25

West Coast Chamber Orchestra, Bach by Candlelight

– This 30th anniversary concert, hosted by the Cielo Foundation, features an all-Bach program under the musical direction of conductor Christopher Story VI. Guest artist includes Westmont Symphony conductor Michael Shasberger conducting The Santa Barbara Chamber Singers; 8 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, 1500 State St. Tickets are available at the Arlington Ticket Agency at 963-4408 and at the door. Got questions? Call 962-6609.

Saturday 26

Dos Pueblos High School, Urinetown:

The Musical  – A musical comedy that satirizes the legal system, social irresponsibility, bureaucracy, municipal politics, and much more, including the Broadway musical itself as a form given the show’s unconventional plotline that shatters audience expectations of a happy ending. The lead characters in this student-directed production are the revolutionary Bobby Strong (Cole Peterson) and the debutante Hope Cladwell (Cha Cha Fisher), both of which are roles included on the New York Theatre Monthly list of “The 100 Greatest Roles in Musical Theatre.” The cast also features Ben Teng and Anisha Kumar. Directed by Fernanda Douglas with co-choreographers Mae Rennick and Daniel Salinas, set design by Jeremy Zaida, costume design by Savannah Tingle, the only non-student participant is music director John Douglas. Two performances only today at 2 and 7 p.m., Elings Performing Arts Center, Dos Pueblos High, 7266 Alameda Ave. Tickets at $5 available at the door. Questions? Call 968-2541 or www.dptheatrecompany.org

 

Rudenko School of Dance, “Totally Gershwi

n” – a 44th annual production featuring dancers ages 4 years old to adults who will perform tap, jazz and ballet in a show the whole family will enjoy. This year’s production showcases a variety of dances choreographed to the music of George and Ira Gershwin; 7 p.m., Marjorie Luke Theatre, 721 E. Cota St. on the campus of Santa Barbara Junior High. Tickets at $13 general and $5 for children can be purchased in advance by calling 687-7816 or pre-performance at the door.

 

Sunday 27