Author Archives: angie

Friends and Immediate Family
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On April 2, 2019, the Lobero Theatre presented The Immediate Family, a group of top session players behind nearly 5,000 hit records. Alan Kozlowski has been working with members of the amazing band for much of his prolific photographic career. Herewith, a few of his own words about the evening:

“It gave me great pleasure to photograph them again and present some of my musical portraits at the VIP reception that was part of their recent performance at the Lobero Theatre.

Finding the moment…. visual phrasing …. musical immersion. These are the qualities that I engage with when photographing the musical experience. Being present to witness and capture the inspiration expressed without attempting to influence it. Being transparent. Using my experience as a performing musician myself to guide me in knowing when to be intimate and jam and when to layout and disappear. The Dance.

I feel so honored to be part of the Lobero community, living just two blocks away, it is my musical home and I love being a part of it all, occasionally performing, usually capturing the magic photographically, and always being present to witness the wonderful artistry presented. May it continue.”

Through his continual travel, deep exploration, extensive relationships, vivid imagination and undending curiosity Alan Kozlowski remains to this day…on the path of discovery. View Alan’s photos and learn more at alankozlowski.photography

Opera Santa Barbara Returns
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Opera Santa Barbara at 25: Returns to its first home, the Lobero Theatre

In 1993 Marilyn Gilbert and the late Nathan Rundlett founded the Santa Barbara Grand Opera and the company’s first production was Die Fledermaus at the Lobero Theatre. Subsequent early productions included a company premiere of La Traviata – its first grand opera (1995), four performances of Carmen during Old Spanish Days, and then the “little company that could” launched its first full season with La bohème, Don Giovanni and Rigoletto in 1996. The company officially changed its name to Opera Santa Barbara before their 2003 tenth anniversary season with productions of Don Giovanni and Madama Butterfly. Subsequent years saw performances of Rigoletto, Ballo in Maschera, Italiana in Algeri, Faust, Cavalleria Rusticana, Pagliacci and Elixir of Love.

“This anniversary season not only celebrates the last 25 years but also documents our commitment to the next 25 and beyond. – Kostis Protopapas

Artistic & General Director Kostis Protopapas has pledged to nurture the future of opera by presenting contemporary works alongside the classics, to embrace change and to continuously seek new ways to share our vision and enrich lives.

Opera Santa Barbara closes its 25th Anniversary season at the Lobero Theatre with what is sure to be a memorable conclusion this season with Robert Ward’s “The Crucible” based on Arthur Miller’s classic American drama. 

What you should know
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About Laurie Bentson Kauth & the Brubeck Circle Residency Program

Last February, a new residency program made its debut thanks to the support of the Brubeck Circle members and one dynamic board member, Laurie Bentson Kauth.

Brandon Mowery, Lobero Theatre Director of Development, spent an afternoon with Laurie to learn more about this dynamic residency, and what fuels her philanthropic involvement with the Lobero Theatre.

BM:      How were you introduced to the Lobero board, and what is that experience like for you?

LBK:      Heritage Director Jim Dougherty called me up one day, out of the blue. Jim’s one of the most charming people I’ve ever met in my life! I’m really impressed with how much love there is and how excited and invested all of the Board members at the Lobero are.

BM:      How did you meet Derek Douget?

LBK:     My daughter went to law school in New Orleans and [in a nutshell] that’s how I met Derek, who is a jazz musician. It started as a running joke that whenever I would see Derek around Mardi Gras that I would tell him he had to perform at the Lobero.

BM:      At what point did the educational component for the residency start shining through?

LBK:     Established musicians in New Orleans are very cognizant of the new generation of kids in the arts. People like Derek look to foster these kids. I have to thank Administrative Director Marianne Clark at the Lobero and Kai Tepper at the Santa Barbara Bowl for their brainstorming and helping this to work.

BM:      What were the biggest takeaways from the 2018 residency?

LBK:      It was beyond my wildest dreams! The band embraced their role and made it very special. One moment that stood out is when they met a group of teens called the Jazz Villains, through Notes for Notes. The minute Derek’s band started playing in their tiny little recording studio, their faces were priceless.

BM:      What are your hopes moving forward with this residency? 

LBK:     I think we can get in front of more kids this year. It’s still amazing to me how it all came together! 

The Brubeck Circle Jazz Residency returns to Santa Barbara March 11-15, culminating with a performance by the Derek Douget Band that you won’t want to miss!

WATCH highlights from the 2018 Derek Douget Jazz Residency

Read the full interview in the Spring BACKSTAGE

The Lobero Experience
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Over the last six months, I’ve had the honor to meet many of our donors, patrons, and performers. Without fail, each expresses a tremendous love for the Lobero Theatre, and “The Lobero Experience.”

If you’re a frequent visitor, you know how it feels to be in the house when performers share personal stories about how long they’ve been playing here, and somehow it feels like you’re just chatting with an old friend.

An experience at the Lobero is about more than seeing a performance, it’s also about connecting and creating memories with others.

Our staff and crew work to create an atmosphere of intimacy, adding personal touches whenever we can. We view every performer, renter, patron, and donor as part of the Lobero family. This palpable quality of home, inclusion, and connection inspires artists and patrons alike to return time and again.

We hope you feel at home when you are here. After all, we’re family! 

Kindly, Adrienne DeGuevara, Asst. Director of Development

Celebrate 146 years of family and friends  February 22 – the Lobero’s Birthday – with #LOBEROGIVEDAY.

CAMA Celebrates 100 years
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CAMA at 100: The Centennial Season of Santa Barbara’s oldest arts organization

Beautiful music, exciting music, profound music—Community Arts Music Association has been bringing this gift to Santa Barbara for 100 years.

Born in the dark days following World War I, flourishing during the roaring twenties, and eluding demise during the great depression, CAMA has endured through a story of struggle, survival, and triumph as compelling as the world-renowned music and performers it presents.

CAMA’s roots date to the 1919 Civic Music Committee and the 1921 Orchestra Committee (Music Branch) of the Community Arts Association (CAA). Though they differed in approach, the two organizations were in accord in wanting to promote and provide the very best in classical music for Santa Barbara. It was the CAA that, in 1922, took on the monumental task of re-building Jose Lobero’s declining Opera House into the Lobero Theatre that we know today. Both organizations continued their work side-by-side until 1926 when the CAA Music Branch took on the work of the Civic Music Committee. In 1941, the Music Branch incorporated as a separate entity, CAMA, and continued the work begun in 1919.

CAMA’s presentation of live classical music performances featuring world-renowned artists and orchestras over the past 100 years is a testament to its founders and successors who have upheld their commitment to enriching Santa Barbara’s cultural life, and those who have supported this legacy. Today, CAMA continues to enrich the lives of the Santa Barbara region and its visitors to experience and enjoy classical music through live performances and educational outreach for future generations.

+ Celebrate the centennial season with CAMA’s Masterseries:  Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra (March 9), Garrick Ohlsson Piano, (March 30), Augustin Hadelich, Violin, (April 17), Mischa Maisky Cello and Lily Maisky Piano, (May 6).

A Salute to our Ushers
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We wanted to turn the spotlight to the real stars of each and every show at the Lobero–our family of volunteer ushers!

Herewith, four exemplary individuals who have been recognized as Usher of the Year:

  • “I have been ushering all of the wonderful music, humor, and educational and community events that this unique and wonderful theatre offers for 10 years, and it has been a life-changing experience. I am proud to be a part of the great Lobero family. Arriving early when the theatre is empty to help prepare for opening [the house], I’m still filled with anticipation at what magic is in store.”
    – Phil Parson, Usher of the Year 2014
  • “I find it incredibly difficult to put into words all of the gratitude that I have in my heart for being embraced and welcomed into the Lobero Theatre Family! It’s truly a very, very special venue. I still absolutely adore my favorite position of taking tickets, personally greeting and welcoming patrons with a smile to a place that feels like home, and that I have such great pride in being a part of!”
    – Evelyne Chezum, Usher of the Year 2015
  • “As a retired elementary teacher, ushering at the Lobero has allowed me to give back to the community. I am able to cross paths with patrons of all ages and work alongside people that I may not have met otherwise. The Lobero has introduced me to a wide range of talented artists–experiencing their performances is truly something I cherish!”
    – Sherry Shultz, Usher of the Year 2016
  • “I never tire of walking into one of Santa Barbara’s great architectural treasures; the Lobero is beautiful inside and out. As an usher, I most enjoy the patrons’ surprise and excitement on their first visit. The community of hardworking staff and volunteers is impressive–bright, interesting, dedicated, and positive. I have enjoyed experiencing the operation of a first-rate theatre and am most grateful for the new friendships and the opportunity to help.”
    –Linda Wolcott Moore, Usher of the Year 2017

Learn more about becoming an usher, and check out highlights from last year’s Halloween-themed celebration.

Meet Alan Kozlowksi
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About BACKSTAGE Cover artist

Known for his artistic vision and his deep understanding and love of music, Alan follows his passion for visual arts.

He began developing his skill as a photographer in 1973, which had led to the world of cinematography. Alan showcased his talent in several visually stunning films and critically-acclaimed films including, For Us The Living: The Medgar Evers Story and the majestic award-winning film Travellers and Magicians. Alan has produced and directed many music documentaries featuring such diverse artists as Ravi Shankar, Jackson Browne, Kenny Loggins, and Lionel Richie.

As a life-long seeker of knowledge, Alan began studying music with Pandit Ravi Shankar in 1978. He has performed with Ravi worldwide at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, and London’s Royal Opera House. Since 1978, Alan has actively documented the major milestones of Ravi’s life and has managed his visual archives.

Alan has been at the forefront of innovation in filmmaking for which he has received extensive recognition. In 1981 Alan developed a new technology where he filmed and directed a 360-degree, 70mm film for Envirovision Theaters. In 1993 he innovated, filmed and edited a simultaneous 10-screen feature presentation of Chinese culture for “Hawpaw Village”, a major theme park in Singapore. In 1984 Alan co-founded Pacific Ocean Post, a leading film and television post-production studio in Santa Monica, California, breaking new ground in the integration of digital technology and visual expression.

Through his continual travel, deep exploration, extensive relationships, vivid imagination, and unending curiosity Alan Kozlowski remains to this day on the path of discovery.

More at AlanKozlowski.com

Sip and Save the Planet
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After 10 years with the Lobero Theatre Foundation, Jessica Baggarly has moved on to greener pastures.

Jessica was a committed member of the Development team, who worked tirelessly to plan and host hundreds of events at the theatre.

It was not uncommon to see Jessica rolling up her sleeves to do the tough stuff–from moving tables to securing sponsorships, building relationships and signing contracts.

Today, Jessica is the proprietor of an environmentally conscious company, Tinkle Belle Diaper Service. Her lifelong love for the environment made an impact on the Lobero as well. Throughout her tenure at the theatre, Jessica to reduce waste. She was instrumental in implementing a theatrewide composting program through the City of Santa Barbara Trash & Recycling Program and put the Lobero on course to become a Certified Green Business in 2016.

Purchasing a reusable pint and using it each time you go to the Lobero–or the Santa Barbara Bowl–can help keep thousands of single-use cups out of the trash.

Let’s raise a pint to Jessica Baggarly, and a greener concert experience!

 

A Warm Welcome
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In June, Adrienne DeGuevara joined the foundation, and we couldn’t be happier with all she brings to the team.

Herewith, a few of her own words:

“It is my privilege to join the Lobero Theatre staff as the new Assistant Director of Development! For the past year, you may have seen me in the green room as hospitality coordinator, where I had the honor of welcoming and taking excellent care of our performing artists.

As a kid, I remember regular visits to the Lobero and consider them an integral part of my arts education. I have fond memories of going to shows with my father, who was a dancer and lover of music. My first introduction to opera–one of my father’s favorite musical genres–was at the Lobero.

Adrienne is celebrating her birthday on October 13 and asking friends to make a gift to support the Lobero Annual Fund.

If you are in Santa Barbara and can join me on my birthday the Lobero is presenting folk superstars, I’m With Her. It’s already sold out, and going to be an incredible show. If you donate over $100, I can offer a pair of tickets, and we can celebrate together. If you make a gift of any size, I’m happy to kick in free drink tickets to the next show you attend at the Lobero.

Either way, thanks for reading and let’s raise a glass to celebrate the arts and the Lobero with me on my birthday!”

Read more in the Fall issue of BACKSTAGE  or follow along with her fundraiser on Facebook.

Good vibes and great tunes
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This past season has been filled with good vibes and great tunes.

The Brubeck Circle Jazz Residency with New Orleans jazz musician Derek Douget hit all the right notes.

The week after Mardi Gras, bandleader Derek Douget assembled an impressive lineup of prestigious music educators from the New Orleans area and headed up to Santa Barbara to spend a week visiting local schools to hold clinics for jazz student. They sat in with different jazz ensembles across Santa Barbara County, tailoring each class to best benefit the students’ skills, from Jr. High jazz class to semi-regular college-age performers. These masterclasses were fun; the guys were generous and open to sharing insights from their own careers–from everything from tips on chord choices to being confident in their playing, and perhaps most importantly, showed what it’s like to make a living as a jazz artist and keep performing at a high level.

“When we performed together, it really reminded me why I love jazz so much.” – Iyana, The Jazz Villains 

Douget and his band topped off their visit with an unforgettable performance on February 23, 2018 sharing the stage with high school jazz artists, The Jazz Villains, and closed the evening in a second line parade around the auditorium that had the crowd on its feet (starts around 12 min).

WATCH the Derek Douget Jazz Residency in action

Photos & Video by David Bazemore

 

The Lobero is dedicated to enhancing music education through our youth programs and is reliant on the generosity of supporters like you.

As our fiscal year nears its end on May 31, we look for your help. Please consider making a gift today to keep inspiring young musicians.