Benise – Fiesta! 2024

by Gina Graham

November 24, 2023

BENISE – FIESTA!

Emmy Award Winning Spanish Guitar and Dance Spectacular!

It’s one hot night as Benise, “The Prince of Spanish Guitar,” and his Emmy Award winning production come to town as part of his global tour. Armed with his Spanish guitar, Benise will take the audience on an unprecedented and epic adventure through Spanish Flamenco, Cuban Salsa, Brazilian Samba, Parisian Waltz, exotic drumming, and more!

‘The Prince of Spanish Guitar’ – Dancing With The Stars

‘Bennissimo!’ – Chicago News

‘Extreme Flamenco Fusion’ – Screen India

FIESTA! showcases songs from Benise’s 7^th PBS Special. Performing classic Rock anthems from Led Zeppelin and AC/DC and fusing them with Spanish guitar and dance to bring a fierce intensity to these new interpretations. In addition, Benise adds his signature touch to classics such as “Ave Maria, “Moonlight Sonata,” and Vivaldi’s “Summer” from The Four Seasons.

For Benise, music has always been a journey. From his humble beginnings as a street performer, to being featured on the #1 rated show in the USA – Dancing With The Stars, and performing around the world. “I wanted to push the boundaries of Nuevo Flamenco/Spanish guitar while combining the elements of dance and theater. This show is a celebration of all the shows we’ve done over the last 20 years,” comments composer, virtuoso guitarist and creative force behind the event, Benise.

The Emmy Award-winning composer along with an international cast of musicians and dancers will entertain audiences with a two-hour show that “is an escape from all their problems,” Benise says. “Much like the recent PBS special, with this show I want to take the audience on an escape to Spain…to a beautiful Spanish courtyard filled with Flamenco dancers, stunning costumes, and fiery Spanish guitars. BENISE adds, “This is a great show for the whole family; I really think we have something for everyone. I hope people will be inspired by our story, by the music, by the production–and have the passion to follow their own dreams. I have always loved to travel, my heritage is Bohemian (from Prague), so I think it’s in my blood. I can’t wait to go to new cities, meet new people, and play every night–it’s what I live for.”

The Theatrical World Music and Dance spectacle that has been called

“The Latin Riverdance”
benise.com

No related posts available.

Immediate Family 2024

by Josh James

November 21, 2023

Very often a band’s formation can come from what seems like a preordained convergence. Musicians meet, they may perform together in various configurations. Time goes by as each one develops their own career. But sometimes there can be a musical attraction that puts them together again, and finally, each member seems to realize at the same time: this is a band. When that happens, it becomes clear that fate has a hand in what has come together. And like the time-tested saying goes, don’t fight it.

That is exactly what occurred when The Immediate Family became a band – Danny Kortchmar, **Waddy Wachtel**, Russ Kunkel, Leland Sklar, and Steve Postell – probably have more session and live show mileage than just about any other living players today. Each is known for their prodigious ability to be in the right place and at the right time on an endless list of best-selling and hugely influential recordings over the past 50 years.

The Immediate Family’s sophomore studio album, Skin In The Game via Quarto Valley Records, takes everything the quintet excels at and shows how groups of this caliber grow in ways that often aren’t expected. The band is also the subject of a full-length documentary that goes into depth about the long history of the group and all the accomplishments each individual member has made. Directed by Danny Tedesco, the movie will be distributed by Magnolia Pictures in late 2023.

This show is the band’s Record Release Party!

**Event Update: Elliot Easton, guitarist from The Cars, will be stepping
in for Waddy Wachtel for this event.**

No related posts available.

Cat Power 2024

by Josh James

November 14, 2023

Last November in London, Cat Power took the stage at Royal Albert Hall and delivered a song-for-song recreation of one of the most fabled and transformative live sets of all time. Held at the Manchester Free Trade Hall in May 1966 – but long known as the “Royal Albert Hall Concert” due to a mislabeled bootleg – the original performance saw Bob Dylan switching from acoustic to electric midway through the show, drawing ire from an audience of folk purists and forever altering the course of rock-and-roll.

In her own rendition of that historic night, the artist otherwise known as Chan Marshall inhabited each song with equal parts conviction and grace and a palpable sense of protectiveness, ultimately transposing the anarchic tension of Dylan’s set with a warm and luminous joy. Now
captured on the live album Cat Power Sings Dylan: The 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert, Marshall’s spellbinding performance both lovingly honors her hero’s imprint on history and brings a stunning new vitality to many of his most revered songs.

A singularly gifted song interpreter whose catalog includes three acclaimed covers albums (2000’s The Covers Record, 2008’s Jukebox,
2022’s Covers), Marshall holds an especially strong affinity for the songwriter-poet. Like the original concert (and all of Dylan’s 1966 world tour), Marshall kept the first half of her set entirely acoustic, then went electric for the second half with the help of a full band: guitarist Arsun Sorrenti, bassist Erik Paparozzi, multi-instrumentalists Aaron Embry (harmonica, piano) and Jordan Summers (organ, Wurlitzer), and drummer Josh Adams.

No related posts available.

Alan Parsons and Friends 75th Birthday Tribute Concert

by Gina Graham

November 8, 2023

Join Alan Parsons, Michael McDonald, Al Stewart, Joe Bonamassa, Terry Sylvester (The Hollies), David Pack (Ambrosia) and special guests in an all-star tribute concert to Alan on his 75^th birthday. VIP tickets include premium seating, and an opportunity join the artists backstage for a meet and greet. Proceeds benefit One805 and the First Responders of Santa Barbara County.

alanparsons.com

No related posts available.

The Wailin’ Jennys

by Josh James

November 7, 2023

The Wailin’ Jennys are Nicky Mehta, Ruth Moody and Heather Masse — three distinct voices that together make an achingly perfect vocal sound.

Starting as a happy accident of solo singer/songwriters getting together for a one-time-only performance at a tiny guitar shop in Winnipeg, Manitoba, The Wailin’ Jennys have grown over the years into one of today’s most beloved international folk acts. Founding members Moody and Mehta along with New York-based Masse continue to create some of the most exciting music on the folk-roots scene, stepping up their musical game with each critically lauded recording, and thrilling audiences with their renowned live performances.

No related posts available.

An Evening with The Kingston Trio 2024

by Gina Graham

October 31, 2023

Fans of legendary folk icons The Kingston Trio can re-discover their timeless music all over again. In celebration of 60-plus years of music, the iconic folk group performs their best-loved songs as part of the ‘Keep The Music Playing’ national tour. All three current members, Mike Marvin, Tim Gorelangton and Buddy Woodward, have intrinsic links to the original group: Mike is the “adopted son” of founding member Nick Reynolds, who was also his musical mentor; Tim, a friend of John Stewart since he was in his early twenties, is one of the few musicians outside the Trio who has recorded with Nick Reynolds; and Buddy Woodward, a highly regarded musician who has worked with former Trio member George Grove.

The Kingston Trio Charted Hits:

‘ Tom Dooley’, ‘MTA’ (He’ll Never Return), ‘Where Have All The Flowers Gone’, ‘Scotch & Soda’, ‘Greenback Dollar’, ‘A Worried Man’, ‘Hard Travelin’, ‘Five Hundred Miles’, ‘Tijuana Jail’, ‘I’m Goin’ Home’, ‘This Land Is Your Land’, and many more. With a Special Tribute to Arlo Guthrie!

No related posts available.

An Evening with Karla Bonoff

by Josh James

October 31, 2023

Getting her start in the flourishing music scene of Southern California in the ’60s and ’70s, Karla Bonoff is one of the leading singer-songwriters of her generation. Her impressive career, which has spanned over four decades, includes opening for James Taylor and Jackson Browne, touring with Bonnie Raitt, as well as writing and recording songs for iconic films. Bonoff has enjoyed critical acclaim, enduring popularity, and the unwavering respect of her peers.

In addition to her own chart success with recordings such as “Personally” and the Footloose single “Somebody’s Eyes,” she has penned chart-topping hits for megastars such as Bonnie Raitt, Wynonna Judd, Trisha Yearwood and Linda Ronstadt, with many of her ballads becoming pop classics. Performing sold-out concerts worldwide, Bonoff invites audiences to enjoy her greatest hits in an intimate format, where she will deliver many of her popular ballads, such as “All My Life,” “Someone to Lay Down Beside Me,” and “Tell Me Why,” as well as originals from her 2019 album, Carry Me Home. Enjoy this rare evening showcasing a versatile artist’s impressive music legacy.

No related posts available.

Fly Fishing Film Tour 2024

by Gina Graham

October 27, 2023

Join the Santa Barbara Flyfishers for the Central Coast premiere of the Fly Fishing Film Tour 2024. Come early to browse our raffle prizes, learn about our conservation and community partners, enjoy some food and drink, and learn about the clubs’ upcoming fly fishing adventures! Seating is limited; get your tickets early!

The event comes to the historic Lobero Theater showing a series of short films featuring amazing fly-fishing experiences from around the globe. Attendees will experience wrestling peacock bass in the Amazon, conservation efforts in the Bahamas, a look at growing up with a fly rod in the Pacific Northwest and many more. It’s a movie night that promises to reel you in!

Beyond the films, the event is about community connection and conservation. Our Community partners: The Mayfly Project (https://themayflyproject.com), Merito Foundation (www.meritofoundation.org), and Casting for Recovery (https://castingforrecovery.org) will be present on the Lobero patio from 5:30 pm to raise awareness of the work they are doing to introduce foster children to fly fishing their local waters, teach conservation to students and teachers inside and outside of the classroom, and host fly fishing retreats for women with or recovering from cancer respectively.

We want to thank our amazing corporate sponsor, We Are Airstream Santa Barbara, for helping to make this event possible. https://www.weareairstreamsuperstore.com/

No related posts available.

The Magical Music of Motown – 2024

by Gina Graham

October 23, 2023

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Be quick; their previous shows SOLD OUT early !!!

Don’t miss this SUPERBAND with internationally acclaimed artists who faithfully recreate the dynamic performances of: The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Martha and The Vandellas, The Four Tops, The Jackson Five, Smokey Robinson and many more MOTOWN Legends.

This amazing show presents many classic MOTOWN hits including: Reach Out, Stop In The Name Of Love, Ain’t Too Proud To Beg, Heatwave, Get Ready, Dancing in The Street, Signed Sealed Delivered, You Can’t Hurry Love, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, My Girl , Can You Feel It , I Want You Back and many more

CHECK OUT the amazing performing credits of our world class band who love to pay tribute to the wonderful music that inspires them.

They have collectively played or recorded with: Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Jacksons, The Supremes, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, Gladys Knight, Bill Withers, Boz Skaggs, Bobby Womack, Earth Wind and Fire, Isaac Hayes, J LO, Aretha Franklin, David Foster, Rose Royce, The GAP Band, Englebert Humperdinck, Sheila E, Usher, Teena Marie, etc.

themagicalmusicofmotown.com

No related posts available.

Hallelujah Project 9 2023

by Gina Graham

October 21, 2023

Join the Santa Barbara Choral Society for our Hallelujah Project 9, an annual community tradition for all ages. This year will feature Justin Fox of Dishwalla, Music Academy SING! Children’s chorus, a full orchestra, and a visit from jolly old St. Nick. We’ll celebrate the season together with an eclectic mix of holiday favorites, including select choruses from Bach’s Magnificat, A Christmas Carol from Scrooge: The Musical, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet, classic carols, and an audience singalong of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah.

No related posts available.

Journey USA

by Gina Graham

October 17, 2023

Journey USA is the closest thing to ‘70s & ‘80s Journey music you’ll ever hear!

Start with a singer who was hired to do vocal work for Steve Perry during his solo career. Add the rest of the band—a guitarist who played and penned multiple hits for Grammy nominee, Great White in the ‘80s MTV era, a drummer who also toured with Great White, and a veteran multi-instrumentalist with 3 appearances on AXS TV’s World’s Greatest Tribute Bands, the thundering precision of bassist Jeffrey Bretz—and you have Journey USA!

With an emphasis on crowd participation and high energy performances, this talent-packed Journey tribute band captures the signature sound of the supergroup with hits like Don’t Stop Believing, Open Arms, Separate Ways, and Any Way You Want It, every song executed with stunning precision!

Since its inception, Journey USA has delivered dynamic performances to thousands of fans at casinos, fairs, festivals, private functions and corporate events, its members frequently appearing on AXS TV’s World’s Greatest Tribute Bands. In 2022, Royal Caribbean jumped onboard, signing Journey USA to a long-term contract.

If you want the best possible Journey experience out there, look no further—it’s Journey USA!

journeyusaband.com

No related posts available.

Gary Gulman

by Gina Graham

October 17, 2023

Over 25 years in comedy, Gary Gulman has established himself as an eminent performer and peerless writer. In addition to countless TV appearances as both a comedian and an actor, Gulman has made four masterful TV specials. His latest universally acclaimed stand-up special for HBO, “The Great Depresh,” is a tour de force look at mental illness, which is equal parts hilarious and inspiring. In 2019, he appeared in the international blockbuster “Joker.” Gulman can most recently be seen co-starring with Amy Schumer in the hit Hulu comedy series, “Life & Beth.”

His first book published by Flatiron Books is titled “Misfit: Growing Up Awkward in the ’80s”, a memoir based on his life from kindergarten through twelfth grade. It was released in September of 2023. Today, Gulman is one of the most popular touring comics, selling out theaters around the country, including the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City. Gary’s current tour, “Misfit: A Gary Gulman Stand Up & Book Tour,” will feature material based on his book, but not a repeat of the book.

No related posts available.

Judy Collins 2024

by Gina Graham

October 14, 2023

Judy Collins has long inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism. In the 1960s, she evoked both the idealism and steely determination of a generation united against social and environmental injustices. Five decades later, her luminescent presence shines brightly as new generations bask in the glow of her iconic body of work, and heed inspiration from her spiritual discipline to thrive in the music industry for half a century.

The award-winning singer-songwriter is esteemed for her imaginative interpretations of traditional and contemporary folk standards and her own poetically poignant original compositions. Her stunning rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” from her landmark 1967 album, Wildflowers, has been entered into the GRAMMY® Hall of Fame. Judy’s dreamy and sweetly intimate version of “Send in the Clowns,” a ballad written by Stephen Sondheim for the Broadway musical A Little Night Music, won Song of the Year at the 1975 GRAMMY® Awards. She’s garnered several top-ten hits gold and platinum-selling albums.

Judy is as creatively vigorous as ever, writing, touring worldwide, and nurturing fresh talent. She is a modern-day Renaissance woman who is also an accomplished painter, filmmaker, record label head, musical mentor, and an in-demand keynote speaker for mental health and suicide prevention. She continues to create music of hope and healing that lights up the world and speaks to the heart. Her 2022 release Spellbound, which marked the first all-original collection of her career, was nominated for a GRAMMY® Award for Best Folk Album, her second in the category.

No related posts available.

Sarah Jarosz 2024

by Josh James

October 3, 2023

With her captivating voice and richly detailed songwriting, Sarah Jarosz has emerged as one of the most compelling musicians of her generation. The Texas native started singing as a young girl and became an accomplished multi-instrumentalist by her early teens. After releasing her full-length debut Song Up in Her Head at 18-years-old, she went on to deliver such critically lauded albums as Follow Me Down, Build Me Up from Bones, and 2016’s Undercurrent.

The four-time GRAMMY® winner has announced her new album, Polaroid Lovers, set for release on January 26, 2024 via Rounder Records. The seventh album from Jarosz finds the highly decorated songwriter at the apex of change. Sarah spent most of her adult life living in New York City, but shortly before writing the album, Jarosz left her adopted home to join her soon-to-be husband in Nashville, TN. Polaroid Lovers is an album-long meditation on those strangely ephemeral moments that indelibly shape our lives.

The follow-up to 2020’s studio album World on the Ground (winner of the GRAMMY® Award for Best Americana Album) and 2021’s song cycle Blue Heron Suite, Polaroid Lovers embodies a bold new vitality that has much to do with a deliberate shift in Jarosz’s writing process and sonic approach. A widely beloved musician whose past efforts include teaming up with fellow singer/songwriters Sara Watkins and Aoife O’Donovan to form the GRAMMY® Award-winning trio I’m With Her — as well as appearing on albums by iconic artists like David Crosby and Amy Ray of Indigo Girls — Jarosz derived a particularly profound sense of purpose from the highly collaborative process behind Polaroid Lovers.

The Ballroom Thieves

Indie folk-rock duo The Ballroom Thieves hail from New England. Martin Earley and Calin Peters released their 4th album, Clouds, in 2022 via Nettwerk Records, which became an opportunity for the band to mine the challenges of the past three years for creative inspiration. Clouds is a song cycle born of mixed experiences and fueled by the power of imagination. The album is a lush meditation on longing to return to touring – to see different sunsets and cities. But, it’s also a reflection of its difficulties.

No related posts available.

Paula Cole

by Gina Graham

October 2, 2023

Join us for an evening with Grammy-winning artist Paula Cole.

Paula Cole has released music for over three decades, from her debut “Harbinger” in her androgynous combat boots and sensitive songs, to the everlasting hits of “This Fire” and “I Don’t Want to Wait”, to her genre-busting “Amen” (a neo-soul-touched tour de force). She has released seven solo albums of original songs, won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1998, and became the first woman ever to be nominated for “Producer of the Year” in her own right in that same year. Cole has been a truth-teller, a provocateur, a feminist, a rebel, and a brilliant autobiographical writer who has pushed for personal honesty and social change.

Paula Cole’s eleventh studio album, “Lo” is devastatingly personal and utterly gorgeous. Lo’s eleven songs, written entirely by Cole, navigate her opening to trust again after indelible blows of life. As the first woman to ever be nominated for the Best Producer Grammy in her own right, Paula Cole returns to the helm of recording as sole producer. “Lo” was recorded entirely live, featuring full band performances from Jay Bellerose (drums), Chris Bruce (guitars), Ross Gallagher (upright and electric bass, backing vocals) and Rich Hinman (pedal steel, guitars). It was recorded and mixed by nine-time-Grammy-award-winning-engineer, Mike Piersante, whose unique sound is the canvas for “Lo.”

Morley and Chris Bruce

Morley weaves the threads of jazz, soul, and folk traditions into a singular tapestry of vocal and acoustic splendor. The singer-songwriter/producer has released six solo artist albums under the auspices of Sony and Universal, as well as independently. She is joined by her husband, Chris Bruce, a multi-instrumentalist, producer, writer, recording, and touring musician.

No related posts available.