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Keiko Matsui

by Gina Graham
May 7, 2019

Acclaimed pianist, composer and humanitarian Keiko Matsui’s transcendent and haunting melodies have long sought to build bridges. Her sonic cultural exchange has reached the hearts and minds of fans throughout the world and has allowed the pianist to work alongside icons Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Hugh Masekela and Bob James.

On February 22, 2019 Keiko Matsui released her 28th recording as leader, Echo, which she co-produced with GRAMMY® nominated producer Bud Harner. A master storyteller, Matsui crafts exquisite compositions replete with lush harmonies and global rhythms to create timeless musical anthems. Like iconic musicians Miles Davis and Shirley Horn, Keiko is also a master at utilizing space in her music to create a backdrop of drama, tension, and sheer beauty. Keiko’s most inspired work yet, Echo features numerous special guests including bassist Marcus Miller, saxophonist Kirk Whalum, vocalist Gretchen Parlato, guitarist Robben Ford and bassist (and son of Clint Eastwood) Kyle Eastwood. The all-star lineup also showcases premiere recording musicians drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, bassist, Jimmy Johnson and guitarist Paul Jackson, Jr. and percussionist Luis Conte, as well as Keiko’s top-notch touring band, Jimmy Branly, JP Mourão and Rico Belled.

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Danceworks 2019

by Genevieve Rhiger
May 6, 2019

Award-winning choreographer and director Doug Varone works in dance, theater, opera, film, and fashion. His company has been commissioned and presented to critical acclaim by leading international venues for over three decades. On tour, the company has performed in more than 125 cities in 45 states across the U.S. and in Europe, Asia, Canada, and South America. In the concert dance world, Varone has created a body of works globally. Commissions include the Paul Taylor Dance Company, Limón Company, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Rambert Dance Company (London), Martha Graham Dance Company, Dancemakers (Canada), Batsheva Dance Company (Israel), Bern Ballet (Switzerland), and An Creative (Japan), among others. The Company was in residence as part of SUMMERDANCE Santa Barbara in 1997, 1998, 2001, and 2007.

While in residence, Varone will create an ode to West Side Story, set to Leonard Bernstein’s iconic musical score. Inspired by Varone’s life-long obsession with the 1961 movie version of West Side Story, Doug Varone and Dancers will create a purely abstract dance work by absorbing the iconic masterpiece in all its aspects set to Leonard Bernstein’s iconic musical score. Varone will strip the Bernstein orchestral score of its narrative connotations and reimagine the score purely on the choreographic energy generated by its sounds and musical structure, and premiere the new work on September 6 & 7.

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Protected: Siudy Flamenco Intimo

by Gina Graham
May 3, 2019

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Lewis Black: Alive in Concert!

by Gina Graham
April 29, 2019

LEWIS BLACK, GRAMMY Award-winning, stand-up comedian, is one of the most prolific and popular performers working today. He executes a brilliant trifecta as a stand-up comedian, actor and author. Receiving critical acclaim, he performs more than 200 nights annually, to sold-out audiences throughout Europe, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. He is one of a few performers to sell out multiple renowned theaters, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Brooks Atkinson Theatre, New York City Center, the Main Stage at the Mirage in Las Vegas and most recently, a sold-out Broadway run at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City.

His live performances provide a cathartic release of anger and disillusionment for his audience. He is a passionate performer who is a more pissed-off optimist than a mean-spirited curmudgeon. Lewis is the rare comic who can cause an audience to laugh themselves into incontinence while making compelling points about the absurdity of our world.

LEWIS BLACK came into national prominence with his appearances on THE DAILY SHOW in 1996. Those appearances on THE DAILY SHOW led to comedy specials on HBO, Comedy Central, Showtime and Epix. In 2001, he won Best Male Stand-Up at the American Comedy Awards. He has released eight comedy albums, including the 2007 GRAMMY Award-winning The Carnegie Hall Performance. He won his second GRAMMY Award for his album Stark Raving Black and has published three bestselling books: Nothing’s Sacred (Simon & Schuster, 2005), Me of Little Faith (Riverhead Books, 2008) and I’m Dreaming of a Black Christmas (Riverhead Books, 2010). In 2012, he performed eight sell-out shows at Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway as well as did one of his two HBO Specials BLACK ON BROADWAY. In 2015, Black notably voiced the character “Anger” in the Academy Award winning film from Pixar, “Inside Out.”

Additionally, Lewis Black does a live streaming show called THE RANT IS DUE at the end of each of his standup performances. This show is written by the audience watching throughout the world and also by the audience in the area of each show. With so much to get off their chests, people use Lewis’ platform to Rant about what on their minds. For a view of the latest shows, and the submission form, click here.

 

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Leo Kottke 2019

by Genevieve Rhiger
April 23, 2019

This iconic acoustic guitarist is known for a fingerpicking style that draws on blues, jazz and folk music, as well as syncopated, polyphonic melodies. He overcame a series of personal obstacles, including partial loss of hearing and a nearly career-ending bout with tendon damage in his right hand, to emerge as a widely recognized master of his instrument. At each concert, Kottke intersperses his humorous monologues with vocal and instrumental selections spanning the entirety of his career, played solo on six- and 12-string guitars.

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FAF 2019 – Red Carpet Gala: COMPAÑÍA EDUARDO GUERRERO

by Gina Graham
April 20, 2019

Make a grand entrance on the red carpet along with other aficionados.  We plan to celebrate this 20-year milestone in style! Arrive early to enjoy the no-host bar while the anticipation and excitement build for the thrilling premiere of FARO.

Like a shining beacon, Eduardo Guerrero will immediately draw you into FARO (‘Lighthouse’). Inspired by a journey across Spain to discover the magic and majesty of the country’s lighthouses, this tour-through-dance starts in the north, with travels to the Faro de Peñas in Asturias, with a final stop in Cádiz, where the lighthouse plays a significant role in Guerrero’s first childhood memories.

FARO is an exhilarating, exciting, unscripted performance that fills the air with electricity thanks to Guerrero’s mesmerizing moves infused with passionate music and the vibrant colors of his changing costumes. It’s at once intense, playful, and bold — razor-sharp with calculated precision that excites with a sense of spontaneity.

Alberto Pizano Award for the Arts presented to Luisa Triana:  As part of the Red Carpet Gala and the premiere of FARO, we will open the show with a special awards presentation honoring flamenco icon Luisa Triana in recognition of a lifetime dedicated to the arts as a flamenco dancer, choreographer, and visual artist.

Born in Seville, Spain, Luisa Triana’s career in flamenco spans an impressive seven decades and includes performances in prestigious theaters in Spain and around the world, including our very own Lobero Theatre in 1962 where she returns on September 28th as the recipient of the Alberto Pizano Award for the Arts. The Flamenco Arts Festival is proud to welcome Ms. Triana back to Santa Barbara to receive this award for her many contributions to the arts.

Luisa Triana joins previous recipients Cristina Hoyos (2003), Roberto Amaral (2004), Juan Talavera (2009), and David Asbell (2017).

This event sponsored in part by the Tourist Office of Spain 

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FAF 2019 – Let’s Party Like It’s 1999: FAF OFFICIAL AFTER-PARTY

by Gina Graham
April 20, 2019

AFTER-PARTY SOLD OUT!

Immediately after the Gala Performance, the excitement continues in the beautiful Lobero Courtyard as we commemorate the founding of the Festival in 1999. The celebration will feature music, delicious lite bites, giveaways, and a special toast to the FAF. Plus, get a chance to meet Compañía Eduardo Guerrero and Luisa Triana. An event not to miss! No host bar.

Limited Capacity – only 140 Tickets Available! To assist with planning, tickets will only be sold in advance. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

 

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FAF 2019 – Opening Night Concert: ANDRES VADIN PROJECT

by Gina Graham
April 20, 2019

While we often think of flamenco in dance terms, it cannot exist without its heartbeat: the music. What better way to kick off this year’s festival than by celebrating this life force of flamenco!

After enjoying the Opening Night Reception, prepare to be thrilled by the Santa Barbara debut of the Andres Vadin Project. The music concert features Los Angeles based composer and guitarist Andres Vadin, Manuel Gutiérrez (vocals, dance), Yosmel Montejo (bass), Ioannis Goudelis (piano, accordion), and Diego Álvarez (percussion). Andres Vadin’s talent spans many different genres while highlighting the flamenco guitar as a universal instrument with no boundaries — a breathtaking fusion of traditional and contemporary interpretations, often infused with Cuban, Arabic, and jazz influences.

Vadin has played for some of the most talented flamenco artists known today, including Maria Juncal, Antonio Carmona, and José Antonio Rodriguez. He has also collaborated on Latin Grammy-nominated albums twice — in 2005 with Aceituna sin Hueso on the album Cuba Le Canta A Serrat and in 2017 with Oskar Cartaya on the album Bajo Mundo. He has toured throughout the world performing with Concha Buika, Faramarz Aslani, Wadih Al Safi, Billy Cobhan, and in festivals such as WOMAD, Glastonbury, Montreal International Jazz Music Festival, and rock legend Steve Vai’s Big Mama Jama Jam-a-thon. Vadin’s work also includes movie soundtracks for Whale of the Tale and Bel Canto.

Opening Night Reception / 6:00 pm: Join us on the Lobero Esplanade for what is guaranteed to be our most exciting opening night reception yet. Mingle with flamenco aficionados as you get ready to experience flamenco’s biggest stars from Spain and the U.S. This official kick-off of our 20th year will begin with wine tasting courtesy of Santa Barbara Winery. Free to ticket holders of the Opening Night Concert.

AN ACCESS TO THE ARTS SPECIAL EVENT 

This event sponsored in part by the SB Bowl Foundation

           

 

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The Alexander Project

by Gina Graham
April 19, 2019

The Alexander Project is a dedicated tribute to the powerful music of Hamilton. This gritty hip-hop throw-down breaks through with a hand-picked live band of musicians and vocalists to fully realize Hamilton’s incredible music. The show is brought to life through a mesmerizing cast of professional theater actors fresh off runs with pop musicals including: The Book Of Mormon, In The Heights, Big Band Beat, December 63, Evita, and more. The Alexander Project spans the entire catalog of music from the Original Cast Recordings, The Hamilton Mixtape & Lin Manuel Miranda’s Hamildrops… All curated under the studied eye of Arizona Theater Company’s, Chanel Bragg.

This show has no ties to the original Broadway production and only aims to bring this important music to the masses. Accessible for all to enjoy, there’s no way you should miss this all-new super-hype vision of the music and message that comprise Hamilton. We dare you not to sing along!!

Featuring: Ryan Alvarado, Alexandra Ncube, Matravius Avent, Eddie Maldonado, Alyssa Chiarello & Miguel Jackson.

Alvarado originated the first National Tour of Hamilton: An American Musical as the alternate for Alexander Hamilton and standby for Aaron Burr and King George III. He is originally from The Bronx, NYC and studied at SUNY Purchase. He has performed in shows all over the country and can next be seen starring as Usnavi in Lin Manuel Miranda’s first hit musical In The Heights at Portland Center Stage in the fall

Live Band: DJ Kim E. Fresh, Geibral Elisha, L.T. Green, Steven Himmelstein, Antoine Johnson & more!

Musical Directors: Chanel Bragg & Mitch Freedom

DISCLAIMER: The ALEXANDER Project is a rousing tribute of carefully selected songs from various media within the “Hamilton” scope. This is not a Theatrical Performance of the Musical “Hamilton” and is not associated with the original production, presentation or cast of the musical.

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MAW 2019 – Symphonic Dances

by Gina Graham
April 18, 2019

The Academy’s popular chamber music series combines unique ensembles of Music Academy teaching artists and fellows in cherished favorites and new revelations. A complimentary, festive reception with the artists follows each performance outdoors in the Lobero Theatre Courtyard.

PROGRAM

BACH/ARR. RALPH SAUER  Contrapuncti 1, 4 & 9 for Brass Quartet

Barbara Butler trumpet, Charles Geyer trumpet, Julie Landsman horn, Mark H. Lawrence trombone

SCHUMANN  Trio in D Minor, Op. 63

Kathleen Winkler violin, Alan Stepansky cello, Jonathan Feldman piano

RACHMANINOFF/ARR. VICTOR DEREVIANKO  Symphonic Dances for Two Pianos and Percussion

Natasha Kislenko piano, Margaret McDonald piano, Michael Werner percussion

 

 

 

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MAW 2019 – Chausson Concerto

by Gina Graham
April 18, 2019

The Academy’s popular chamber music series combines unique ensembles of Music Academy teaching artists and fellows in cherished favorites and new revelations. A complimentary, festive reception with the artists follows each performance outdoors in the Lobero Theatre Courtyard.

PROGRAM

SEAN SHEPHERD  Saxophone Quintet (World Premiere)

Patrick Posey saxophone, Jorja Fleezanis violin, Karen Dreyfus viola, Alan Stepansky cello, Conor Hanick piano

GOUNOD  Petite Symphonie

Timothy Day flute, Cynthia Koledo DeAlmeida oboe, Richie Hawley clarinet, Julie Landsman horn, Dennis Michel bassoon, Academy fellows

CHAUSSON  Concerto for Violin, Piano and String Quartet

Glenn Dicterow violin, Jonathan Feldman piano, Academy fellows String Quartet

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MAW 2019 – London Symphony Orchestra Musicians

by Gina Graham
April 18, 2019

The Academy’s popular chamber music series combines unique ensembles of Music Academy teaching artists and fellows in cherished favorites and new revelations. A complimentary, festive reception with the artists follows each performance outdoors in the Lobero Theatre Courtyard.

PROGRAM

TAKEMITSU  Toward the Sea

Gareth Davies* flute, Neil Percy* percussion

DOHNANYI   Sextet in C Major, Op. 37

Carmine Lauri* violin, Karen Dreyfus viola, Tim Hugh* cello, Timothy Jones* horn, Academy Fellow clarinet, Margaret McDonald piano        

MESSIAEN  Quartet for the End of Time

Jorja Fleezanis violin, Alan Stepansky cello, Richie Hawley clarinet, Conor Hanick piano

*London Symphony Orchestra guest artist

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MAW 2019 – Mozart & Beethoven

by Gina Graham
April 18, 2019

The Academy’s popular chamber music series combines unique ensembles of Music Academy teaching artists and fellows in cherished favorites and new revelations. A complimentary, festive reception with the artists follows each performance outdoors in the Lobero Theatre Courtyard.

PROGRAM

DAHL  Music for Brass

Paul Merkelo trumpet, Mark H. Lawrence trombone, Academy fellows

BEETHOVEN  Piano Trio in C Minor, Op. 1, No. 3

Martin Beaver violin, Academy fellow, Natasha Kislenko piano

MOZART  String Quintet in C Major, K. 515

Martin Beaver violin, Academy fellow, Karen Dreyfus viola, Richard O’Neill viola, Academy fellow

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MAW 2019 – Academy Chamber Orchestra with Thomas Adès

by Gina Graham
April 18, 2019

The Academy’s popular chamber music series combines unique ensembles of Music Academy teaching artists and fellows in cherished favorites and new revelations. A complimentary, festive reception with the artists follows each performance outdoors in the Lobero Theatre Courtyard.

PROGRAM

Thomas Adès, conductor

Pierre-Laurent Aimard piano, Mosher guest artist

Vocal Institute Fellows

CAGE The Origin of the Harp

RAVEL Piano Concerto in G Major

STRAVINSKY Pulcinella

 

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MAW 2019 – Schubert String Quintet

by Gina Graham
April 18, 2019

The Academy’s popular chamber music series combines unique ensembles of Music Academy teaching artists and fellows in cherished favorites and new revelations. A complimentary, festive reception with the artists follows each performance outdoors in the Lobero Theatre Courtyard.

PROGRAM

ZELENKA  Trio Sonata No. 5 in F Major

Cynthia Koledo DeAlmeida oboe, Benjamin Kamins bassoon, Nico Abondolo double bass, Academy fellows

CLAIRE CHASE  Selections from Density 2016

Claire Chase flute

SCHUBERT  String Quintet in C Major, D. 956

The Takács Quartet, David Geber cello

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