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SLH41 – The Quebe Sisters + Joe Robinson

by Gina Graham
June 21, 2017

When the Quebe Sisters from Texas take a stage, and the triple-threat fiddle champions start playing and singing in multi-part close harmony, audiences are usually transfixed, then blown away. It’s partly because the trio’s vocal and instrumental performances are authentic all-Americana, all the time, respectful of the artists that inspired them the most.

And whether the Quebes (rhymes with “maybe”) are decked out in denims and boots or fashionably dressed to the nines in makeup, skirts and heels, the fresh-faced, clean-cut sisters, all in their 20s, look as good as they sound. Not surprisingly, the Quebe Sisters win standing ovations at just about every show. It’s been that way since 2000, when they started fiddling together as pre-teens. The sisters’ past is as colorful and eventful as their future is bright. Growing up in Burleson, a southern suburb of Fort Worth, Hulda, Sophia and Grace were ages 7, 10 and 12 in 1998 when they attended their first local fiddle competition in nearby Denton, and decided fiddling was what they wanted to do. The girls earned solo and group accolades early on, winning state and national championships in their respective age groups in 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002.

The Quebes’ evolution from the whiz-kid Western swing fiddlers they were back then to the smokin’-hot young adult Americana band they are today is a remarkable story, by any measure. Along with headlining their own shows to ever-growing audiences, they’ve shared stages with American music legends like Willie Nelson, George Strait, Merle Haggard, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Ray Price, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel, Riders in the Sky and many others. Today, after more than a decade of travelling the U.S. and the world, and recording three acclaimed albums, Grace, Sophia and Hulda Quebe are pros in a variety of genres, and count many famous musicians among their biggest boosters. The Quebes’ unbridled passion for American music, along with their talent, skills and a lot of hard work, have taken them far beyond their wildest early aspirations.

“One thing is for sure, you don’t see a group like The Quebe Sisters come along every day,” famed Opry announcer Eddie Stubbs told listeners on his own show on Nashville’s WSM. “Give them your undivided attention, and if you’re not already, you too, will become a fan.”

 

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SLH41 – Jeffrey Halford & The Healers + Amilia K. Spicer

by Gina Graham
June 21, 2017

Jeffrey Halford, a soulful singer-songwriter whose musical and literary influences range from Roger Miller and Johnny Cash, to Raymond Carver and Pablo Neruda, is also a ferocious slide guitar player who has shared the stage with the likes of Taj Mahal, Los Lobos, Etta James, The Radiators, Robert Earl Keen, John Hammond, and Dave Alvin, just to name a few.     http://jeffreyhalford.com/epk/

It may be her haunting, husky voice that first grabs a listener, the way it glides over melodies like smoke, but it’s the songwriting that Amilia K. Spicer really wants you to hear. It fuses together the different places she calls home: Raised in rural Pennyslvania, currently residing in California, spending half the year in Austin, the topography covers languid farm landscapes, red dirt Americana, and an occasional turn down a dark alley with flickering neon.

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Flamenco! Santa Barbara

by Genevieve Rhiger
June 21, 2017

Linda Vega celebrates 30 years of teaching and performing in Santa Barbara with “AYER, HOY Y MAÑANA” (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow), featuring a sensational cast of guest artists. Maria “La Chacha” Bermudez, from Jerez de la Frontera, along with Timo Nuñez, Manuel Gutierrez, Jose Cortés, Andrés Vadín, Gabriel Osuna and Gerardo Morales will join Vega and her professional company FLAMENCO! Santa Barbara on the stage for an exciting evening of flamenco dance, song and music.

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Boxtales – Stand-up Stories

by Genevieve Rhiger
June 21, 2017

Explore the corners of the world to gain wisdom and compassion on a fun filled journey with lions, magical fairies and Greek Gods!

This show features a collection of multicultural folktales and myths which provide the listener with valuable messages and cultural wisdom they can use to live by.

The stories include:

  • PHAETHON (Greek Mythology)
    A boy name Phaethon goes to find out if his father is Helios, God of the Sun. Helios offers Phaethon anything he wants to prove it to him.  Phaethon rashly chooses to ride the chariot that carries the sun through the sky. Helios tries to change Phaethon’s mind, but Phaethon is stubborn.  When Phaethon tries to ride the chariot, the horses go where they want and almost burn up the Earth when the sun gets too close.  Zeus saves the earth by striking him down with his thunderbolt and scaring the horses back to the sky.  Being young like Phaeton, is a time to play, a time to be patient, a time to listen and a time to learn.
  • THE STONECUTTER (Chinese Folktale)
    A stonecutter is envious of rich people.  An angel turns him into a rich man.  But he keeps finding things he’d rather be.  He’d rather be king, a farmer, the sun, a cloud, the wind, a mountain.  While he’s a mountain a stonecutter comes by and starts to chip away at him.  The pain is too much for him to bear.  He realizes that being a stonecutter was best after all.  Be happy with who you are, you don’t need to look around and be envious of others.
  • THE BOY WHO FED EAGLES (Tlingit and Haida tribes of the Pacific North West)
    A boy gains powers for showing respect to his clan crest, the eagle, in spite of the disapproval of some tribe members.  The Eagle becomes a spirit helper who guides, inspires and helps him develop strength, skills and judgment.  For the Tlingit and Haida, regard for clan values is usually rewarded while neglect of them results in punishment.
  • THE LIONS WHISKERS (Amhara Tribe of Ethiopia, Eastern Africa)
    Finaye, a woman past childbearing age, longs for a family of her own. When she marries Tesfa and meets his motherless son Abebe, she is overjoyed. Fanaye tries hard to please the boy, but he wants no part of her. Desperate, Fanaye seeks the wisdom of a shaman—a tribal medicine man. He sends her on a mission to gather three whiskers from a fierce lion for a magic potion that will win her Abebe’s love. She collects the whiskers very carefully, by slowly gaining the lion’s trust. Once obtained, the whiskers are no longer needed, as Fanaye has also learned how she must likewise gain Abebe’s trust and love, with patience, respect and discretion.

 

Stand Up Stories is a presented in partnership with the Lobero Theatre Foundation as part of their Youth and Community Outreach Program. Additional generous support provided by Children’s Theatre Foundation of America; Santa Barbara Bowl’s Education Outreach Program; Ann Jackson Family Foundation; Towbes Foundation; California Arts Council; Santa Barbara Foundation; and the Arts Mentorship Program.

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SLH41 – The Peterson Brothers + Jason Spooner Band

by Gina Graham
June 21, 2017

The Peterson Brothers possess a uniquely modern blend of blues, soul, and funk. Alex, 17, on bass and vocals, and Glenn Jr., 20, on guitar and lead vocals, have grown up playing together since they were very young. Rising stars in Austin, Texas, the Peterson Brothers self-titled debut album won the Living Blues Critics Award for Best Debut Blues Album of 2015. In addition to holding a standing room only weekly residency at Austin’s famed music hall The Continental Club, Glenn and Alex are honing their chops daily, and are dazzling audiences playing gigs throughout the United States. The Peterson Brothers have appeared at the Chicago Blues Festival, Minnesota State Fair, Riverbend Festival, Austin City Limits Festival, Ogden Roots and Blues, and many more.

They have opened for the likes of Gary Clark Jr., Los Lonely Boys, the late B.B. King, Willie Nelson, and Lisa Marie Presley.  The Peterson Brothers have also opened for and played with Buddy Guy and gained the attention of the one and only Bootsy Collins, who has become a true mentor.

“The only thing missing from the Peterson Brothers Band is the word “amazing” at the front of the name.” – San Antonio Express-News

“The Peterson Brothers Band are the new rising stars on the Austin music scene.” – Examiner.com

 

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SLH41 – Sam Baker + Peter Case

by Gina Graham
June 21, 2017

Sam Baker is a man of few words. Always beautifully chosen, and fully wrought. Each piece is imprinted with a theme: everyone is at the mercy of another one’s dreams, how beautiful are these days, and talk about forgiveness. His latest release, ‘say grace,’ was named one of the Top Ten Country Albums of 2013 by Rolling Stone Magazine.

Peter Case is a Grammy-nominated American singer-songwriter and guitarist whose multi-decade career has ranged from front man of ’80s jangle pop heroes the Plimsouls to full-throated band leader and solo acoustic troubadour. With a knack for great melodic storytelling and blessed with a golden throat, Case’s appearance on Seckler Stage promises to be nothing short of memorable. To hear his music, go to http://petercase.com/music/.

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SLH41 – Albert Lee + special guest Bryan Titus

by Gina Graham
June 20, 2017

Albert was born on December 21, 1943 in Herefordshire, England, before moving and growing up in Blackheath, London. He was first introduced to music with the piano, taking lessons aged seven, learning the classics and pop tunes before the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis inspired him to take up guitar.

Albert was treated one Christmas to a Hofner President acoustic arch-top, and from there he never looked back. Spurred on by the recordings of Jimmy Bryant, Buddy Holly and The Crickets, Gene Vincent and The Everly Brothers, Albert left school at sixteen and turned pro, getting regular gigs at the 2 i’s Coffee Bar and The Flamingo Club in London – first with Bob Xavier’s band, and then with The Jury. He replaced Jimmy Page in The Crusaders before joining Chris Farlowe and The Thunderbirds in ‘64.

He soon found his favoured guitar of choice, the Fender Telecaster, whilst everyone else was playing Gibson Les Pauls and Stratocasters. Albert admitted to feeling like the odd man out as his appreciation for American country artists grew, and he formed the band Country Fever. He began working with Poet & The One Man Band, who later turned into Heads, Hands & Feet when Jerry Donahue and Pat Donaldson (of Country Fever) were replaced by Albert and Chas Hodges. Their self-titled debut album featured the original “Country Boy”, now synonymous with Albert’s trademark picking style.

The U.S eventually beckoned, and Albert began doing session work and briefly toured with The Crickets in 1973. He moved to Los Angeles, where he met his idols Phil and Don Everly, and Don invited Albert to play with him and pedal steel legend Buddy Emmons. After working on Don’s second album, Albert left to join Joe Cocker’s band and was replaced by Lindsey Buckingham.

Albert’s reputation was growing as he moved to Encino, and met his wife Karen whilst rehearsing up in Santa Barbara with Joe Cocker and his band before they went on the road. He contributed to Cocker’s “Sting Ray”, and was then approached by A&M about putting together a solo album.

At a pivotal point in his career, Albert was asked by Emmylou Harris to replace James Burton – one of his guitar heroes – who was leaving for Elvis Presley’s band. In 1976 he joined the Hot Band, and his incredible guitar work came to the fore on the “Luxury Liner” LP. Albert released his first solo album “Hiding”, produced by Brian Ahern, which featured perhaps the definite version of “Country Boy” with Emmylou on backing vocals and Ricky Skaggs on fiddle.

When he returned to London in 1978 for session recording, Albert met Eric Clapton. He was invited to join his band and played on Clapton’s live album “Just One Night”, which featured Albert on lead vocals for a cover of Mark Knopfler’s “Setting Me Up”. Albert would work with Eric for five years before he left and released his second solo album, the self-titled “Albert Lee” in 1982.

Albert fulfilled his boyhood dream to play with the Everly Brothers in 1983 when he acted as guitarist and musical director for their reunion concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Since then he would regularly tour with the Everlys on and off for 20 years. After two instrumental albums – “Speechless” (1986) and “Gagged But Not Bound” (1987) – steel player Gerry Hogan invited Albert to headline at a festival in Newbury, England – fronting his own band for the very first time, Hogan’s Heroes.

As Albert toured with Hogan’s Heroes through the late 80s, he began his long association with Ernie Ball Music Man, who would eventually (through many iterations) produce his signature guitar that he tours and records with today. In 2002 he would join Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, Paul McCartney and other music legends on stage at the Concert for George at the Royal Albert Hall.

Albert also received a Grammy Award in 2002 for his contribution to “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” featured on “Earl Scruggs and Friends”. He appeared for the first time at Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival in 2007, now an annual appearance, and has toured periodically for the last few years with ex-Stones bassist Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, performing with Georgie Fame. Joining his hero James Burton, along with the likes of Vince Gill and John Jorgenson, Albert won a Grammy for his performance on Brad Paisley’s instrumental “Cluster Pluck” in 2009.

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SLH41 – Bill Kirchen & Jimmie Dale Gilmore + special guest Colin Gilmore

by Gina Graham
June 20, 2017

 Grammy nominated guitarist, singer and songwriter Bill Kirchen is one of the fortunate few who can step on any stage, play those trademark licks which drove the seminal Commander Cody classic Hot Rod Lincoln into the Top Ten nationwide, and elicit instant recognition. Named a “Titan of the Telecaster” by Guitar Player Magazine, he celebrates a musical tradition that embraces rock ‘n’ roll, blues and bluegrass, Texas Western swing and California honkytonk. Nick Lowe describes Bill as “… a devastating culmination of the elegant and funky… a really sensational musician, with enormous depth.”

 Jimmie Dale Gilmore has been writing and playing songs for more than 50 years. His music eludes categorization, blending elements of folk, rock, country, blues and bluegrass. His recordings have earned three Grammy nominations in both Contemporary Folk and Traditional Folk categories and he was named Country Artist of the Year three years running by Rolling Stone Magazine. His high and lonesome vocal style, coupled with sometimes mystical and poetic lyrics, has led to musical brandings such as Sagebrush Soul, Zen Country and Western Beat. Along with Joe Ely and Butch Hancock, Gilmore’s legendary band The Flatlanders has been credited as fathers of the Alt-country movement.

Colin Gilmore grew up in Lubbock, Texas, spending many nights as a child in nightclubs like Stubbs, where he witnessed songwriters like Joe Ely, Terry Allen, and his own father, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, bring the stage to life. He later developed a taste for Buddy Holly, Townes Van Zandt, and bands like The Clash and The Pogues. For 14 years, Colin has been informed by these observations, writing songs and playing shows in a style that is truly his own. His three full length albums have won critical acclaim and a fan base that spans the world. His second album Goodnight Lane received 4-star reviews in Mojo and Uncut, and his latest album The Wild and Hollow was named “Best Americana/singer-songwriter album of 2013” by Huffington Post’s Mike Ragogna. He recently performed in, wrote songs for and selected the other original songs for the film La Barracuda, which received loads of critical praise at the SXSW 2017 film festival and was noted for the effect the music had on the film. Colin is currently working on another album with legendary producer Richard Barone.

“Colin is clearly his own man in his own world. His easygoing, conversational voice summons the same spirits Woody Guthrie and the young Bob Dylan walked with… I want to hear more.” — John Swenson, Twisted South Magazine

 

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Bryan Tari and Lina Loi

by Genevieve Rhiger
June 20, 2017

Virtuoso concert pianist Bryan Tari began his concert career performing “Rhapsody in Blue” at the Opening Ceremonies of the 1984 Olympics. Now he combines his exceptional talents with vocalist Lina Loi, an Atlantic Records recording artist discovered by Stevie Wonder, to create a unique blending of classical piano, opera and jazz and R&B.

In concert at the Lobero on Nov. 4th, they will join forces to bring back a nearly forgotten style of stage performing. They will feature great show tunes and jazz standards from the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s and classical showpieces. During the evening, Mr. Tari will perform solo piano selections from his superb Santa Barbara Fiesta Suite and a stunning arrangement of music from the Star Wars movie score. In addition, Miss Loi will sing selections ranging from Puccini to Gershwin classics and Billie Holliday favorites.

PLUS: 

Grand premiere- 
 
A stunning piano arrangement of music from Star Wars episode four and episode one. Maestro Tari captures the full essence of a  symphony orchestra on the piano, playing the best-loved themes from the movies we all know so well.
 

“Bryan Tari has the ability to transport you to the realm of the spirit through his exquisite piano performances” – Tom Reed, Executive Director, Unity Shoppe Santa Barbara

“Maestro Tari is a gifted and beautiful pianist here in town whose romantic style is captured in his Hungarian ancestry.” – Elizabeth Stewart, Correspondent Santa Barbara Daily Sound

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Sarah Jarosz

by Genevieve Rhiger
June 20, 2017

While still in her early 20’s, Texas native Sarah Jarosz has earned her credibility in the world where contemporary folk, Americana and roots music intersect. Her reputation is built on three fronts—she is a gifted multi-instrumentalist (mandolin, octave mandolin, guitar, and banjo), an expressive and distinctive vocalist, and an accomplished songwriter.

Brother Roy is New York City’s rock and roll missionary. He lists Harry Nilsson, The Beatles, The Band, Bob Dylan, Neil Young as some of his biggest influences. These are high standards to live up to, and many have tried and failed. But with a refreshing honesty, dedication, and healthy dose of self-deprecating humor, Brother Roy has managed to find a voice for himself in a genre so beloved that it might as well be a religion.

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The Christmas Revels 2017

by Gina Graham
June 14, 2017

 

WE’RE COMING BACK! After a fabulous opening on
Friday night, we were sorry we had to cancel Saturday’s and Sunday’s shows but we have scheduled one more performance: Tuesday, December 19th at 7:30pm.
Saturday and Sunday tickets will be honored in the same section as purchased.
Refunds will be available for anyone who cannot make the new date. If the holiday spirit has you in a giving mood and you cannot make it on Tuesday night, the Santa Barbara Revels would greatly appreciate ticket donations to help with production costs they have incurred. In this case, a tax deductible receipt will be issued. 

The box office will be contacting all ticket holders today but if you have questions in the meantime, please call (805)963-0761.

 

~ Santa Barbara: December 1835 ~

Sea shanties, English Christmas carols, and mummers’ antics blend with the fandango, Las Posadas, mission music and Spanish holiday favorites!  Richard Henry Dana and his shipmates enjoy the festivities for Anita de la Guerra’s wedding and share seasonal traditions with their hosts. Experience authentic Chumash story-telling and exciting events written about by Dana in his classic book, Two Years Before the Mast. Celebrate Santa Barbara and Alta California history in this colorful, entertaining, theatrical production.

Join us and be joyous!

Read more from BACKSTAGE at the Lobero

 

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The Hallelujah Project 5

by Gina Graham
June 14, 2017

Due to the Thomas Fire, the Santa Barbara Choral Society’s Hallelujah Project scheduled for Sunday, December 10 at 3 PM, has been canceled.

Refunds will be issued automatically beginning tomorrow, Monday, December 11, for any credit card sales.

Please contact the box office at 805.963.0761 if payment was made in cash, or if you have any questions regarding your purchase.


Back for the fifth year, Hallelujah Project returns with the family-friendly mix of holiday classics and seasonal favorites designed to delight audiences of all ages and kick off the season in magical, musical style. Make a musical holiday tradition with your family and friends at Hallelujah Project 5.

Artistic Director JoAnne Wasserman carefully chooses repertoire to ensure it will be approachable for young audience members and yet retain the musical integrity to be fully enjoyed by those of more sophisticated musical tastes. The choral anchor of the evening will be the great Vivaldi Gloria, augmented by a rich repertoire of seasonal classics and unusual settings of traditional favorites. Ms. Wasserman, embarking on her 25th Season as SBCS Artistic Director and Conductor, will lead the Santa Barbara Choral Society and Orchestra in this program of holiday merriment, featuring local Childrens’ Chorus singers. And, as has become traditional, narration of the charmingly orchestrated version of Clement Moore’s beloved holiday classic ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ read by a celebrity narrator. Previous narrators include: comedienne Fannie Flagg, actress Stephanie Zimbalist, day-time star Allison Sweeney, and the iconic singer/actress, Shirley Jones. This year the Special Guest will be film and television actress, Angela Cartwright, best known for her youthful roles opposite Danny Thomas in Make Room for Daddy, as Brigitta in The Sound of Music, and as Penny Robinson in Lost in Space. Youngsters (and those young at heart) should keep a sharp eye out for a cameo appearance by that Jolly Old Elf, himself! Make a musical holiday tradition with your family and friends at Hallelujah Project 5.

 

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Romeo and Juliet

by Gina Graham
June 14, 2017

Artistic Director Rodney Gustafson retells William Shakespeare’s poignant classic with stylistic verve. Using music by Sergei Prokofiev, Gustafson intensifies the drama by highlighting the most emotional and romantic moments of the world’s most treasured love story. The result is spellbinding, fast-paced action and enhanced empathy for the young lovers.

“Seamlessly melded together,” pronounced Los Angeles Times reviewer Victoria Looseleaf. A must-see, timeless love story!

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It’s Magic 2018

by Genevieve Rhiger
June 13, 2017

America’s longest-running magic revue returns to the Lobero to dazzle audiences with an all-new lineup of top illusionists direct from exotic showrooms and Hollywood’s famous Magic Castle. You won’t believe your eyes as top magicians perform incredible feats, from jaw-dropping sleight of hand and off-beat comedic magic to mind- boggling full stage illusions. This one-of-a-kind magic show that has been delighting magic fans for more than five decades, and is sure to be a treat for the whole family. See why the LA Times has called it, “The liveliest lineup of magic acts this side of Las Vegas!”

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Gustafson Dance – Dance Around the World

by Gina Graham
June 12, 2017

This performance is a culmination of the Junior Intensive summer program at Gustafson Dance.  It is a revue of ballet, jazz, character and tap numbers.

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