I remember a lot of ballet, dance, color … so much joy! I felt so comfortable [at the Lobero] it fed my soul.
Interviewed by Brandon Mowery, Director of Development
The beautiful paintings featured on the Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 editions of BACKSTAGE at the Lobero were created by Laurie McKinley, who is a talented artist and a generous supporter. Laurie is from Santa Barbara and has been attending performances at the Lobero since the early 50’s with her grandmother, and now brings her grandchildren. She has been inspired by the magic of this hall for many years and shares that with the world through her paintings—and her gifts. I had the good fortune to sit and learn more about our talented collaborator.
BM: Tell me a little about your artistic passions. At what point in your life did you realize that painting was going to become your profession?
LM: I always had the feeling that I was part of a global family. I traveled as a child, and was drawn to many different cultures. My career included social work and documentary film work with National Geographic. I wanted to capture cultural happenings that I observed through my travels. My art has given me that outlet to share that magic as well as to capture the disappearance of certain cultural acts.
BM: How were you introduced to the Lobero?
LM: My friends and colleagues Cheryl Doty and John Gerngross were becoming more involved with the theater, and I was intrigued with the Lobero’s commitment to magic, music and the arts. It is what brings the community together and makes Santa Barbara special.
BM: What was the Lobero like when you were a child?
LM: I remember a lot of ballet, dance, color … so much joy! I felt so comfortable there; it fed my soul.
BM: Talk to us about the inspiration behind your cover paintings; what led you to choose your subjects?
LM: I look for images that have energy and movement. I was also intrigued by the Ghostlight. Once I learned the story of why it remains on stage, I wanted it to be present in my paintings.
BM: What does the Lobero mean to you and what do you see as its place in the community?
LM: The Lobero represents everything that Santa Barbara has been since the beginning. It’s the archetype for our city architecturally and emotionally. It’s a reminder of how lucky we are as a community.
BM: What do you look for when you support an organization, and how does the Lobero capture the spirit of that engagement?
LM: I love to give back. I embrace creativity and the arts, and that the staff has passion and purpose to keep the Lobero alive. Inclusive, passion and purpose—we need all those things.
BM: What are your hopes for the Lobero moving forward?
Compelled to observe and photograph the deeply human stories of culture, compassion and humanity, Laurie translates these indelible images onto canvas, capturing the unforgettable experience and subtle beauty, so that she may share them with the world in the hopes of inspiring change.
Much of Laurie’s work is available for sale, and she accepts commissions. All proceeds from her paintings support non-profits. More at laurieelizabethmckinley.com
In honor of National Women’s History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on the women working behind-the-scenes at the Lobero Theatre Foundation.
Here is a peek into who these amazing women are and the role they play in keeping this theater running smoothly.
Foundation Team
Marianne Clark (pictured top right) has been with the Lobero for 22 years. As our administrative director, her work covers a wide range. She describes her work as, “ensuring all of the amazing artists and arts organizations who perform on the Lobero stage feel welcome and supported while they are here.” Marianne also oversees grant writing to foundations, works closely with David Asbell on artist contracts and embodies our operational history.
“Ensuring all of the amazing artists and arts organizations who perform on the Lobero stage feel welcome and supported.”
Marianne’s most memorable show at the Lobero was Largo Goes to Hell in 2007. Fun fact about Marianne, she was in a rock band in high school.
Cecilia Martini-Muth (pictured top middle) has worked at the Lobero for 21 years as our graphic designer. She describes her work as, “visually representing the Lobero in the best way possible.” All the graphics that you see in print or online are created by her capable hands. The most memorable show for Cecilia was the White Oak Project with Mikhail Baryshnikov. A fun fact about Cecilia is that she is a trained dancer and has not only performed on the Lobero stage, but has stage-managed many productions in our beautiful venue.
“Visually representing the Lobero in the best way possible.”
Sheila Caldwell (pictured top, left) has work for the foundation for 6 years. Many of you may recognize her as our hostess with the most-est at our pre-show receptions. However, Sheila does much more working on our development team as the personal liaison to the Lobero Theatre Associates, writing and sending out gift letters and organizing and executing donor appreciation and fundraising events. She describes her work as, “juggling multiple projects.” In our minds, that is an understatement. The development team relies on her heavily for tracking donations and keeping up with the needs of our donors. Sheila’s most memorable show was When the Lights Go Out. Fun fact about Sheila is that she has produced or co-produced nearly 20 dance production on the Lobero stage.
Genevieve Rhiger has worked at the Lobero for 15 years as the ticketing and database manager. She describes her job as, “keeping track of data.” For every show that goes up at the Lobero, Genna builds the seat map and sets the pricing codes. She is a master at building and managing seating for each show, which is, believe it or not, an art form. Using data prediction, she can see how shows will sell in order to assign the correct seating types. Her role straddles across departments as data plays an important role in of daily work of the theater in different ways. Genna’s favorite show was The Eels and Richard Thompson’s 1000 Years of Music. Fun fact about Genna is that she makes potholders.
Angie Bertucci, the marketing & communications director, just celebrated 10 years at the Lobero. For those who don’t know, all communications sent out from the Lobero are meticulously overseen by her. This includes social media, blog posts, e-newsletters, Backstage at the Lobero, posters, ads and more. She has this to say about her work, “I love learning about new music and cultural taste-makers through this job and bringing them to the people.” Her favorite show at the Lobero was Dr. John and the Blind Boys of Alabama, where she received a signed setlist from the Dr. himself. Fun fact about Angie is that she toured Tokyo with a rock band.
“I love learning about new music and cultural taste-makers through this job and bringing them to the people.”
Adrienne DeGuevara is in her third year at the Lobero. In her job as assistant director of development, her primary work is making sure that all the logistical needs of the development department are flowing efficiently. In her words, “the most important aspect of my job is curating donor experiences and acting as a liaison for sponsor and donor needs for each event.” Her favorite two shows at the Lobero were, A John Waters Christmas (2017) and The Cowboy Junkies (2019). Fun fact about Adrienne is that prior to landing the assistant director position she worked as the hospitality coordinator for the Lobero talent. That meant making sure the musicians and their crew all had the creature comforts needed to perform and feel at home at the Lobero. No brown M&M’s were ever requested.
“The most important aspect of my job is curating donor experiences and acting as a liaison for sponsor and donor needs for each event.”
Concessions and Events
Betsy Craig has spent 7 years at the Lobero as she puts it, “keeping the booze flowing!” Betsy is our events and concessions manager. If you have a special event or have ever visited our concessions stands, you’ve most likely seen or met Betsy. She manages up to 10 bartenders and was key in organizing the installation of our upgraded carts and tap systems. She schedules and coordinates all activity in our courtyard where many private events like film festival parties and opera happy hours are held. Her favorite shows at the Lobero are recurring ones like It’s Magic and Danceworks. A fun facts about Betsy is that she is a huge fan of historical fiction. She can tell you about Winston Churchill’s mother (an American heiress) or list Henry VIII’s various wives and how each met their ends in great detail.
“Keeping the booze flowing!”
Box Office Team
Gina Graham, our box office manager, has been with the Lobero for 5 years. She feels, “the most important aspect of my job is connecting with people.” Gina manages up to 5 employees in the box office and oversees all ticket sales, works with renters on building their seat maps and makes sure ticketing runs smoothly. She is also one of the friendly faces patrons are greeted by when picking up their tickets at Will Call. Her most memorable show was Neil Young and Promise of the Real in the summer of 2018. One fun fact about her is that she is one quarter Venezuelan.
“The most important aspect of my job is connecting with people.”
Diane Torres has worked in the Lobero box office for 6 years assisting patrons in purchasing tickets and greeting people in person when they come to purchase or pick up their tickets at the box office window. For her, the most important aspect of her job is being a strong collaborator on the box office team. Most memorable show for her was seeing the band Oh Wonder. A fun fact about Diane is that she was named after Princess Diana.
Emily Valenzuela, has worked for the Lobero for 8 months now as the assistant box office manager. In addition to assisting Gina in managing all things box office, she also assists Genna Rhiger in building shows on our ticketing database. She feels the most important aspect of her role is, “providing easy, kind, accommodating service to all Lobero guests to make sure that our events are accessible to everyone.” Most memorable show so far was the Steve Miller Band. She grew up listening to their hits like “The Joker,” and seeing that song performed live was surreal for her. Fun fact about Emily is that she hosts a radio show on KCSB 91.9 FM playing everything from Shoegaze to Bossa Nova to Fuzz.
“Providing easy, kind, accommodating service to all Lobero guests to make sure that our events are accessible to everyone.”
You can keep up with the Ladies of the Lobero on Social Media, and in each issue of Backstage at the Lobero.
Make sure to let the amazing women in your life know how much they are appreciated during Women’s History Month, this year and every year.
With a little help from our friends (and sponsors)
by Lobero Theatre
March 9, 2020
One of the most exciting sustainable improvements the Lobero has been working toward are new bar-style concession carts that serve beer and wine through a tap system. This offers a ton of benefits including drastically cutting back on waste, but also a chance to work with our sponsors in new ways.
Kunin Winery, our new corporate sponsor, will be one of two wineries supporting these new greener concessions efforts by supplying wine kegs. Kunin Wines, owned by Magan Kunin, distributes their wine nationally and at their popular tasting room in the Funk Zone. This local, family-owned business produces approximately 5,000 cases per year and we can’t wait for you to enjoy them here.
Third Window Brewery will be our featured beer partner. A part of the Fess Parker Family, who have been actively supporting Jazz at the Lobero for the last two seasons, Third Window will be providing a rotation selection of craft beers and rotating taps.
We love working with partners in the community who share our goal of a greener future.
In addition, you may have noticed that the Lobero is no longer selling disposable plastic water bottles. Thanks to a corporate sponsorship from Sol Wave Water, we are able to offer free filtered water. Patrons can refill cups they purchased from concessions, fill their stainless Lobero pint cups, or bring their own water bottles.
Corporate sponsorship can take any forms and are a vital component to supporting Lobero LIVE productions. Sponsorship can include advertising, ticket packages, and a host of other benefit possibilities. If you share our passion for a sustainable future, please reach out and let me know how we can work together.
On March 5, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department stated that the Santa Barbara area remains at low risk of transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19), and they do not recommend closure of schools, businesses, or any events at this time. All ticket sales are final unless otherwise stated.
Please know that the Lobero Theatre Foundation staff are taking the precautionary steps to ensure the health and well-being of our patrons and performers:
Disinfecting and sanitizing all door handles (inside and outside), tables, and hand railings throughout the building immediately following each show.
Hand sanitizers will be placed in common areas including front bathrooms, artist green room, and lobby.
Signage is in place to remind patrons to wash hands in all restrooms. We will diligently ensure that hand soap is fully stocked in all dispensers.
At present, the Lobero Theatre will move forward with all scheduled events. We are diligently following public health recommendations from the County of Santa Barbara Public Health Department and are monitoring the situation closely. If anything should change, we will be sure to alert you as soon as possible.
Please contact the box office at 805.963.0761 if you have any questions. We hope that this news puts your mind at ease, and you can enjoy a few hours enjoying live entertainment at this historic venue.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is characterized by mild symptoms including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Illness can be more severe for some people and can lead to pneumonia or breathing difficulties. We encourage you to stay home and contact a medical professional if you are experiencing symptoms (e.g., coughing, fever, or shortness of breath).
President Mindy Denson is bringing the Lobero Theatre Associates out of the wings, and into the spotlight.
For those who have not met Mindy Denson, she is an absolute sparkplug with a big smile and a kind word for everyone. She loves to lend a hand whenever she can.
Mindy joined the Lobero Theatre Associates in 2016 and quickly became the co-chair of the holiday tea, jumping head first into her new role. She describes how longtime Associates Janet McCann, Sylvia Easten and Annie Williams approached her and told her it was time to join. Each year, Mindy celebrates her anniversary with the Associates at the Holiday Tea, where she enjoys the friendly competition about who’s been a member the longest.
In addition to her Associate duties, she’s also spending time at the Lobero volunteering as an usher. “I love being an usher; it’s an honor to see the smiling faces of people as they enter the auditorium for the first time.” She’s a huge jazz fan, naming Pat Metheny, Dave Brubeck, and Dorado Schmitt as some of her favorite artists. She feels the spirit of her father – a pianist – whenever she’s in the theater, which is one of the reasons that she’s so committed to supporting this important icon.
The Associates are welcoming a record ten new members this season! Not only are they bringing in new women, but many former members are also returning to the ranks after an absence.
Outreach is a big theme of my presidency. I just want everyone to know how much I love these women, and it’s so great to spend time together.
In addition to the Associates, Mindy also lends her considerable talents to other organizations in the area, many focused on the environment and animals. She gives her time to Bucket Brigade, Santa Barbara Firefighters Alliance (where she serves on the board), the Montecito Community Foundation, and the Santa Barbara Wildlife Network. You can also find her working part time at Coast to Coast in La Arcada or playing polo–especially now that her rotator cuff is mended.
There are many opportunities to get involved with this dynamic group of fundraisers. This year they are enjoying many new ways to get together while supporting the theater, from a champagne toast at the Olive & Espig Gallery in the Upper Village, to Associates’ Night Out events and the Lobero, and more.
Stay tuned for more information on the Associates’ signature Hats Off event, which will feature a special guest and raise funds to replace aging and fragile curtains at the Lobero Theatre.
Out and About with Ghostlight Society Members and Friends
by Lobero Theatre
March 6, 2020
Becoming a member of the Ghostlight Society doesn’t just mean great concerts. There are a myriad of other perks, including a private winery tour with the Fess Parker Family.
October is a beautiful time of year in the Santa Ynez Valley, setting the scene for a carefree day at the Fess Parker Family Winery with Ghostlight members and friends.
The Sunday sojourn began late in the morning with a chartered bus ride courtesy of Coastal Concierge. Ghostlight members John Gerngross and Cheryl Doty, Katie Dewitt, Brett and Natalie Hodges, and Bailey and Sheila Caldwell all piled into the leather seats. Board members Charles d’LArbre and his wife Barbara, Amy MacLeod and her husband Don, and Lobero staffers David Asbell and his wife Denise, Jim Dougherty, and Brandon Mowery all took in the day with Frank Tabar of Farmers & Merchants Trust and his wife Mariko. Associates board president Mindy Denson also joined with her husband Chris, and their friend and new Branch Manager of Farmers & Merchants Bank, Nolan Nicholson and Hubert Guilliot de Suduiraut.
Upon arriving at the winery, guests were greeted with a toast of Fess Parker’s award-winning Fesstivity – a lovely sparkling white wine perfect for a warm autumn day (and a popular souvenir purchase). The tasting took place in the beautiful barrel room led by Ashley Parker and Tim Snider. Ashley and Tim regaled the group with origin stories of the vineyard and led a tasting of everything from a crispy Viognier through a complex Pinot Noir, and a memorable Cabernet Sauvignon. The Parkers supplied a map to illustrate the growing regions of each wine and explained the different techniques used in each vintage. Afterwards, the group enjoyed a tour of the winemaking facility – a vast warehouse of equipment and forklifts where Tim proudly displayed his technical expertise.
We thank the Fess Parker family for their sponsorship and support, and for their gracious hospitality.
A lovely lunch supplied by Coastal Concierge was served on a private outdoor patio while the Bryan Titus Trio played their special brand of toe-tapping modern American Roots Music. It was a perfect way to spend a sunny autumn day among friends and fans of the theater.
Thank you to the Fess Parker family for their sponsorship, support, and gracious hospitality.
If you’d like to learn more about the Lobero Ghostlight Society, contact Brandon Mowery at 805.679.6009 or bmowery@lobero.org.
Good Time Blues – The Back Forty with Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan
by Cecilia Martini-Muth
September 30, 2019
Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan are set to play the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara, California on Saturday, October 26. A momentous occasion that marks the 40th Anniversary of the duo’s life of Good Time Blues. Truly a phenomenal achievement; 40 Years!
Preview by: By T.E. Mattox
Think about when Tom and Kenny were starting out, gas was under a dollar a gallon and stamps were 15 cents. We were listening to Gloria Gaynor on the radio and ‘My Sharona’ on a Walkman. TV’s were filled with “Happy Days” and “Charlie’s Angels” while feature films were all about alliteration; Alien, All That Jazz, and Apocalypse Now…
In the blink of an eye its forty years later and Ball and Sultan have obviously heeded Gaynor’s advice, not only ‘surviving’ the journeymen’s lifestyle, but flourishing in those roles. Both musicians have achieved a number of milestones and been called almost everything; but the ones we can print here are musical historians, composers, authors, mentors and of course, performing artists. And both men continue to share their gifts by teaching. Kenny “regularly,” Tom “sporadically.” Their productivity, discography and the road they’ve traveled, has been nothing if not impressive. Sure, they’ve played every type of venue you can imagine, and some you probably can’t. From International open-air music festivals in front of 50-thousand plus to a regular haunt, an old West stagecoach stop in the mountains above their Santa Barbara home base, called the Cold Spring Tavern.
When off the road, they are prolific. Their catalog for Flying Fish/Rounder Records has blossomed. There are now eight Ball and Sultan duo albums and six solo releases, Kenny has two and Tom, four. They both do session work, Tom says. “I think it’s up to over 260 CDs for me now as a sideman.” Add to that, music scores for film and television and the instructional books, “I have five instructional and one novel. Kenny has at least that many, plus he has apps and about 5 DVDs. He’s more prolific in the teaching department than I am.”
There’s more than a hint of ‘pre-destined’ in Ball and Sultan’s unique musical journey. “Both of us grew up in the L.A. area and frequented the Ash Grove,” Tom says. “But we didn’t know each other. When I moved north to Santa Barbara in 1978, Kenny was already here.” Almost immediately Ball says he began gigging with an electric blues band called ‘Blues Company’ backing national acts like Pee Wee Crayton, Phillip Walker, and Smokey Wilson. “We had a few good gigs, but I was aching to play acoustic blues. I saw Kenny’s name in the paper and wanted to go catch his gig, but my band was playing that night. So I asked my girlfriend, now wife, Laurie if she could go check him out. She came back with a full report. ‘Great fingerstyle player. Plays Blind Blake and Gary Davis. Good sense of humor. Drinks Heineken.’ So I figured this was someone I needed to meet. Heineken and Blind Blake were two of my biggest hobbies.”
“In reality, we’re musicians who like the blues and incorporate [some sadness] in our music, but we do a lot of different things. We’re not down and out…. we live in Santa Barbara.” Kenny Sultan
That shared love of Blind Blake, beer and the Rev. Gary Davis has now culminated in 40 years of friendship and music. So how did you and Kenny first meet? “We finally met at a Santa Barbara Blues Society show,” Tom says. “Big Mama Thornton! I introduced myself, we got to talking and Kenny invited me over to his place to pick a bit. It sounded pretty good. The next day Kenny was guesting on local radio KCSB, drumming up business for his teaching gig at UCSB. He asked me to come accompany him. After we’d played a song, the phone rang – it was the Sojourner Cafe, offering us $15 and a pizza to play there on Friday night. We accepted…but only after holding out for free beer. The rest, as they say, is history.”
Other than beer and pizza, the Ball-Sultan bond seems strengthened by the admiration and respect they both share for the early players. “I used to hang out at the Ash Grove.” Kenny grins. “My older brother used to take me there, on his dates. I was 11 years old and he’d take his kid brother. I remember going to see Furry Lewis, Mance Lipscomb, Lightnin’. You were eleven? “Everybody else was listening to the Monkees and I was listening to Howlin’ Wolf!”
One bluesman really struck a chord with Kenny. “Lightnin’ was great! I remember seeing him at the Ash Grove, just sitting up there with his big, black electric guitar. Sitting up there smoking…in a smoke-filled room…with sunglasses on! He was great! You hear him play and you know it’s him.”
When Tom and Kenny perform, you immediately recognize there is more to their artistry than blues. Much more! Their unique combination of style and musical arrangement give a distinctive signature to the more traditional sound; “We don’t dwell on the depressing side of life. We keep it up-tempo and we deal with light subjects.” Kenny says. “Blues can be fun and humorous, they don’t have to always be sad and about your troubles in life. I’m not sure we’re blues musicians exactly. Obviously we love blues and play blues, but we play a little folk, ragtime, country, and bluegrass as well. When I think about blues players, I think about Lightnin’ Hopkins, Sonny Terry, and Brownie McGhee. They would come out and play Blues! Tom and I play a lot of different styles.
Nodding in agreement, Tom adds. “We never worked in any coal mines. People that have the true claim to the blues are Son House, John Hurt, J.D. Short, Blind Blake, Bukka White. Those people lived the blues. They had troubles, they had pain and suffering. They worked on levee camps and were sharecroppers and had a real reason to sing the blues. Kenny and I enjoy that tradition in so far as it’s a soulful tradition, an important American tradition. But we learned the blues mostly from old 78 records.” “We don’t profess to be something we’re not,” says Kenny. “We’re ourselves on stage; we don’t put on any act up there.” He smiles, “That’s why our business card says ‘Good Time Blues’.”
How’s the next 40 shaping up for you? “We have a few festivals: Millpond in the Sierras. Shobefest in Ojai. Next year there are a few on the books as well. At this point, we just hope to keep breathing. And we need to say thanks to everyone — these 40 years could never have happened if nobody was showing up and listening.”
Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan have had an amazing ride together and as previously mentioned are serious contenders for ‘weirdest venue’ honors. “We were playing in the recreation room of a mental institution in the Netherlands,” Kenny remembers. “It was for the criminally insane and the rec room was the only place where they didn’t monitor the patients. They just sort of let them be themselves. So we had twenty people, kind of, sitting on our laps and pulling at our hair…and poking us.”
‘Good Time Blues’ journeymen working the ‘fringe’ elements. “There was one guy,” Tom says, “who could speak only two words of English. The only thing he could say was, ‘El Monte! El Monte!’ He would come up to us, poking our faces and guitars and chests and yelling, ‘El Monte! El Monte!’ A pretty interesting guy.”
“We were playing,” Kenny continues. “And everybody really wasn’t getting it. And this one lady was laughing at the right spots, like on ‘Bloodshot Eyes’ and ‘Chicken Ala Blues.’ I’m going, ok, she must be staff, you know, cool. Then Tom left the stage and I’m doing my solo, obviously an instrumental…and she’s STILL laughing! That’s how it was…AND we had to STAY there.” (laughing) “That was our accommodations for the night…on the hospital grounds. They put us up in; I don’t know what you’d call it, a bunkhouse? We did our laundry there. That was interesting; a lot of folks watching the dryers go ’round. It was a good gig, a memorable gig.”
John & Cheryl are two remarkable individuals committed to making the Lobero a better place.
Our stage recently received a major upgrade in the form of new, energy-efficient LED lighting equipment thanks to a generous donation from this couple.
Brandon Mowery spent an afternoon with John, who is an active member of the Lobero Theatre Board of Directors and Ghostlight Society, to discuss his enthusiasm for this project, supporting Cheryl’s artwork, and enjoying live music.
Interviewed by Brandon Mowery, Lobero Theatre Director of Development
“We are citizens of the planet. Theaters are potentially huge consumers of energy, so if we can reduce that, it’s our duty. ” John Gerngross
About John
How did you end up here in Santa Barbara?
Flew out to LA for a job interview, took the bus up to SB to visit a college friend, got out at the Greyhound station, took a look around and I thought to myself, I think I’ll spend some time here. Well, it’s been 40 years and counting!
Tell me a little about Condor Engineering? What did it mean to start a successful business in Santa Barbara?
Condor was a company that made electronics for big airplanes. I kept my offices downtown because I love to walk around State Street. For me it was very gratifying to start a business out of my garage, and have it do well.
What are you most proud of?
First of all, I’m most proud of my beautiful family. They are the light of my life. And of the business that I created with the help of my employees. Just proud to be here in Santa Barbara, enjoying life.
About the Lobero
What was your first show at the Lobero?
Don’t forget you’re asking an old guy that question. [laughs] I remember Poncho Sanchez and so many of Jazz at the Lobero shows, which I truly love, and Ahmed Jamal.
One of the things the Lobero does is bring new acts to town that I am not familiar with. For example we saw Future Islands, whom my wife and I had never heard of, and they were fabulous. New energy and new music like that are very memorable.
How were you introduced to the Lobero board?
I was looking to get more involved in the arts in Santa Barbara, and the Lobero had always been my favorite venue. I love the small feeling, I love that there isn’t a bad seat, I love the acts, I love the quality.
What are some of the biggest takeaways from your involvement as a Board member?
My biggest takeaway is my ability to contribute to this great theater and to be part of something bigger than myself–something that I love and enjoy. Not only does it expose me to great entertainment, but also many respected people. I’m now connected to a part of their community, and I get to know everyone a little better. It’s an exciting dynamic.
What does the Lobero mean to you and what is its role in the community?
To me, the Lobero is the oldest, most important parts of the performing arts community. To be part of that is very compelling. It’s a great way to give back and makes me very happy.
You serve as a member of the Development Committee. What makes the Lobero worthy of private support?
Good question. The Lobero is a fabulous institution. It brings so much to the community that wouldn’t be possible without additional support. To know that this season and the following will benefit from our help–providing for not only us, but the entire town–it’s immensely gratifying.
About Sustainability
Thank you again for your influential gift this year. What about the Lighting Package project appealed to you?
I am a technology guy, and the Lighting Package is the latest and greatest tech. It’s an obvious win for the environment.
Why is it important that we strive to improve our standing as a Green business?
We owe it to our community. We are citizens of the planet. Theaters are potentially huge consumers of energy, so if we can reduce that, it’s our duty. It’s important that we keep moving in that direction.
Are there other areas that you would like to see the Lobero improve when it comes to its carbon footprint?
Concessions are a big area that we can make more efficient. Less consumption of bottles and more availability for items on tap. Less waste. Less energy. Plus, customers will also enjoy shorter lines.
What are your hopes moving forward for the Lobero?
I’m excited to see us continue to present the types of shows we are known for, and also add additional genres of music. Not letting go of the old, and embracing the new.
Your wife Cheryl is a fantastic artist. What role do you play in that creative process?
I support Cheryl 100% in her art. In our creative process, I will often take the pictures and she will use that as the model for her painting. For instance, with her most recent Backstage cover, I staged several photos of young dancers, which she ended up taking as inspiration. That’s often how we work together.
In 2008, Dianne Vapnek approached me about partnering with the Lobero to continue the work of her SUMMERDANCE festival. The feedback from the visiting artists expressed the impact of these residencies to their careers, and ignited the idea to provide a month-long creative residency with only one requirement; to share the work with Santa Barbara audiences.
DANCEworks evolved from the SUMMERDANCE experience of providing choreographers during their festival residence with time and space to create new work. SUMMERDANCE built enduring relationships with the contemporary choreographers it presented from 1997-2006 such as Doug Varone (the 2019 Choreographer-in-Residence), Doug Elkins, Larry Keigwin, Mark Dendy, Aszure Barton and Brian Brooks–all of whom have returned for a DANCEworks residency.
We are here as a resource to the community, and it’s our mission to bring creative ideas to life. DANCEworks is a perfect example of this; it has never been our idea and we would never take ownership away from Dianne and her dynamic board of directors, but, it simply won’t work without the Lobero driving it. The Lobero team works closely with each visiting artist and tailors their residency to meet their needs. No two residencies have been the same, posing some wild and memorable challenges–everything from a huge delivery of two tons of rubber mulch to sourcing over 50 pairs of combat boots. Our talented crew and staff who take on each challenge with creativity and enthusiasm.
The idea was unconventional… and perfect for the Lobero
Our mission is quite simple – preserve and maintain the Lobero Theatre and facilitate the finest in the performing arts. We provide the space that holds all of this wonderful activity along with the personnel needed. It is the performers–the artists, dancers, musicians, and visionaries like Dianne Vapnek–that are the lifeblood for a vibrant performing arts scene.
The choreographers that she´s brought to this stage have been nothing short of exemplary. I think the greatest endorsement the program could receive is that all past choreographers were represented in that show. These are successful, in-demand artists, and it says a lot that they all made a point to be part of the 10th Anniversary showcase. We’re honored to work with Dianne, and we’re very proud to have added something valuable to the modern dance community.
When you take on a new project–especially something as hard to define as DANCEworks was in the beginning–it’s impossible to picture it ten years later. I look back on a program that has accomplished so much in the face of dwindling arts funding and a crowded media marketplace that competes with live performing arts, and I am very proud to play a role.
Here’s to dance.
David Asbell, Executive Director, Lobero Theatre Foundation
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 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.
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!
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.
The most reliable way to purchase legitimate tickets at face value is to begin your search at lobero.org. From time to time, we do release tickets to authorized sellers such as artist fan clubs. If you are ever in doubt about a seller, please call our Box Office at (805) 963-0761.
If you purchase from any other vendor, your tickets may not be valid. If a show is cancelled or postponed, you may not receive proper notification or reimbursement. The Lobero Theatre is not responsible for tickets purchased through vendors other than our website or those sellers that we have authorized.
We’re a Green Theater
It is our role as stewards of this great building to embrace the opportunity to invest in renewable energy, and to reduce waste wherever possible.
We use compostable cups, napkins, and utensils for all receptions and concessions events. We provide artist meal service on real dishes, supply performers with reusable stainless steel water bottles, and offer filtered water in the greenroom area – as well as water refill stations – in an effort to cut down on disposables throughout the venue. New concession stands also made the switch to wine and beer kegs, eliminating thousands of empty bottles and speeding up bartending services.
The Lobero’s stage lighting system has been updated to energy-efficient LEDs where possible, replacing hundreds of outdated stage bulbs. In addition, our recent impactful addition of solar panels on the Gail Towbes Auditorium rooftop will significantly reduce the Lobero’s reliance on traditional energy sources and add excess solar power to the local power grid.
As we do our part to make our venue a more environmentally-friendly place, we ask you to join us.
