With the New Year comes the hopes of a better future. While some make resolutions to get in shape, remove a bad habit, or make a long-strived-for accomplishment, others are reminded of the immense possibilities that the New Year holds. I will challenge myself, as well as my readers, to engage more with music on the ground level, and to enjoy a more enriching experience of the most perfect of art forms. This was a big year in popular music. There was much to talk about as far as artists’ wild behavior and inflated egos (I’m looking at you Kanye), but I have heard much less talk about the quality of music and what it means to people. This brings me to the first thing people can do to make their 2014 musically enriching:
Expand your music horizons! A nutritionist would tell you a diet that includes a lot of healthy diversity is good for you; the same principle applies to music. Everyone has his or her presets of radio stations in the car, but why not let the dial spin and land where it may? Not only the radio, but also the Internet is a treasure trove of information that can lead you to your new favorite band. Don’t be afraid to make a 180-degree shift in what you are listening to. Usually listen to electronic pop? Try some acoustic folk music. Have you always had an ear for classical music? Try exploring contemporary rock, hip hop, or dance music.
Don’t be afraid to cross cultures. While similar to the first point, listening to the music of a different culture offers you a direct feed into that culture. Everyone’s music is unique, but you would be surprised by how similar they can be, from American country music to Mexican Mariachi. One upcoming concert facilitated by ¡Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara! will feature masters of multicultural musical alchemy. La Santa Cecilia will be regaling locals with their fusion of Latin, Pan-American music, including cumbia, bossa nova, rumba, bolero, tango, jazz, rock, and even klezmer in the free family concerts Viva offers in Isla Vista, Guadalupe, and Santa Barbara.
Support local venues. Eco-friendly and health-minded people attend farmers markets to attain the freshest local produce, hoping to eat something that was grown nearby. The same reasoning can be shifted toward music. So much these days we rely on electronic technology to pipe in whatever we feel like listening to at any moment, but music has only existed in this fashion for a very short time. Living, breathing musicians provide the best, freshest music, and they can only be found at local live music venues. This column highlights a collection of local concerts and venues, but these businesses will only offer live music as long as there is an audience there to enjoy it, so find a new spot where real musicians are making real music.
Support or join local organizations. There are plenty of local nonprofit and volunteer organizations that could use your help and support in keeping music live and local. The Santa Maria Philharmonic Society has bounced back after a year of budget woes, but the venerable classical music institution needs support from the entire community, whether it is in ticket purchases, subscriptions, or donations. Other local groups welcome the community to come engage in the music making. Several local community choirs are always open to new singers, though some require an audition, and the performing ensembles at Allan Hancock College are just one sign-up away.
Really listen. Our culture has pushed music into the background, flooding our ears with all sorts of muzak and fluff. Next time you put in an album or, better yet, attend a live concert, really focus on the music as you would the narrative of a film. Everyone’s music has a unique conveyance of thoughts, feelings, and ideas. What does it say; most especially, what does it say to you? Your world can become a whole lot bigger if you keep your ears open!
Bring on the fusion
¡Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara! presents La Santa Cecilia performing free family concerts, including Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. at Isla Vista School, 6875 El Colegio Road, Goleta; Jan. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Guadalupe City Hall Auditorium, 918 Obispo St., Guadalupe; and Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Marjorie Luke Theatre, Santa Barbara Junior High School, 721 E. Cota St., Santa Barbara. More info: 893-5037, 343-2939, or 884-4087, Ext. 7.
Right off the runway
The Radisson Hotel presents live music every Friday and Saturday, including Juan Marquez performing Jan. 3 and 4 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel, 3455 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria. More info: 928-8000.
Live from the vine
The D’Vine Wine Bar and Bistro features Greg Schroeder on Jan. 4 and Jerry Stickell on Jan. 8 with both shows starting at 7:30 p.m. Karaoke nights are Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the D’Vine Wine Bar and Bistro, 107 W. Ocean Ave., Lompoc. More info: 430-8356 or facebook.com.
Get creative
Creative Juices presents Cheyenne McDonald on Jan. 10. Shows happen from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Creative Juices Lounge, 874 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe. More info: 219-0518 or creativejuiceslounge.com.
Open to everyone
Lucia’s Wine Co. offers an open mic night featuring wine, poetry, and live music on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. at the tasting room, 126 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt. More info: 332-3080.
Maverick music
The Maverick Saloon offers live entertainment, including a country hoedown with the Jimi Nelson Band on Jan. 3 at 8:45 p.m., followed by “Late Night with guest DJs” at 11:30 p.m. “Concert on the Deck” featuring Jimi Nelson and the boys is Jan. 4 at 3 p.m. The Jimi Nelson Band performs on Jan. 4 at 8:45 p.m., followed by “Late Night with guest DJs” at 11:30 p.m. at the saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. More info: 686-4785 or mavericksyv@aol.com.
Contact Arts Editor Joe Payne at jpayne@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jan 2-9, 2014.
