Joe Payne
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture

Tengo famiglia!

The Santa Maria Civic Theatre presents a heartfelt rendition of DePietro’s Over the River and Through the Woods
by Joe Payne

The Santa Maria Civic Theatre is a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to providing the Santa Maria Valley with live theater in an intimate setting. Currently celebrating its 53rd season, the cast and crew are presenting a production of Over the River and Through the Woods for the holiday season. As the classic Lydia Maria Child […]

Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture

Masters of movement

Everybody Can Dance, home of the Santa Maria Civic Ballet, presents the holiday classic ‘The Nutcracker’ at the Clark Center
by Joe Payne

A grand works of genius will always have an audience, and some are so beloved that they continue to pack theaters more than a century after they premier. Local dance studio Everybody Can Dance, also home of the Santa Maria Civic Ballet, is gearing up for the annual production of The Nutcracker on Nov. 24 […]

Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture

A string salon

The SLO Symphony’s Maestro Michael Nowak and symphony members present a classical chamber concert at the Monarch Club
by Joe Payne

The tradition of chamber music goes back centuries, as does the repertoire for various chamber ensembles. The San Luis Obispo Symphony, used to performing orchestra-hall-type repertoire, still makes time for more intimate chamber concerts, like the program set for the Monarch Club in Nipomo on Nov. 18. The concert, titled “Toast of Trilogy,” will feature […]

Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture

Season of the Wiz

Follow the yellow brick road to PCPA’s 49th season premiere production of The Wizard of Oz
by Joe Payne

PCPA Theaterfest’s production of the classic American fantasy tale The Wizard of Oz ensnares and excites with talent and technical wizardry sure to cast a spell of delight on any age. Truly starting the 2012-2013 season with a bang, the production showcases the raw talent powering every facet of PCPA. The production is showing through […]

Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture

Art on the inside

The C Gallery showcases 20-plus years of works by abstract expressionist and minimalist Dara Mark
by Joe Payne

Abstract expressionism is a slippery snake in the art world. It defies easy categorization, and it’s tough for people to get a grip on one definition or another. The C Gallery is currently showing the exhibit “Dara Mark 1986-2008–Following an Art Career” through the beginning of December. The show features a range of Mark’s abstract […]

Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture

Grace in music

Grace Baptist Church welcomes the California Baptist University’s Male Chorale for a performance and audition opportunity
by Joe Payne

Music has enjoyed a sacred place in most congregations, the local Grace Baptist Church being no exception. The church includes music as part of its services, but also presents performances by touring and local ensembles, including the Santa Maria Philharmonic Orchestra. An upcoming concert will feature an ensemble from the California Baptist University School of […]

Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture

Rendezvous and revel

The Santa Maria Philharmonic Orchestra presents two stunning concerts for the month of November
by Joe Payne

The Santa Maria Philharmonic Society has served as a stalwart cornerstone for the musical community in the Santa Maria Valley. The group’s dedication—not just to providing high-quality performances of classical music, but to outreach aimed at young musicians and students—is what makes the society a truly invaluable asset. With characteristic generosity, the Santa Maria Philharmonic […]

Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture

Playing from the heart

The San Luis Chamber Orchestra and pianist Ann Lucas awaken the music of the romantic era in Santa Maria
by Joe Payne

The music of history’s great composers only lives on in the ears of those who care to listen. And those who care to listen will be delighted to know that an upcoming collaboration will feature works by two of the heavy hitters of the Romantic Era. The San Luis Chamber Orchestra will be coming to […]

Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture

In the tradition of fun

The Black and White Ball features traditional mariachi music as well as a full dance band
by Joe Payne

Music has always been one of the oldest traditions, and today is no different. A traditional celebration is taking place in Santa Maria due to the concerted efforts of the Mexican Ladies Social Club. The Black and White Ball is a traditional formal affair that has taken place for decades in Santa Maria, and in […]

Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture

Get down in old town

Lucia’s Wine Co. holds an open mic and regular live music in the heart of Old Town Orcutt
by Joe Payne

A good, weekly open mic event can be a catalyst for a musical community. If a location has the right ambiance, attitude, and turnout, something special can form. I walked into the Lucia’s Wine Co. tasting room on Oct. 3 for the new Wednesday night open mic and was quickly grabbed by the location’s relaxed […]

Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture

Harvesting art

The Autumn Arts Grapes and Grains Festival is a cornucopia of quality local art and music
by Joe Payne

When the leaves start turning colors and the Santa Maria weather begins to cool down (in theory), you can expect the community to share the fruit of a productive summer. Autumn Arts Grapes and Grains is a community festival that celebrates art in its many forms, including local live music. The festival was born 56 […]

Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture

Monster bash

Get spooky at the Addamo Bistro and Wine Bar’s weekly ‘Rocktober’ concerts and costume parties
by Joe Payne

October is the time of year when we can all unabashedly pull our favorite costumes out of the attic and play dress up. Some go silly, some go spooky, but the spirit of fun is the same. The Addamo Bistro and Wine Bar is celebrating the holiday spirit with a series of weekly concerts/costume parties […]

Gift this article