It’s that time of year again, when local singer-songwriters, bands, rappers, and composers seal their EPs, albums, or recordings with a bow and send them into the New Times Music Awards. Is this the year you’ll finally enter, or are you going to watch someone else take home the coveted Newtie? The competition is open […]
Joe Payne
Posted inNews
Buellton City Council agrees to retool RV ordinance
The Buellton City Council saw packed chambers at its July 27 meeting, when it reconsidered an ordinance banning trailers, boats, and recreational vehicles (RVs) from being parked on residential driveways, lawns, and streets. Residents filled every seat, stood, and a line of children sat along a back wall during a charged public comment session. “First […]
Posted inNews
Vandenberg announced Minuteman III test launch amid North Korea concerns
Vandenberg Air Force Base announced an operational test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) scheduled for Aug. 2, after the Sun‘s Aug. 1 press time. The announcement came just days after North Korea launched its longest range ICBM to date on July 28, which reportedly could reach the Continental United States. […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Soul’d Out celebrates singer’s birthday with show at Santa Maria Inn
Working isn’t how most like to spend their birthday each year, but there are a few exceptions. Like lead singer for local band Soul’d Out, Lisa Duran, who will perform with the band on her birthday, Aug. 5, at the Santa Maria Inn’s Olde English Tap Room. It’s a good thing the members of the […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Wildling Museum exhibits animal art at Santa Barbara Zoo
The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature and the Santa Barbara Zoo have collaborated for a special exhibit showing at the zoo, featuring art by students from Solvang School and the Montessori Center School. The show features art inspired by animals, showing at the zoo’s Volentine Family Gallery through Oct. 9. Students from Solvang School […]
Posted inNews
Whittier Fire mostly contained, evacuation orders lifted
The Whittier Fire was 87 percent contained as of July 25, according to a “final update” from the U.S. Forest Service. At that time, the fire had burned 18,430 acres and destroyed 16 residences and 30 outbuildings; 511 personnel responded to the fire. The cause of the blaze was still under investigation. The update explained […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Cypress Gallery features Neil Andersson
The Lompoc Valley Art Association features Neil Andersson at the Cypress Gallery in downtown Lompoc for the month of August. An artist’s reception is scheduled for Aug. 5 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the gallery. Andersson is known for his landscape paintings, and said in a statement from the association that a landscape is […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
St. Louis de Montfort hosts concert by French Boys’ Choir
The Catholic Church looms large in the history of Western art music, and why shouldn’t it? The church is responsible for written music notation, some of the earliest codified harmony, and of course polyphony and counterpoint. It all goes back to Gregorian chant, and the monks who sang low on one melody line during worship […]
Posted inNews
5th District county supervisor Steve Lavagnino announces bid for re-election
Steve Lavagnino was set to announce his bid for re-election as 5th District county supervisor on July 19, aiming for a third term representing much of Santa Maria and unincorporated parts of North County in the 2018 election. As of press time, no one else had announced they were running in that race. Lavagnino told […]
Posted inNews
When dogs fly: Locals train their pets and prepare for American Kennel Club competition on the Central Coast
As soon as Sullivan realized that Toby was at Maramonte Park in Sana Maria, the barking commenced. The two dogs are buddies, so they immediately began chasing each other about the green grass there, Toby squeaking out barks as Sullivan bound just out of the smaller dog’s reach. All that romping might give someone the […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Local bands jam in the park at Solvang’s Summer Concert Series
Most rock bands know how to fill a bar with some danceable music. Playing to that kind of space with amplification is easy, but what about filling an entire park with your sound? That’s the true measure of a band. Whether performing under an oak tree or in a gazebo, bands have to be able […]
Posted inNews
Whittier Fire burns more than 10,000 acres near Lake Cachuma
The Whittier Fire ignited on July 8 near Highway 154 at Cachuma Lake, and in just three days it had blazed through more than 10,000 acres of Santa Ynez Mountainside, destroying eight residences and 12 outbuildings, according to a July 11 update from agencies responding to the fire. In an update made to the county’s […]