Producers Mark Johnson and Jenny Hinkey are seeking a crew for a low-budget feature project called Flying Lessons. The approximate start date is Aug. 24, and the shoot is expected to run 18 to 20 days. Filming will take place in the Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang, and possibly downtown Santa Barbara. The production—starring Hal […]
SHELLY CONE
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Make discoveries for free
The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum is offering a free Community Day on Saturday, Aug. 8. This is the fifth annual community day the museum has hosted in the name and memory of R.H. Tesene—a community leader, historical figure in the development of Santa Maria, and a generous supporter of the Santa Maria Valley Discovery […]
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Sundays in the park with bands
Santa Maria’s summer concert series rocks families
The day before the work week starts, Sunday, is often reserved for relaxing, recouping, or otherwise taking it easy. Some Santa Maria residents, however, are taking it for what it is—a day in the sun—and are heading out to Rotary Centennial Park to enjoy great weather, family time, and some free live music by […]
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Think outside the canvas
A lack of local venues forces artists to get creative
There’s been something missing from the local art scene for years, and that lack has frustrated artists and art lovers alike. It’s venues. There pretty much aren’t any in the Santa Maria area. The situation has forced artists to get creative and find alternative ways to showcase their work. That photo in the […]
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Civic Theatre starts new season
The Santa Maria Civic Theatre recently announced the election of its officers for the 2009-2010 season. Clare Terrill is president, Bob Larsen is vice president, Angela Hutt-Chamberlin is secretary, Alan Foster is treasurer, and Nancy Kuneshigi, Michael Parsley, and Don Schuetee are members-at-large. The upcoming season includes a dose of mystery coupled with comedy. […]
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There’s a new singer in town
A singer from Colorado is finding her audience on the Central Coast
Santa Maria was a long way from home for Carole McNeil, a petite blonde with huge green pixie eyes and a sly grin. She left a regular singing gig and a supportive fan base in Castle Rock, Colo., a month ago to move here. Her striking looks and memorable voice helped her quickly nab […]
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Next in line
The 1st Line hits the right mix with its latest album, What’s New to the Old You?
Dominique Atoigue cradles his coffee cup. It looks empty, but he’s still gripping it. He’s very animated as he talks about his band, The 1st Line, and it’s hard to know whether it’s genuine exuberance or the caffeine talking. Later that evening, during band rehearsal, Atoigue goes at the drums with the same energy—arms […]
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One of these days: To the Moonstone!
There’s no beach glass, but visitors will find moonstones galore
The name alone was enough to get me to pack my bags, kids, and some tunes and make the hour’s drive north. Moonstone Beach—is that not the coolest name? It sounds so mystical, so special, the kind of place that touches your spirit and aligns your chakra, or whatever you have that needs aligning. I […]
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Follow the music
The Music Man leads audiences to a happy place
Take a walk in the good ol’ summertime to a place of ice cream socials and long conversations on the front porch. It’s where parents worry about keeping their sons moral, and a new pool table in town can illicit concern by the suggestion of serious trouble. You’ve entered River City, a small town in […]
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Dancers score big
The Dellos Performing Arts Competition Team returned from Hollywood Connection’s Finals in Anaheim as winners in several categories. The teams were declared national champions in the Jr. Tap and Jr. Production Divisions, while the Senior Teams became national champions in Hip Hop and Contemporary, with the Senior Hip Hop team declared overall national champion, achieving […]
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Mr. Booher goes to Washington
PCPA Theaterfest Artistic Director Mark Booher recently joined other theater leaders in Washington, D.C., to advocate with Western states’ senators, asking for their continued support of the arts. The trip coincided with the Theatre Communications Group National Conference held the first week of June. Booher—after receiving some advocacy training from the director of government and […]
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Caught in the act
Servando Garcia’s latest work focuses on play
Servando Garcia, occasional part-time faculty member at Allan Hancock College, is one of four artists exhibiting work in Echo of the Whole at the Santa Barbara Contemporary Art Forum. His pieces deal with the idea of “play” in its many forms, and specifically the idea of being absorbed in the act of play. An artist […]