The spirit can handle some amazing tests of emotional strength, and even triumph over what the flesh can’t handle, but it’s the flesh that sometimes bears the scars. With that truth in mind, a group of artists chose to create an exhibition that gives a voice to survivors of all kinds: Indomitable Spirits II: Proud […]
Charles Dickens’ story, A Christmas Carol, was first published in England on Dec. 19, 1843. Yet its powerful message of the meaning not only of Christmas, but of compassion for one’s fellow human beings, still rings true today. The origin of this timeless story is also pertinent now, in the face of a horrific economic […]
Coastal Commission seeks artistic students Got a talent for drawing? The heart of a poet? The California Coastal Commission invites all students in the state—kindergarten through 12th grade—to enter the 2009 California Coastal Art and Poetry Contest. Entries must be postmarked by Saturday, Jan. 31. Winners will be selected in each of four grade-level categories […]
Santa Maria Civic Theatre’s latest production is titled A Christmas Cactus, which sounds like it could be a holiday-themed western revue, or a western-themed holiday revue, but it’s neither. The “cactus” of the title refers to a big-city private investigator named Katie “Cactus” O’ Riley. Cactus (Sydney Asencio) and her assistant, Fred Booker (Iain Freckleton), […]
So the pie is gone, shopping is done, and all that’s left of the Thanksgiving turkey is a few ribbons of dark meat. What do you do with the relatives now? Walk off that turkey while viewing fine art and shopping for Christmas treasures. Two shows are a must see for art lovers in the […]
Christmas show offers plenty of gift ideas Get those wish lists ready. The Los Padres Artist Guild will present its 32nd annual Christmas show, “The Gifts of Christmas,” at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center, 600 South McClelland, in Santa Maria on Nov. 28, 29, and 30. The catered reception runs from 7 to 10 […]
When Hall and Oates played the Chumash Casino recently, they took a stage surrounded by rabid fans who were treated to crowd favorites, as well as rare “way back” tunes. With a new solo album (1,000 Miles of Life) released in September and a concert CD/DVD with Daryl Hall (Live at the Troubadour) set to […]
Violin virtuoso Isaac Stern once said, “America’s music was born at his piano.” He was talking about Irving Berlin, who touted “White Christmas” as the best song he’d ever written. Berlin proclaimed, in fact, that it was the best song “anybody had ever written!” This bold declaration came from the man who also wrote “God […]
Want a little murder and mystery with your turkey dinner? Head to the Gobble Gobble Death and Trouble murder mystery dinner theater at Union Hotel at 7 p.m. on Nov. 21 and 28. Chef Ramsey Gordon has the world’s most sought after turkey recipe. What length would someone go to get it? Find out at […]
It’s not unusual for a folk musician to strive for release from a conventional lifestyle, longing to take to the road to share music and a message. Then there are the brave souls who actually do it and are better for it. Four Shillings Short falls into the latter category. Being homeless and owning few […]
Surfers travel to where the surf is. Likewise, art enthusiasts travel to where the art is. And sometimes, people are lucky enough to be able to do both. On a recent weekend, the marriage of three circumstances—falling gas prices, dismal weather, and an ever-present feeling of wanderlust—led us to pack up and take a drive […]
Dance the night away Get your dancing shoes on and foxtrot over to Santa Maria Dance Days. The event is a series of dances to be held Nov. 14 to 16 at the Santa Maria Inn. Dancers can sign up for a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday pass—or for all three days. Workshops include waltz, bolero, […]
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