The Central Coast is darn close to a photographer’s dream setting, so scouting locations is one of the most fun parts of the job for Amanda Booker. “I just love this area. There’s so much to offer,” she said. “Basically anything a client envisions, you can find here.” Book BookerAmanda Booker takes photos for couples, […]
Music, Arts & Culture
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Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series hosts its last shows of the season
To conclude its 45th season, the Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series is preparing for two more shows at St. Mark’s Church in Los Olivos. The organization’s quest is to deliver world-class music to the valley. “Our concerts enrich, educate, and inspire audiences throughout the Santa Ynez Valley and surrounding communities, with complimentary tickets available to […]
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Presqu’ile Winery’s tasting room debuts an art vending machine
The next time wine tasters visit Presqu’ile Winery, they can collect artwork from a coin-operated mini print vending machine. It’s the latest effort from the winery to involve creativity with its food and wine offerings. Created by artist Ana Inciardi, the machine is the first of its kind at a winery in the U.S., according […]
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If I Had Legs I’d Kick You is propelled by Rose Bryne’s Oscar-nominated performance
Writer-director Mary Bronstein (Yeast) helms this story about Linda (Rose Byrne), a psychotherapist whose personal and professional responsibilities leave her on the brink of a nervous breakdown. In between work, she cares for her daughter (Delaney Quinn) who’s got a pediatric eating disorder requiring a feeding tube and daily hospital visits. Her ship captain husband, […]
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Unfamiliar is a propulsive German spy thriller on Netflix
UnfamiliarWhat’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2026 Where’s it showing? Netflix I’m generally not a fan of dubbed films or shows, so even though I was a little put off at first, this German series sucked me in. Created by Paul Coates, the story follows former intelligence agents Meret (Susanne Wolff) and Simon Schäfer (Felix Krammer) […]
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Netflix’s The Investigation of Lucy Letby offers previously unseen footage
The Investigation of Lucy LetbyWhat’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2026 Where’s it showing? Netflix Lucy Letby was a young neonatal nurse when she began at Countess of Chester Hospital in 2012. Her whole career focused on the care of the youngest and most vulnerable patients. However, in subsequent years, the hospital saw an unexplained rise […]
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Santa Maria’s Inspirational Art Center knows how to throw a party
Alisha Muller lives for “mirror moments.” She can create them in just five minutes, using paint, sponges, brushes, and a touch of glitter. Her clients, most often children, climb onto a tall director’s chair and choose a design from Muller’s face painting samples. Then they try to sit still, anticipating their transformation. Ready to party?Book […]
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The Melodrama presents its first production of the year
Catch The Super Trio at The Great American Melodrama Theatre before the final curtain closes on March 7. “In a universe brimming with superpowered folks, three friends flipping burgers at a fast-food joint get the chance of a lifetime: an internship to become The Super Trio,” according to the Melodrama. Enter antagonist Minerva, who threatens […]
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Solvang Theaterfest offers VIP package for 2026 season
Get the most out of your experience at the Solvang Festival Theater by signing up for the Star Patron program to see three shows performed by the Pacific Conservatory Theatre. Members will receive tickets for three shows this summer on Star Patron nights as well as access to pre-performance and intermission receptions with guest speakers, […]
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Crime 101 is a multi-threaded crime thriller about a multi-million-dollar heist
Bart Layton (The Imposter, American Animals) directs his adaptation of Don Winslow’s 2020 novella of the same name about thief Mike Davis (Chris Hemsworth), whose series of heists along the 101 freeway draws the attention of Detective Lou Lubesnick (Mark Ruffalo) and intersects with the plans of disgruntled insurance broker Sharon Combs (Halle Berry). (139 […]
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Playing Gracie Darling is a thriller about a séance gone wrong
Playing Gracie DarlingWhat’s it rated? TV-MA When? 2025 to present Where’s it showing? Neflix Child psychologist Joni (Morgana O’Reilly) is mother to teenager, Mina (Chloe Brink), but when Joni was 14, her best friend, Gracie Darling (Kristina Bogic), disappeared under mysterious circumstances following a Ouija board session in a cabin in the woods. Joni can’t […]
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Earth’s Greatest Enemy documents U.S. military’s environmental destruction
Earth’s Greatest EnemyWhat’s it rated? Not rated When? 2026 Where’s it showing? Friday, Feb. 20, at Cal Poly PACSLO (6:30 p.m.; $10 student, $20 general at pacslo.org), and Saturday, Feb. 21, at Cuesta College CPAC (12:30 p.m.; $15 at eventbrite.com) Wife-and-husband documentarians Abby Martin and Mike Prysner (Chevron vs. The Amazon) spent five years on […]