Happy Friday everyone!
With the whole weekend ahead of me, I've decided to blog a little about the cultural offerings in Santa Barbara. If I were to cover absolutely everything I could experience in any given weekend here, I would have to get into more of a treatise on the pros and cons of living somewhere where there is ALWAYS something interesting happening. From cultural festivals to live performances and visual arts - there really is something for everybody.
This weekend is the annual Greek Festival held in Oak Park. The quiet neighborhood park is transformed into a shady summertime gathering place for people of all ages to enjoy great food and entertainment. I love this event because it gives me an excuse to walk through the charming Samarkand neighborhood and take in all the delightful cottage-style homes on the surrounding streets. Then waiting just around the corner are the lively Greek musicians and dancers on the Parthenon Stage who spread their infectious rhythms until everyone is on their feet!
For classical music lovers, the Music Academy of the West comes to life in the summer for 8 weeks. Perched on the Montecito bluffs adjacent to Butterfly Beach, the academy hosts gifted young musicians and gives them the amazing opportunity to perform with illustrious guest artists (last season opened with conductor/composer John Williams). Events are usually held downtown at the Lobero and now at Hahn Hall, the newly constructed theater on their campus. Attending any event during their Summer Festival is a treat!
One of Santa Barbara's little gems is the Contemporary Arts Forum (located upstairs in the shopper's paradise Paseo Nuevo). This weekend CAF hosts a short film festival at Samy's Camera. The outdoor event is the perfect way to enjoy a beautiful evening under the Santa Barbara stars.
Now if only I could decide what to do, I might be able to narrow down my dining options... Don't even get me started on my favorite Santa Barbara restaurants!
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