Entertainers from a galaxy far, far away will transform Soul Bites entertainment space in Santa Barbara, into a Star Wars-style cantina on Saturday, May 4 at 423 State St. Doors open at 6 p.m. and performances start at 7 p.m.
The event is a fundraiser for new local nonprofit New Hope Creative Alliance.
The Galactic Fringers, a local sci-fi and fantasy performance and costuming group, has created an evening of live music, dance, comedy and light-saber performances, a droid DJ, audience interaction events, a costume contest, food and drink.
New Hope Creative Alliance was formed in 2023 to formalize and expand the community outreach efforts that Galactic Fringers group members have participated in for the past decade.
As part of its mission, New Hope Creative Alliance provides costumed performances and themed entertainment to support other nonprofits, local businesses, schools, and other organizations to help raise funds and enhance local events.
The group, through its support of international nonprofit Shimmy Mob, selected Olive Crest’s Hope Refuge campus to sponsor this spring as part of the May 4 event. Hope Refuge is a safe haven in the region for teenagers victimized by human trafficking.
New Hope Creative Alliance members have supported other “May the Fourth Be With You” Star Wars-themed events in the past, for example, providing light-saber academies at the Santa Barbara Zoo and MOXI Science Center.
“We created virtual ‘May the Fourth’ variety shows in 2021 and 2022, bringing together performers from across the United States and Canada, and we’ve dreamed about creating a live event since then, where we could bring the cantinas and clubs from our favorite sci-fi franchise to life,” said Mike Whitney, New Hope Creative Alliance Board president. “I’m beyond thrilled that it has become a reality this year.”
The Cantina Celebration will feature three bands Cuddlefish, Ulysses Jasz Goes Hanna, and Trout Club.
There will be themed dance performances from local studios and professionals including The Dance Network, Galaxeum, Black Dragon Tribal, Nilay Engin, and Melissa Nunes; and comedy performances from Lauren Watson; a force-sensitive fortune teller, an interactive spy thriller story, a silent auction, and a costume contest.
Soul Bites is offering a buffet of its fried chicken and sides as part of the ticket package.
The event is all-ages. General admission tickets are $40, and VIP tickets (which include a t-shirt and costume accessory) are $77.
Buffet tickets are available for pre-purchase only for an additional $25. Tickets available now through the Galactic Fringers website, or at https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/new-hope-creative-alliance/a-star-wars-cantina-celebration-renegades-rebels-rogues.