March

» Opera Santa Barbara (OSB) presents Il Postino, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 7, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 8.

His job was to simply deliver the mail, but when the poor and uneducated Mario meets Chilean exile and poet Pablo Neruda his life is forever changed. Set in the 1950s on a small island off the coast of Italy, Catán’s score soars against a backdrop of political and spiritual conflict. Kostis Protopapas conducts.

Crystal Manich, last with OSB for “The Cunning Little Vixen,” returns to direct. Scott Piper makes his OSB debut as the poet and Daniel Montenegro, last seen in 2011’s “Trouble in Tahiti,” as the titular postman. https://www.lobero.org/events/operasb-il-postino/.

» Lobero LIVE presents Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, 8 p.m. Monday, March 9. Skaggs struck his first chords on a mandolin 50 years ago, and the 15-time Grammy Award winner continues to do his part to lead the recent roots revival in music.

His life’s path has taken him to various musical genres, from where it all began in bluegrass music, to striking out on new musical journeys, while still leaving his musical roots intact. https://www.lobero.org/events/ricky-skaggs/.

» The YETI Film Tour returns at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, this time with a new reel of unreleased stories of grit and passion. In celebration of our wild country, all proceeds from the tour go toward organizations committed to protecting the places we call home.

Each tour stop will include appearances from our ambassadors as well as raffles for exclusive YETI prizes. https://www.lobero.org/events/yeti-film-tour/.

» Kerry Irish Productions Inc. presents St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland!, 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 11.

Spend St. Patrick’s Day with some of the Emerald Isle’s top performers including principal dancers Connor Reider (The Chieftains, Celtic Fyre, Celtic Wings) and Carrie Stotmeister (Celtic Wings, An Irish Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland); and multi-instrumentalists from the Kerry Traditional Band led by Ryan McKasson on fiddle along with Colin Cotter, guitar, vocals; Christa Burch, vocals, bodhrán; and Preston Howard-Wilde on uilleann pipes and flutes. https://www.lobero.org/events/st-patricks-day-in-ireland/.

» CAMA’s Masterseries presents British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor, 8 p.m. Friday, March 13. Grosvenor has been described as “the best pianist to come out of England in the last 50 years,” and “one of the world’s most sought-after young pianists.”

His playing is reminiscent of legendary pianists Rachmaninoff, Schnabel, Rubinstein, Serkin. The upcoming concert will mark his Santa Barbara recital debut. https://www.lobero.org/events/cama-benjamin-grosvenor/.

» Lobero LIVE presents It’s Magic!, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14. Top magicians, direct from showrooms and Hollywood’s famous Magic Castle perform impossible feats.  It’s never the same show twice, and sure to astound magic fans of all ages. https://www.lobero.org/events/its-magic-2020/.

» Martin Media presents Whose Live Anyway?, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 15. Whose Live Anyway? is 90 minutes of improvised comedy featuring current cast members Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis and Joel Murray of the Emmy-nominated TV show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”

Whose Live Anyway? showcases some of the improv games made famous on the long-running TV show as well as some new ones. Audience participation is key to the show so bring your suggestions; you might be asked to join the cast onstage. https://www.lobero.org/events/whose-live-anyway/.

» KCRW and The Santa Barbara Independent present The Moth Mainstage, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19. What began as a modest storytelling collective in its founder’s living room has grown into an epic, nationwide phenomenon with a cult-like following. The Moth’s Mainstage events are the storytelling group’s hottest tickets.

Hand-picked Moth Mainstage all-stars will link the brilliant and the absurd in an evening at the Lobero Theatre. Since each story is true and every voice authentic, the show dances between documentary and theater, creating a unique, intimate, and often enlightening experience for the audience. https://www.lobero.org/events/the-moth-mainstage-2/.

» New Date Lobero LIVE presents Ladysmith Black Mambazo, 8 p.m. Friday, March 20. For some 50 years, South Africa’s five-time Grammy Award winner Ladysmith Black Mambazo has warmed the hearts of audiences worldwide with uplifting vocal harmonies, signature dance moves and charming onstage banter.

Since the world discovered the group’s powerful a cappella vocals from Paul Simon’s Graceland album, the original members have welcomed a younger generation in their mission, passing along the tradition of storytelling and spreading a message of peace, love and harmony to millions the world over. https://www.lobero.org/events/ladysmith-black-mambazo/.

» Gustafson Dance and State Street Ballet Young Dancers present A Spring Celebration of Dance, 7 p.m. Saturday, March 21. Dancers from the apprentice company of State Street Ballet perform a diverse repertoire, featuring new works by Kassandra Taylor Newberry, among others. https://www.lobero.org/events/a-spring-celebration-of-dance/.

» Lobero LIVE, Pandaman and KTYD present Quips and Pix, 4 p.m. Sunday, March 22. The event celebrates the iconic rock ‘n roll photography of Henry Diltz and Joel Bernstein. The photographers will share their photos and the stories behind them as a multimedia presentation with live commentary, followed by a Q & A with superfan Hale Milgrim. https://www.lobero.org/events/quips-and-pix/.

» Lobero LIVE presents Taj Mahal Quartet, 8 p.m. Wednesday. An artist with a musicologist’s mind, Taj Mahal has pursued and elevated the roots of beloved sounds with devotion and skill. He traced origins to the American South, the Caribbean, Africa, and elsewhere, creating entirely new sounds, again and again

He’s not only a god to rock-and-roll icons such as Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones, but also a hero to ambitious artists toiling in obscurity. No one is as simultaneously traditional and avant-garde. https://www.lobero.org/events/taj-mahal/.

» Santa Barbara Permaculture Network presents The Second Annual Eco Hero Awards, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, March 29, this time honoring two recipients for 2020, visionary mycologist Paul Stamets, and award-winning filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg.

Revealing the fascinating world of fungi has been the work of Paul Stamets, and time-lapse cinematography has been Schwartzberg’s passion. Together they have created Fantastic Fungi, an award-winning documentary that explores the symbiotic relationship between humans and mushrooms, and their power to heal, sustain and contribute to the regeneration of life. https://www.lobero.org/events/the-second-annual-eco-hero-awards/.

April

» Adderley School Advanced Conservatory presents “Oliver!”  on Saturday, April 4 at 2 and 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 5 at 2 and 7 p.m. “Oliver!” takes audiences on an adventure through Charles Dickens’ beloved novel. Orphaned Oliver Twist navigates London’s underworld of theft and brutality, searching for a home, a family, and — most importantly — for love.

With timeless songs like “As Long as He Needs Me,” “Food, Glorious Food” and “Where is Love,” “Oliver!” is a musical classic. https://www.lobero.org/events/oliver/.

» Right Angle Entertainment presents “The Office! A Musical Parody,” 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 7. “Singing! Dancing! Paper!” It’s a typical morning at Scranton’s third largest paper company until, for no logical reason, a documentary crew begins filming the lives of the employees of Dunder Mifflin.

This unauthorized parody of the hit TV show “The Office,” features songs such as “Wel-come to Scranton (The Electric City),” “That’s What She Said,” and “The Dundies.” https://www.lobero.org/events/the-office-the-musical-parody/

» Lobero LIVE presents An Evening with Los Lobos, 8 p.m. Thursday, April 9. Los Lobos, the hard-working, constantly touring band has sold millions of records, won prestigious awards and made fans worldwide.

Recently, the band released its first Christmas album, Llegó Navidad, breaking the holiday-album mold with styles like Tejano, folk, country, doo-wop, soul, R&B, and rock ’n’ roll and punk coming together to create a new sound that’s greater than the sum of its parts. https://www.lobero.org/events/an-evening-with-los-lobos/.

» Lobero Brubeck Circle presents The Derek Douget Band, 8 p.m. Friday, April 10. Acclaimed saxophonist Derek Douget returns to Santa Barbara for an evening of New Orleans jazz.Douget is a member of the Ellis Marsalis Quartet and the director of the Heritage School of Music.

He has performed or worked with a who’s who in the jazz world including Dr. John, Terence Blanchard, Allen Toussaint, Branford Marsalis, and Dee Dee Bridgewater. https://www.lobero.org/events/jazz-2019-derek-douget/.

» Jazz at the Lobero presents Charles Lloyd and the Marvels on Monday, 8 p.m. April 13. Lloyd’s improvisational talents and passion for cross-pollinating jazz are alive and well with The Marvels. This collaboration highlights the guitar wizardry of Bill Frisell and slide guitarist Greg Leisz. Their recent release, I Long to See You, has been met with wide critical praise. https://www.lobero.org/events/charles-lloyd-the-marvels/.

» Lobero LIVE presents Arlo Guthrie: 20/20 Tour, 8 p.m. Wednesday. If hindsight is 20/20, Guthrie has a vast perspective looking forward. After decades of touring, the folksinger is dialing it back a bit. But the road has become a way of life for Arlo: sharing songs and stories, getting to the heart of what really matters, and being a comic agitator.

It’s who he is. Stirring the pot, questioning the powers that be, and reminding us what it’s all about with humor and passion. https://www.lobero.org/events/arlo-guthrie-2020/.

May

» Opera Santa Barbara presents “Romeo & Juliet,” 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 1 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 3. Based on the world’s most famous love story by William Shakespeare, Charles Gounod tells this tragic tale through sweeping melodies and a series of some of opera’s most touching love duets.

Through it all, Romeo and Juliet hold steadfast to their bond and eternal love, accepting whatever fate may bring, as long as they can remain together. Celebrated soprano Sarah Coburn and tenor Nathan Granner return as the eponymous lovers. https://www.lobero.org/events/operasb-romeo-juliet/.

» Lobero LIVE presents The Capitol Steps, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Monday, May 4. What better time to see The Capitol Steps than election season? Catch songs about the Democratic primary candidates (“76 Unknowns”) and the newest late-night thoughts from President Trump (“Tweet It”).

Whether you’re a Democrat or Republican (or somewhere in-between), if you’ve ever wanted to see Donald Trump sing a rock song, Bernie Sanders sing a show tune, and Vladimir Putin dance shirtless, The Capitol Steps delivers. https://www.lobero.org/events/the-capitol-steps-2020/.

» AHA! presents Sing It Out on Saturday, 7:30 p.m. May 9. AHA!’s annual Sing It Out performance is the culminating celebration of one of AHA!’s spring after-school groups. Through 13 weeks each spring, AHA shepherds a dozen teens through a 12-week program where they are coached by music and theater professionals to learn, master and perform a rock ‘n roll song. https://www.lobero.org/events/sing-it-out-2/.

» Santa Barbara Youth Symphony performs at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 10. Heralded as “a prestigious group of young, talented musicians” by Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine, the Youth Symphony brings together 70-80 of the top musicians, ages 12-18, from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties to perform works across the orchestral repertoire. Admission is free. https://www.lobero.org/events/santa-barbara-youth-symphony-4/

» Jazz at the Lobero presents The Brubeck Brothers Quartet, 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 13. This year marks the Centennial Year of jazz giant Dave Brubeck. To celebrate his life and legacy, his sons Chris and Dan Brubeck, who performed and recorded with their father since the 1970s, curate a multimedia show with their own Brubeck Brothers Quartet.

Through stories told by his sons, video interviews with Brubeck and musicians he influenced, and music performed by the quartet, this show invites audiences to travel along the timeline of his extraordinary life and career. https://www.lobero.org/events/jazz-2019-brubeck-brothers/.

» Earl Minnis and the Lobero Theatre Foundation present An Evening with David Crosby & the Sky Trails Band, 8 p.m. Thursday, May 14. Two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and co-founder of the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash; Crosby goes on tour in May and June.

Joining him will be five musical friends, collectively and affectionately known as the Skytrails Band. On this tour, he will be performing some of his greatest hits from across his illustrious career, alongside material from the upcoming Skytrails band album. https://www.lobero.org/events/an-evening-with-david-crosby-the-sky-trails-band/.

» Lobero LIVE presents A Very Special Evening with Karla Bonoff on Saturday, 8 p.m. May 16. Bonoff has been described as one of the finest singer-songwriters of her generation. With a career spanning four decades, she has enjoyed critical acclaim, commercial success, enduring popularity, and the unwavering respect of her peers.

In addition to her own chart success with recordings such as “Personally” and the Footloose single “Somebody’s Eyes,” Bonoff has seen many of her ballads become pop classics, and songs such as “Tell Me Why” become hits for such artists as Wynonna Judd, Bonnie Raitt and Linda Ronstadt. https://www.lobero.org/events/karla-bonoff-2/.

» Long Night Out, Inc. presents Brian Culbertson: The XX Tour on Wednesday, 8 p.m. May 27. Over the course of crafting a 20-album catalogue and architecting more than 30 Billboard No. 1 singles as a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, Brian Culbertson has charted his own course in music.

An exuberant performer, he spends months in preproduction, working to create stunning visuals — staging, lighting, wardrobe and effects — leading to a mesmerizing show. https://www.lobero.org/events/brian-culbertson-3/.

» Gustafson Dance presents Thumbelina 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday May 30, and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 31. Dancers from Gustafson Dance, ages 3 and up perform “Thumbelina,” the story ballet that follows the journey of a tiny fairy through vast and beautiful gardens. https://www.lobero.org/events/thumbelina-2/.