Year: 2006

Healing a Legacy of Oppression

Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s Peace Movement

For Ladysmith Black Mambazo, “Peace, Love, and Harmony” is more than a motto, it’s a commitment to a way of life. Founded by Joseph Shabalala in 1964, the eight-member, all-male South African a cappella group overcame apartheid to hit the international stage in 1986 with their collaboration on Paul Simon’s Graceland. Many albums and two Grammys later, their current tour is a celebration of songs that have changed the world with their beauty. The retrospective album Long Walk to Freedom revisits old favorites like “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes,” and features guest artists from the world of pop, from Sarah McLachlan to Zap Mama.

Elastic Time

FRINGE PRODUCT: Paul Motian, the masterful drummer/composer/leader who turned 75 last month, has quietly waged a private, peaceable musical revolution. It has happened mostly out of sight and sound from the mainstream quarters of jazz, but that doesn’t diminish the importance of its legacy.

The Boiling Point

Supes Punt on Housing Plan

The much-anticipated and long-dreaded Santa Barbara County housing plan sparked community outrage and threats of lawsuits from all sides after it was trotted out Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors, who ultimately chose not to take final action.

DVD Magazine of the Week

Wholphin

Thanks to the dot-com explosion a few years back, we’ve been inundated with countless new media, almost all related to our ubiquitous friend, Mr. Internet. Downloadable digital music tops the list, but blogging is a close second, followed in no particular order by podcasting, daily e-mailers, vlogging-the list goes on and on into notions sometimes brilliant, but usually half-baked.

Dreaming of Spring

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, presented by State Street Ballet

At the Lobero Theatre, Sunday, April 2.

While spring is often the time for new beginnings, State Street Ballet’s spring performance marks the end of its season. For the final performance of its 12th year, the company presented a mixed repertoire. The program included an adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, choreographed by the ballet’s Artistic Director Rodney Gustafson, as well as three renowned classical pieces: a selection from the 19th century, Esmeralda; the celebratory closing pas de deux from Flames of Paris; and Gsovsky’s Grand Pas Classique.

Quote of the Week

‘I view it as Mickey becoming enlightened.’

–Developer Michael Towbes on the fact that he and activist Mickey Flacks (both support the county’s proposed housing policy.)