From Spencer the Gardener to Spencer the Subject 

After an enticing short teaser at November’s Hello Santa Barbara! concert and documentary filming event — featuring Independent writers Matt Kettmann and Josef Woodard, among others, opining about the enduring appeal of Santa Barbara–based musician Spencer Barnitz — tickets for the world premiere of More Than Just a Party Band are now on sale. The event takes place at the New Vic Theater on Saturday, May 20, at 7:30 p.m. and director/writer Robert Redfield said he’s looking forward to being able to share the film, especially after the fall preview.

“I couldn’t believe the crowd’s excitement. But it’s really no surprise. I mean, the crowd loves him,” said Redfield. “Hopefully people who know Spencer at a pretty good level will learn something from the film. And I think they will, because even his sister said she has.”

Spencer’s sister Liz Barnitz, who performs as part of the band Spencer the Gardener, is one of the dozens of recognizable friends, neighbors, and musicians who join Spencer in telling the story of his music and its inspirations against a backdrop of his life in Santa Barbara, London, Peru, and Mexico.