Unique Oxnard Non-Profit Helps Immigrant Teens Go To College
Air date: February 22 & 23, 2012
Part 1  

Part 2 (to come) 

Over the past 20 years, the El Centrito Family Learning Centers in Oxnard has filled a void in Ventura County. By educating immigrant families in the ways of the American education system, which can be near impossible for foreigners to navigate, the organization helps pave the way for more Latino children to go to college. El Centrito’s resources target families with children from the pre-school level to university, and a recent grant from the Ventura County Community Foundation has allowed El Centrito to expand its reach into the local high schools.

Book of the Week: Binocular Vision: New & Selected Stories by Edith Pearlman
Air date: February 17, 2012

Edith Pearlman has been publishing her stories of fiction and non-fiction for decades, has won awards and enjoyed much success, but few have heard of her… until now. Her latest collection of short stories, Binocular Vision, is a finalist for the National Book Award (and should have won, according to guest David Starkey). Many of her tales incorporate the experience of the Jewish diaspora around the world, but ultimately her prose examines the basic elements of simply being human. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

How Do I Love Thee? -- Valentine's Day Poetry, read by Paul Willis
Air date: February 14, 2012          

Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote this sonnet while courting her husband, Robert. Paul Willis is professor of English at Westmont College and current Poet Laureate of Santa Barbara.

Terrence Wilson Channels Gershwin
Air date: February 10, 2012

Growing up in the Bronx, Terrence Wilson says he was a bit of an oddball as he pursued classical piano, but he knew it was going to be his life. Today he plays with the world’s top orchestras, and is an accomplished recitalist as well. And now, he makes his debut with the Santa Barbara Symphony with George Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue, a piece which Terrence says he interprets differently each time he sits down at the piano. This interview was funded in part by the Organizational Development Program with funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

Book of the Week: Come, Thief, by Jane Hirshfield
Air date: February 10, 2012

Early in her accomplished career, Jane Hirshfield earned the mantle of “The Buddhist Poet”, something she seems to have tried to shake. But here she rediscovers those tendencies and embraces the Buddhist gift of loss, in Come, Thief. Her vivid and surprising imagery runs throughout the book, and as luck would have it, Jane Hirshfield will read and speak at UCSB’s Campbell Hall on February 16 at 8PM. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

UCSB Presents An Afternoon of French Opera and Song
Air date: February 9, 2012

Each year, UCSB’s Voice Area presents a grand concert for the public, bringing together the department’s top students and talented faculty for an afternoon of great music. And this year, Voice Area head Ben Brecher has designed a French program of ensembles, arias and duets, featuring works by Debussy, Fauré, Delius, Ravel, Offenbach, Berlioz, and the list goes on and on. 2/12, 2pm @ the Lobero Theater. This interview was funded in part by the Organizational Development Program with funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

Canadian Sensation ‘Quartetto Gelato’ Keeps Audiences On Their Toes!
Air date: February 8, 2012

At nearly 20 years-old, Toronto-based Quartetto Gelato has been wowing audiences worldwide with its entertaining blend of music (classical, folk, gypsy, tango, you name it), dance, song, and comedy. The group’s multi-talented members are led by founder Peter DeSotto, who grew up as a violinist but ultimately found symphony work akin to “being in a straitjacket”. 2/11, 7pm @ Lobero Theater. This interview was funded in part by the Organizational Development Program with funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

Book of the Week: The Cat’s Table, by Michael Ondaatje
Air date: February 3, 2012

When author Michael Ondaatje was eleven years old, he took a three-week journey on a ship from what is now Sri Lanka, to London. Such is the premise of his latest novel, The Cat’s Table, which he claims is entirely fictionalized beyond that basic premise. Having earned accolades for his 1993 epic novel, The English Patient, his penchant for literary adventure hasn’t waned one bit in the years since. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

Local Heir to J.R.R. Tolkien Makes His Filmmaking Debut
Air date: February 2 & 3, 2012
Part 1  

Part 2  

21 year-old Nicholas Tolkien never wanted to be an author like his great grandfather. Rather, at the age of 11, when he saw the first big screen adaptation of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, he began dreaming of becoming a filmmaker. His journey to America and struggles to make movies in Los Angeles led him to Santa Barbara, where he made his latest film Masquerade, premiering at the 2012 Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Screening time: 2/5, 10:20AM @ Metro 4.

Tales From The Tavern - A Documentary Portrait of the American Troubadour
Air date: January 31, 2012

For the past ten years, the Tales From The Tavern concert series in Santa Ynez, CA has been attracting some of the country’s greatest singer-songwriters, performing for equally impressive and loyal audiences. Having filmed every performance and interviewed every musician over the years, co-producer Ron Colone has woven together bits and pieces of each, resulting in a film tapestry of stories and music which will premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Screening: 2/2, 7:00PM @ Metro 4.

Just When You Thought You Knew Everything About Santa Barbara…
Air date: January 30, 2012

Santa Barbara and the Sea: 13,000 Years of Maritime History is an eye-opening journey into this community’s complex relationship to the ocean, premiering at the 2012 Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Director Chris Bell sought insight from over 25 historians, scientists, fisherman, and Chumash elders. Produced by the Emmy winning CityTV, the film pieces together some of the many who, what, when, where, and why of our beautiful coastline and waters, and the industries and culture that permeate it. Screening: 1/31, 1:00PM @ SB Museum of Art.

A Young Filmmaker from Agoura Hills 3-peats at Film Festival
Air date: January 27, 2012

22 year-old Ethan Kuperberg (pictured, left, with actor Henry Winkler) is no stranger to the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. But this year, for the first time, his entry will be up for competition. It’s a thirteen minute short film called “The Dining”, which is a comic parody of Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining”. Armed with a strong script and a few industry connections, Ethan managed to lure the star power of both Henry Winkler and Amy Madigan to participate. Screening: 1/28, 7:40PM @ Metro 4.

Book of the Week: Blue Nights, by Joan Didion
Air date: January 27, 2012

In 2005, during the same week Joan Didion published her memoir, The Year of Magical Thinking, about the untimely passing of her husband, her 39 year-old daughter died of pancreatitis. In Blue Nights, the author explores her relationship with her daughter, examining how she might have raised her differently, if she did right by her, and how the 1-2 punch of tragedy in her life has affected her. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s Maestro Charles Dutoit
Air date: January 23, 2012

As a talented and celebrated conductor, Charles Dutoit has led orchestras all over the world, and as a curious citizen of the world has visited all 196 countries on the planet. So it’s not surprising that he feels right at home as the principal conductor for London's Royal Philharmonic, a group that has traveled to 30 countries in the past five years. CAMA presents the Royal Philharmonic on 1/26, 8PM @ The Granada. This interview was funded in part by the Organizational Development Program with funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

Book of the Week: Verdi’s Shakespeare: Men of the Theater, by Gary Wills
Air date: January 20, 2012

Whether you’re an opera lover or a fan of Shakespeare, or simply interested in the artistic process, Verdi’s Shakespeare will fascinate you. How does a composer who doesn’t speak English turn iambic pentameter into Italian libretti? And did 19th century Italians even know who Shakespeare was? The story of how Giuseppe Verdi created the unlikely operatic versions of MacBeth, Falstaff, and Othello answers these questions and many more. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

Violin Virtuoso Anne Akiko Meyers Graces the Granada
Air date: January 19, 2012

This weekend, the Santa Barbara Symphony is thrilled to welcome world reknowned Anne Akiko Meyers, who will be toting her prized $3.6 million Stradivarius violin. Born and raised in southern California, and having performed for Johnny Carson at the age of 11, Anne is well known for her versatility and mastery of not only classical music, but also jazz standards and the blues. Saturday, 8pm & Sunday, 3pm @ The Granada. This interview was funded in part by the Organizational Development Program with funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

Book of the Week: The Swerve: How the World Became Modern, by Stephen Greenblatt
Air date: January 13, 2012

In the 1st century B.C., Roman philosopher Lucretius penned (or quilled?) the 7,400-line poem ‘On the Nature of Things’, an epic analysis of the physical matter that makes up human existence. The work was decidedly atheistic, and The Swerve tells the story of its rediscovery in 1417 at the dawn of the Renaissance, and its impact on a society that was decidedly very religious. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

The Santa Barbara Foundation Announces 2011 Year-End Grants
Air date: January 10, 2012

As the largest grant maker in the county, the 83-year old Santa Barbara Foundation has announced its list of 58 year-end grantees receiving a total of $2.8 million. Critical issues county-wide to which the Foundation is dedicated include education, health care, the arts, and the environment. In addition, a rising demand continues for basic needs, like food and shelter. For a complete list of the Santa Barbara Foundation’s year-end grantees, CLICK HERE.

Book of the Week: A Widow’s Story: A Memoir, by Joyce Carol Oates
Air date: January 6, 2012

When Joyce Carol Oates’ husband of 47 years suddenly passed away from pneumonia in 2008, the prolific author spent much of the next six months curled up in bed, devastated. A Widow’s Story is a memoir of enduring love and excruciating loss, chronicling these six months of bewildered bereavement in which Oates reflects on her life with Raymond Smith in fascinating and illuminating raw detail. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

A Poem for the New Year, by Paul Willis
Air date: January 2, 2012          

Nothing says "New Year" like discarded, brittle, Christmas trees lying forgotten on the sidewalk. Santa Barbara Poet Laureate and Westmont College professor Paul Willis offers his poem "The Forest Primeval" to mark this annual sight that simultaneously signifies the end of one year and the beginning of another.

Book of the Week: David Starkey’s BEST of 2011 (that we missed!)
Air date: December 30, 2011

There were many great books from 2011 that David Starkey was unable to talk about on KDB, so he’s using this final Friday of the year to mention just a few. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

Fiction – Salvage the Bones, by Jesmyn Ward; The Empty Family: Stories, by Colm Toibin; Before I Go to Sleep: A Novel, by S.J. Watson
Non-Fiction – Jerusalem: The Biography, by Simon Sebag Montefiore; Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything, by Joshua Foer; In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler’s Berlin, by Erik Larson
Poetry – Money Shot, by Rae Armantrout; A Hundred Doors, by Michael Longley; Beautiful & Pointless: A Guide to Modern Poetry, by David Orr

 

Celebrate New Year’s Eve With the Symphony, Pops Style!
Air date: December 30, 2011

In 1990, then conductor of the Santa Barbara Symphony Varujan Kojian started a New Year’s Eve tradition here that he picked up during his time studying conducting in Vienna. Complete with Viennese waltzes and popular music, the New Year’s Eve Pops concert is a staple in cities all over the world. Long-time Symphony violinist Gloria Autry was delighted when Maestro Kojian brought it to Santa Barbara. 8:30pm @ The Granada. This interview was funded in part by the Organizational Development Program with funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

A Look Back at Santa Barbara’s 2011 Arts Scene
Air date: December 29, 2011

Santa Barbarans can be proud, once again, of how the arts in their city have thrived amid an otherwise crippling economy. With memorable visits from world class orchestras, a gang buster 75th Anniversary season at the Santa Barbara Bowl, and another strong year for visual arts, freelance writer Joe Woodard looks back at 2011 with grateful critique. (Though for the record, he wants more jazz!)

Book of the Week: A Christmas Blizzard, by Garrison Keillor
Air date: December 23, 2011

James Sparrow hates Christmas, much to the dismay of his festive wife. They are wealthy and live in the big city of Minneapolis, and plan to spend a warm and luxurious Christmas in Hawaii. But when James is summoned to his home town of Looseleaf, North Dakota to tend to a dying uncle, his world takes more than a mere turn of direction. Dickensian visitations by spirits and a clan of eccentric relatives carry James on a holiday journey of epic and life-changing proportions. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

Santa Barbara Revels Celebrate the Winter Solstice, Bavarian Style!
Air date: December 16, 2011

The five-year old Santa Barbara Revels are the newest of ten Revel groups nationwide. Their performances revolve around nature’s evolution, and the winter solstice is the crown jewel of the Revel year. Traditional singing, dancing, story-telling, and audience participation define this unique form of entertainment, and this year’s show tells the story of the solstice as it was celebrated throughout Bavarian history. For tickets and showtimes - click The Lobero Theater. This interview was funded in part by the Organizational Development Program with funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

Book of the Week: Calling Mr. King, by Ronald De Feo
Air date: December 16, 2011

“Mr. King” was born in upstate New York, and grew to be a world class hit man. He works for an unnamed conglomerate and must be ready at all times for his next gig. Working in places like London, Paris, New York, and Barcelona, he begins to develop a true love for art and architecture, which repeatedly distracts him from his deadly profession. Suspense and dark comedy lace this entertaining page tuner. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

‘Art From Scrap’ Offers Fun and Affordable Ways to Celebrate This Holiday Season
Air date: December 14, 2011

If you’re tired of your old Christmas decorations and want to liven things up but DON’T want to spend a lot of money, make your own! And Santa Barbara’s 20-year old non-profit Art From Scrap is a great place to start. With an inventory of every type of scrap material imaginable, all donated from individuals and corporations alike, they will also teach you how to become your own scrap artist. Weekly Saturday workshops are $8, 10am-noon, and open to all ages. This feature was funded in part by the Organizational Development Program with funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

The 31st Annual KDB "Messiah" Sing-Along - Come on Down!
Air date: December 12, 2011          

When George Frideric Handel staged the first performance of his choral masterpiece, "Messiah", in April of 1742, he did it to raise money for local charities. Since then the piece has taken on special meaning during the holiday season, often performed for charity not by professional singers but by the audience. Messiah sing-alongs, as they’ve become known, take place all over the world at this time of year, and KDB Radio will hold its annual event at the First Presbyterian Church to benefit the Food Bank of Santa Barbara County. 12/13 @ 7:30pm, $10. This feature was funded in part by the Organizational Development Program with funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

Book of the Week: An Exclusive Love: A Memoir, by Johanna Adorján
Air date: December 9, 2011

In 1991, when first-time author Johanna Adorján was 20 years old, her paternal grandparents, both Hungarian Jewish Holocaust survivors, committed double suicide. In this part memoir part detective story, Johanna sets out to better understand her grandparents' lives, what led to their tragic end, and even imagines in great detail their final hours. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

The Unity Shoppe Celebrates Its 25th Annual Holiday Telethon
Air date: December 8 & 9, 2011
Part 1  

Part 2    

The Unity Shoppe is one of Santa Barbara’s oldest and most unique charities. It began in 1917 as a holiday service for low-income families, and has since become a year-round operation providing food, clothing, toys, and job assistance to over 23,000 local residents annually. And as the poor economy has simultaneously increased the amount of people in need and decreased the amount of charitable giving, the group hopes this weekend’s annual celebrity telethon will bring in half a million dollars.

In a Rare Treat, the Boston Symphony Orchestra Comes to Santa Barbara!
Air date: December 6 & 7, 2011
Part 1  

Part 2  

It’s been 58 years since the legendary Boston Symphony performed in Santa Barbara, and all eyes will be on the exciting and talented young conductor Ludovic Morlot (pictured). With Maestro James Levine having recently stepped down to health problems, a string of guest conductors is being closely watched to predict who might replace Levine on one of the most prestigious podiums in the world. Presented by CAMA, 8PM @ The Granada, 12/8. This interview was funded in part by the Organizational Development Program with funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

Book of the Week: The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry, by Jon Ronson
Air date: December 2, 2011

In this madcap and hilarious journalistic endeavor, author Jon Ronson (The Men Who Stare at Goats) is compelled in find out what makes somebody a psychopath. He visits mental hospitals, ex-despots, heartless CEOs, doctor after doctor, and anybody in the madness industry who will talk to him. At times he comes to believe that everybody is insane, only to then turn around and believe that nobody is insane. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

World Famous Tallis Scholars Bring Holiday Masterpieces to Santa Barbara
Air date: December 1, 2011

When Peter Phillips put the Tallis Scholars together back in 1973, he had no idea they’d still be at it nearly 40 years later. This prized and incredibly talented British choral group performs polyphonic sacred music of the Renaissance all over the world, wowing audiences with their surgical vocal precision and gorgeous tones. UCSB Arts & Lectures, Our Lady of Sorrows Church @ 8PM, 12/2. This interview was funded in part by the Organizational Development Program with funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

Political Analyst David Gergen Speaks at UCSB’s Campbell Hall
Air date: November 30, 2011
Broadcast interview  

KDB Extra: Gergen talks about skinny dipping with George Clooney in Lake Como, Italy 

Few have survived the pressure and scrutiny of the national political game the way David Gergen has. Having advised four U.S. presidents (from both major parties), David is often seen on CNN where he’s a senior political analyst. But his day job is as Director of Harvard Kennedy School’s Center of Public Leadership, where he’s also a public service professor of public leadership. UCSB Arts & Lectures, Campbell Hall @ 8PM, 12/1.

Book of the Week: de Kooning: A Retrospective, published by MoMA
Air date: November 25, 2011

This massive, colorful and epic book carries the reader through the dynamic life and works of one of the 20th century's most revered artists. Dutch-American artist Willem de Kooning shared the spotlight of abstract expressionism with Jackson Pollock, and after Pollock died in 1956, de Kooning led the field for the remainder of the century. This book was published in conjunction with the Museum of Modern Art’s current exhibition of de Kooning’s work through January 9, 2012. (Pictured: de Kooning’s “Woman I”, click to enlarge). KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

A Thanksgiving Poem by Paul Willis
Air date: November 24, 2011          

Paul Willis is Professor of English at Westmont College, and Santa Barbara's official Poet Laureate. He's been teaching at Westmont's bucolic woodsy campus since 1988 and finds most of his creative inspiration amid nature.

Teaching English and Improving Lives
Air date: November 23, 2011

The non-profit Central Coast Literacy Council has been around since 1983, teaching English to anybody who walks through its doors, no matter who they are or where they came from. Based in Santa Maria and with various class locations throughout northern Santa Barbara County, the CCLC is able to make a difference in people’s lives and futures largely due to the generosity of its all-volunteer staff of tutors, and the donation of office and classroom space.

Pianist Hong Xu Tackles Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto
Air date: November 18, 2011

When Hong Xu was a young boy growing up in China, he hated practicing the piano. He’d watch TV instead, and his father would come home and feel the top of the set to see if it was warm. But after being introduced to more complex and interesting pieces as an early teenager, Hong Xu was hooked. And this weekend, he’ll return to Santa Barbara where he was a fellow at the Music Academy of the West in 2004, but this time Hong joins the Santa Barbara Symphony for a little Beethoven. This interview was funded in part by the Organizational Development Program with funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

Book of the Week: Lost in Shangri-La: A True Story of Survival, Adventure, and the Most Incredible Rescue Mission of WWII, by Mitchell Zuckoff
Air date: November 18, 2011

In June 1945, a military transport plane crashed in the beautiful but unchartered valley in Dutch New Guinea, described by Zuckoff as “a world that time didn’t forget. Time never knew it existed.” The three passengers who survived the crash – two American servicemen and a member of the Woman’s Army Corp – spent the next five weeks before they were rescued immersed in a tribal group called the Dani, which viewed their white visitors from the sky as Gods. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

National Community Foundation Week – A Time To Celebrate American Exceptionalism
Air date: November 16, 2011

This week, over 700 community foundations nationwide will celebrate their contributions to society. Whether it’s health care clinics, food banks, or academic scholarships, these non-governmental non-profit groups provide a much needed safety net for the kinds of social services Americans rely upon. Ron Gallo, President and CEO of the Santa Barbara Foundation, reflects on the history of American philanthropy, its present, and its promising future.

Jelinda DeVorzon Honored as Santa Barbara County’s 2011 “Volunteer of the Year”
Air date: November 15, 2011

Growing up on a farm in Mississippi, one of six kids, Jelinda DeVorzon witnessed firsthand the power of generosity as she watched her mother quietly lend a hand, a roof, or a check, to those in need. And now the Santa Barbara/Ventura Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals is honoring Jelinda for her tireless volunteerism for local organizations such as Cottage Hospital, the Film Festival, The Unity Shoppe, and the list goes on. For a complete list of the chapter’s 2011 honorees, CLICK HERE. (Photo by Richard Carter)

Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Air date: November 14, 2011

The Santa Barbara/Ventura Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals is honoring several individuals in honor of National Philanthropy Day, November 15th. And for the first time in the chapter’s 25 year history, it is presenting a Lifetime Achievement Award. The recipient, Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree, told KDB she wonders if this means she’s supposed to start a new life now!

Frank Sinatra Comes To Santa Barbara!! (well, sort of)
Air date: November 11, 2011

World renowned choreographer Twyla Tharp has been setting Sinatra music to dance for over two decades, but her critically acclaimed Broadway show Come Fly Away takes it to a new level. Presented by Lobero Live, it’s an exhilarating dance spectacle coupled with a sometimes surprising collection of love songs recorded by Ol’ Blue Eyes – a combination not to be missed by fans of either. Nov. 14, 8pm @ The Granada. This feature was funded in part by the Organizational Development Program with funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

Book of the Week: The Tragedy of Arthur, by Arthur Phillips
Air date: November 11, 2011

Who is Arthur Phillips? It’s a question with which you may not begin reading this book, but by the end you may well be wondering. Phillips has crafted a witty and intelligent house of mirrors here, telling the story of a fictional Arthur Phillips, also a novelist, whose father seeks to earn his affection by presenting him with an original–and therefore extremely valuable--never-before-seen or published copy of William Shakespeare’s first play called The Tragedy of Arthur. Thou must readeth it to believeth it. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

The Santa Barbara Children’s Chorus Joins La Bohème
Air date: November 9 & 10, 2011
Part 1  

Part 2  

The Santa Barbara Children’s Chorus was nearly defunct, but last year the group’s new Artistic Director Paul Freeman helped rescue the nearly 20-year old organization. And when the young members of the newly invigorated choir were told they’d likely participate in a real live opera with Opera Santa Barbara, they weren’t quite sure what that meant… until the first rehearsal. This feature was funded in part by the Organizational Development Program with funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

Maestra Sarah Ioannides Visits the New West Symphony
Air date: November 8, 2011

Praised by the New York Times as a conductor with “unquestionable strength and authority”, Sarah Ioannides brings her energy and grace to the New West Symphony this weekend. One of only a handful of top tier female conductors in America and currently the Music Director and Conductor of the Spartanburg Philharmonic in South Carolina, Ioannides will be reunited with violinist Lara St. John as they present their west coast premiere of Matthew Hindson’s rousing Australian Postcards

The Granada – A Grand Theater with a Grand Mission
Air date: November 7, 2011

When the Granada Theater’s Executive Director Craig Springer came on board a little over a year ago, he found himself having to address some unexpected PR issues. He discovered that many Santa Barbarans not only questioned the $60 million restoration effort, wondering if it was worth it, but were also under the impression that hardly anything ever happens there. Springer discusses the Granada’s challenges, and its new mission as a “gift to the community”.

Book of the Week: Never Say Die: The Myth and Marketing of the New Old Age, by Susan Jacoby
Air date: November 4, 2011

Susan Jacoby is really angry. She’s angry at the goliath marketing machine that she says tells today’s elderly population that 90 is the new 50-- that their golden years can be as active and fulfilling as their middle age. Filled with copious research data and personal anecdotes, Never Say Die is never depressing, but rather a much-needed reality check that will help the elderly make the most of their remaining days. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

Virtuoso Violinist Gil Shaham Presents An Evening of Bach
Air date: November 4, 2011

His parents were scientists, so it was only natural that Gil Shaham would grow up to be a world class musician! As a child prodigy, he soloed with the Jerusalem Symphony when he was 10. But it was at the age of 18, while in high school English class, that Gil Shaham got the phone call that would prove to be a turning point in his career. UCSB’s Arts & Lectures presents Gil Shaham at Campbell Hall, Nov. 5 @ 8pm. This interview was funded in part by the Organizational Development Program with funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors is BACK!
Air date: November 3, 2011

The Comedy of Errors is one of Shakespeare’s earliest and most enduring, and endearing, plays. It chronicles the madcap antics and hilarity of the mistaken identity that ensues when two set of twins, both separated at birth, come to meet as adults. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre brings this production to Santa Barbara as part of UCSB’s Arts & Lectures Series. KDB speaks with actor Fergal McElherron (pictured, right), who stars as Dromio… and Dromio. This interview was funded in part by the Organizational Development Program with funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

Italian Composer and Pianist Ludovico Einaudi
Air date: November 2, 2011

Award-winning pianist Ludovico Einaudi was born in Turin, Italy, where his mother would play the piano for him… Bach, Beethoven, the classics. But his older sister played her Beatles records in the next room, as well as the Stones, and Jimi Hendrix. This duel exposure would eventually shape the melodic and powerful pieces that make up Einaudi’s vast repertoire, which has been used in operas and ballets, as well as television and film. Ludovico Einaudi performs at the Lobero Theater, Nov. 2 @ 8pm. This interview was funded in part by the Organizational Development Program with funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

Mind and Body Therapy… on Horses!
Air date: November 1, 2011

There’s nothing like horseback riding. The physical movement and relationship between rider and horse are things that can’t be replicated artificially, and the benefit to people with special needs is incalculable. Riders at the non-profit Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Santa Barbara have a wide range of physical and mental handicaps, and the time they spend riding horses has greatly improved the quality of their lives and enriched their spirit. (Pictured: Peter Gonzales and "Sage")

Rob Kapilow Breaks Down Barriers to Classical Music
Air date: October 28, 2011

Composer and conductor Rob Kapilow believes everybody loves classical music, but some just don’t know it, and he’s determined to introduce, or reintroduce, the magic of the art form to all generations. With the help of the Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra, Rob’s skillfully designed programs of interactive musical edutainment will leave children and adults alike with either a brand new or rediscovered appreciation for classical music. This interview was funded in part by the Organizational Development Program with funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

Book of the Week: The Uncoupling, by Meg Wolitzer
Air date: October 28, 2011

Ever wonder what would happen if women suddenly decided they were no longer going to have sex with their male partners? The women in the 2400 year-old Greek play Lysistrata did just that to help put an end to the Peloponnesian War. And talented author Meg Wolitzer brings that ancient premise to life in modern day New Jersey. The result is often hilarious, poignant, and maybe just a little bit scary. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

Silent Film “Nosferatu” Presented With LIVE Organ Accompaniment
Air date: October 27, 2011
Part 1  

Part 2  

Scott Foppiano is an award winning theater organist and silent film accompanist, and this weekend he’ll be in Santa Barbara to play one of his favorite organs in the country, the 1928 Wonder Morton Theater Pipe Organ in the Arlington Theater. The event is presented by the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. We also speak with Bruce Murdock, president of the Santa Barbara Theater Organ Society, which was responsible for the organ's purchase and restoration, about how the instrument works. These interviews were funded in part by the Organizational Development Program with funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

Cellist and Author John Sant’Ambrogio Joins Westmont
Air date: October 25 & 26, 2011
Part 1  

Part 2  

With a career as a professional cellist spanning over 50 years, John Sant’Ambrogio has quite a few stories to tell. And he’s put many of them into a funny and insightful book called The Day I Almost Destroyed the Boston Symphony and Other Stories. Now in his “retirement”, Sant’Ambrogio is an adjunct instructor at Westmont College and hopes to bring comedic classical music dinner theater to Santa Barbara. This interview was funded in part by the Organizational Development Program with funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

A Conversation with Conductor Nir Kabaretti
Air date: October 21, 2011

The Santa Barbara Symphony kicks off its new season with Grammy winning cellist Lynn Harrell. Mr. Harrell will take on Elgar’s Cello Concerto, which was a disaster when it was first performed nearly 100 years ago, but has since taken on a mystique of its own and become a “must play” for any top cellist. The performance will also offer a short piece by John Adams, and then a big finish with Berlioz’s huge Symphonie Fantastique. This interview was funded in part by the Organizational Development Program with funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

Book of the Week: Atlantic: Great Sea Battles, Heroic Discoveries, Titanic Storms, and a Vast Ocean of a Million Stories, by Simon Winchester
Air date: October 21, 2011

The Atlantic Ocean is one of the most important and volatile bodies of water on the planet, and the stories it could tell from its lifetime are endless. New York Times best-selling author Simon Winchester tackles this epic biography of sorts, and if you like getting your history and geography from compelling story telling, don’t let the 500+ pages dissuade you. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

Picasso and Braque, 1910-1912: A Watershed Moment
Air date: October 20, 2011
Broadcast version (5:57)  

Extended version (11:27)  

From 1910 to 1912, Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque barely left each other’s side, and their collective work during this brief period, known as analytic “cubism”, forever changed the world of art. “Picasso and Braque: The Cubist Experiment, 1910-1912” is on display at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art through January 8th. (Pictured: Georges Braque: "Glass on a Table", click for larger image). This interview was funded in part by the Organizational Development Program with funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

The Exonerated -- A Powerful Play Comes to Carpinteria
Air date: October 19, 2011

This award-winning play debuted in NYC in 2002, where it ran off-Broadway for two years. The Exonerated tells the gripping stories of six wrongfully convicted death row inmates who were eventually exonerated after new evidence proved their innocence. The script is comprised of actual texts from interviews with the victims, as well as courtroom testimony from their trials. Produced by Dijo Productions. (Pictured: the cast of The Exonerated) This feature was funded in part by the Organizational Development Program with funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

A Conversation with Conductor Heiichiro Ohyama
Air date: October 17, 2011

The Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra kicks off its 34th season with an evening of Mozart, featuring acclaimed pianist Lucille Chung. Renowned Japanese conductor and the orchestra’s Music Director, Heiichiro Ohyama, returns to the podium year after year, and says if it weren’t for the SBCO, he would probably never have become a conductor. This interview was funded in part by the Organizational Development Program with funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

Book of the Week: Miss New India, by Bharati Mukherjee
Air date: October 14, 2011

We’ve all had the experience of calling a customer service number and struggling to communicate with the representative at the other end. They don't say where they are, but we know they’re thousands of miles away, and it can often be pretty frustrating. Miss New India tells the story of the person at the other end of that call, a young woman, and her struggles, both on the job and in life. Anjali Bose has left her conservative hometown and must navigate the modern, high-tech center of Bangalore, and discoveries abound. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

The Story Behind The Met LIVE Simulcasts
Air date: October 13, 2011
Part 1  

Part 2  

Five years ago, the Metropolitan Opera in New York began broadcasting some of their shows live, in HD, to theaters around the world. And in 2008, renovations to the Music Academy of the West’s Hahn Hall were almost finished when Academy President Scott Reed saw his first Met simulcast in Ventura. He and others knew immediately that last minute changes to Hahn Hall’s design must be implemented so they could also offer these very special events to the public. And as with any live event, you never know what will happen! (Pictured: Anna Netrebko in “Anna Bolena”)

The Lobero Theatre Goes GREEN!
Air date: October 11, 2011

First opened in 1873, the Lobero Theatre is the oldest continuously operated theatre in California. But even as the treasured historical landmark that it is, Lobero leaders decided it’s time to enter the 21st century and “go green”. Patrons already see colored recycling and compost bins all over the grounds, and near-future plans include the installation of solar panels, more efficient heating and cooling systems, and for good measure, new and comfier seats! (Photo by David Bazemore)

Book of the Week: Orientation, by Daniel Orozco
Air date: October 7, 2011

This collection of funny and poignant short stories begins with the title story about a guy’s first day on the job. A co-worker gives him the two-cent tour, offering useful tips like where the bathroom is, as well as who’s having an affair with whom. The nine stories in this quick but entertaining read delve into the serious and the sublime, taking unexpected turns and with a thread of dark humor throughout. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

State Street Ballet Tackles Van Gogh in “Starry Night”
Air date: October 5, 2011

Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh died at the age of 37, and it was only during the last ten years of his life that he created art. He was also mad, spent time in an asylum, and ultimately took his own life, not to mention his ear. But thanks to the multitude of letters he sent to his brother Theo, the show’s creator and director, acclaimed New York City choreographer William Soleau, is able to convey Van Gogh’s inner thoughts and pathos through a multimedia combination of dance and theater with the State Street Ballet. This KDB feature was made possible in part by the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission.

Legendary Venezuelan Music Education Model Takes Root in Santa Barbara
Air date: October 3 & 4, 2011
Part 1  

Part 2  

In 1975, one man decided to attack the increasing social and civic problems in Venezuela with music. The program is called El Sistema, and has not only spawned some of the world’s greatest musicians (LA Philharmonic conductor Gustova Dudamel, for one) but has given joy, hope, and a sense of community to millions of Venezuelan youth over the decades. Inspired by El Sistema, 26 year-old Adam Johnston spearheaded the creation of the ICAN Music Program in Santa Barbara, a non-profit collaborative partnered with the Santa Barbara Foundation that currently operates after school at Franklin Elementary.

Book of the Week: The Tiger’s Wife, by Téa Obreht
Air date: September 30, 2011

25-year old author Téa Obreht was six when her family left the war-torn Balkans. Eventually they made their way to the United States, and today Téa is recognized as one of the most promising young writers out there. The Tiger’s Wife tells the story of a young female Serbian doctor who travels to Bosnia after the war to perform humanitarian work (though nationalities and countries are left unnamed), where she faces the loss of her beloved grandfather and a land teeming with myth and memories. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

A Lost Art Is Found in Ventura Schools
Air date: September 27, 2011

The Vita Art Center is an art education center in Ventura whose founders wanted to teach local school kids how to make and play the instruments of ancient Mexico – drums, flutes, whistles, etc. Luiz Perez (an expert in the field) and his wife Mary used the resources available to them at the Ventura County Community Foundation to make this dream a reality. Click here to see a video of school children in action as part of the “Instruments of Pre-Hispanic Mexico” program (works best with Internet Explorer).

Book of the Week: The Information, by James Gleick
Air date: September 23, 2011

From the beginning of mankind, communication has evolved, transmitting data from one person or place to another, keeping the wheels of society turning. The Information tells a rich history of this dynamic, from the days of ancient African tribes speaking to each other through the playing of drums, through the telegraph, cyphers, and the modern computer age. The story is informative (no pun intended) and fascinating, without being too mathematical or overwhelming. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

Music Education Alive and Well in Ventura County
Air date: September 21, 2011

Save Our Kids' Music (SOKM) is a Ventura County non-profit dedicated to keeping music education alive for children, and it’s been operating for about 20 years. But around 2008, the writing was on the wall: state funding for music education was going to be slashed, yet again. So SOKM chairman Karen Gatchel decided she and the organization needed to up the ante and get better organized if they were going to meet this challenge. And through the services offered by the Ventura County Community Foundation, SOKM did just that.

"Cirque Wings" Takes Flight at Arlington Theater
Air date: September 20, 2011

“Cirque Wings” began about a year ago and Hawaii, it makes its mainland debut this weekend at the Arlington Theater in Santa Barbara. This multi-faceted acrobatics show tells the story of mankind’s passion to fly, and it features the world class talent of several former Cirque du Soleil performers, as well as some talented youth from the Santa Barbara Gymnastics Club.

The 69th Annual Man & Woman of the Year Awards
Air date: September 16, 2011          

The Santa Barbara Foundation is proud to recognize the 2010 male and female honorees who most exemplify the spirit of volunteerism that is woven into the fabric of Santa Barbara society. At the age of 101, Clifford W. Sponsel has spent over 50 years giving his time and money to a variety of local causes (too many to list here), and Gerd Jordano is well known for her volunteer efforts for Cottage Hospital and Westmont College, and several other education and health-related causes. Pictured left to right: Juliette Sponsel, Cliff Sponsel, Gerd Jordano

Book of the Week: The Free World, by David Bezmozgis
Air date: September 16, 2011

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a Latvian ex-pat in Italy, author David Bezmozgis paints a vivid and entertaining picture in his debut novel. The Free World tells the story of a large Latvian family forced by bureaucracy to wait in Italy en route to a new life in Canada, and it’s all that happens during that waiting that makes up the novel’s bulk. A Latvian immigrant himself, 38-year old David Bezmozgis earned a coveted spot on The New Yorker magazine’s vaulted “20 under 40” list, which highlights exceptional fictional writers under the age of 40. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

Therapeutic Swimming Pool Saved by Emergency Grant
Air date: September 13, 2011          

When a new safety law stipulated all swimming pools have two drains instead of one, the Easter Seals Tri-County Aquatics Center panicked, but only briefly. Without much time to comply, or the money with which to pay contractors, they turned to the Ventura County Community Foundation for an emergency Special Urgent Needs (SUN) Fund grant. The VCCF acted swiftly, and when the deadline for compliance rolled around, 85 pools in Ventura County had to be shut down, but not this one.

9/11 Requiem of Remembrance
Air date: September 9, 2011          

On the first anniversary of Sept. 11, choruses around the world performed Mozart’s Requiem, rolling from time zone to time zone. And to mark the 10th anniversary, The Santa Barbara Choral Society has organized a U.S. version, wherein over 60 choruses will perform the enigmatic piece at 3pm local time on 9/11, rolling from New England to Hawaii. Santa Barbara’s free concert will take place at the First Presbyterian Church, and KDB will broadcast the event in its entirety later in the evening at 9pm.

Book of the Week:Spindrift, by Vona Groarke
Air date: September 9, 2011          

Award-winning Irish poet Vona Groarke spent many years living in North Carolina, and this book of poetry was born of that experience. She writes about the everyday, observing the simplicities of domestic American life, as well as its absurdities. This 2009 collection was nominated for the Irish Times Poetry Now Award. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

Ventura Non-Profit Seeks to Help Veterans Returning From War
Air date: September 6, 2011          

Over the next several years, approximately 30,000 veterans are expected to return home to Ventura County from overseas. Their transition back to civilian life, their jobs, school, and to their families can often be a bumpy one, and many vets are simply unaware of the services and benefits available to them. Now, a joint venture between the Gold Coast Veterans Fund and the Ventura County Community Foundation seeks to help returning vets reintegrate back into their communities.

Santa Barbara Mission Art Festival Celebrates 225th Anniversary
Air date: September 2, 2011          

The Santa Barbara Mission has hosted art festivals before, but according to festival chair Paulette Hoffman, this is the grandest one yet. She recently invited 24 local artists to create new Mission-inspired art, including photographs, paintings, and ceramics. Proceeds from ticket sales and a portion of the art sales will go towards preservation projects at the Mission. Call 805-682-4713 for information and tickets. (Pictured: artwork by Wayne Hoffman)

Book of the Week: Conversations With Scorsese, by Richard Schickel
Air date: September 2, 2011          

Whether or not you’re a fan of legendary film director Martin Scorsese, this book invites you deep into the mind of a world class artist. From Scorsese’s childhood in Manhattan to his desire to be a priest, to his love for actors like Robert DeNiro and Leonardo DiCaprio, author Richard Schickel leaves no stone unturned in this intimate look behind the curtain at one of Hollywood’s greatest filmmakers. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

The Michael A. DiRaimondo Foundation Scholarship
Air date: August 30 & 31, 2011
Part 1  

Part 2  

When 19-year old Michael A. DiRaimondo (pictured) of Simi Valley joined the army as a medic, he wanted to gain the experience necessary to become a paramedic firefighter back home. But that dream was dashed when he was killed in action in Iraq in January 2004. And with the help of the Ventura County Community Foundation, Michael’s father Tony created the Michael A. DiRaimondo Foundation Scholarship to help EMTs become paramedics. KDB spoke to Tony, as well as a young Oxnard paramedic who received this $10,000 scholarship in 2009.

Book of the Week:The Astral, by Kate Christenson
Air date: August 26, 2011          

After 30 years of marriage, Harry Quirk is tossed out on his ear by his wife, who incorrectly suspects he’s having an affair. From there, The Astral invites readers into Harry’s mind, as he narrates his personal journey through the streets and apartments of Brooklyn, struggling to figure out what to do, who to befriend, and how to live. Remarkably, the book is authored by a woman, Kate Christenson, who is pitch perfect at conveying Harry’s thoughts and actions. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

Guitar Maker Robert Carbonaro
Air date: August 25, 2011          

In 1974, Robert Carbonaro wandered into a San Francisco guitar shop in which the proprietors were holding guitar making classes. He signed up and never looked back. Today, Robert makes custom guitars out of his Santa Barbara home studio, and this weekend he’ll open his doors to the public to give a tour and talk about his craft. Wine and hors d'oeurves are included, plus live music with world class jazz guitarist Pat Malone and flamenco aficionado Scott Wolf. The event is part of the 2011 Santa Barbara County Arts Fund Open Dialogue Salon Series. Also on Sunday from 1-3pm, Scott Wolf and Pat Malone will be holding masterclasses in their respective styles. Call 805-259-6115 for details.

Santa Barbara Artists 10th Anniversary Open Studio Tour
Air date: August 23, 2011          

When you see beautiful artwork hanging in a museum, it’s often impossible to know what the artist was thinking about or hoping to achieve. That mystery, in fact, can be part of the appeal. This weekend the Santa Barbara Studio Artists presents its 10th anniversary Open Studios Tour. From Goleta to Montecito, nearly 40 of the area’s most talented artists will open their private studios to the public, sharing their work, answering questions… unfolding the mystery. We visited with two of the featured artists, Wayne Hoffman and Ruth Ellen Hoag.

Book of the Week: Heaven and Earth Holding Company, by John Hodgen
Air date: August 19, 2011          

Whether you’re an avid poetry reader or not, guest David Starkey says this book is arguably for just about anyone. Poet John Hodgen has put together a collection of ultimately readable and often laugh-out-loud funny poems that can seem to resemble short stories or mini-memoirs. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.
Pictured: John Hodgen

Alex Ross on The Italian Opera Situation
Air date: August 16 & 17, 2011
Part 1  

Part 2  

The Italian government recently proposed a 37% funding cut to the arts, a sum which many believe would have decimated the industry, in particular the country’s 14 official opera houses. The New Yorker music critic Alex Ross spent the month of June in Italy and wrote about the looming crisis in the July 25th edition. In particular, he recounts a moving and spontaneous protest by esteemed conductor Riccardo Muti (pictured left), which led to a reversal of the proposed cut. But President Silvio Berlusconi’s government has already done plenty of damage to the arts there.  CLICK HERE to watch the video of Riccardo Muti in Rome conducting Nabucco.

Book of the Week: Reality Hunger: A Manifesto, by David Shields
Air date: August 12, 2011          

A most unusual read, indeed, but one that guest David Starkey admits he was hard pressed to put down. The work is a non-fiction collection of 618 numbered passages--quotes by the author and others--which are meant to challenge today’s notion of ‘reality’. KDB’s Book of the Week is made possible by The Book Den.

 

A Conversation With Maestro Leonard Slatkin
Air date: August 12, 2011
Longer Version          

Shorter Version    

Leonard Slatkin’s esteemed career has landed him in front of most of the world’s greatest orchestras. And this weekend he’ll be leading the Music Academy of the West’s Festival Orchestra in the Festival Finale concert. Currently, the venerable conductor is Music Director for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and this fall will add the position of Music Director for the Orchestre Nationale de Lyon. He is also one heck of a St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Cabaret Night for the Music Academy of the West: An Interview With Marilyn Horne
Air date: August 10, 2011                   

Come to the cabaret, old friend! Under the leadership of Marilyn Horne, this annual signature fundraising event has become bigger and better year after year. Music Academy vocal fellows will let their hair down and step outside the box a bit, bringing down the house with lively and unforgettable performances. Photo by David Bazemore

Karen Vuong, 2011 Winner of the Marilyn Horne Song Competition
Air date: August 9, 2011                   

27-year old soprano Karen Vuong says she’s never won anything before, so the Music Academy of the West’s prestigious song competition is a good place to start. She’s a California girl, born and bred, but soon after the Academy’s 2011 summer festival is over she’s packing her bags for New York, where she’ll study at Juilliard.

Conductor Warren Jones Talks About Conducting The Barber of Seville
Air date: August 5, 2011                    

As if being a world class pianist wasn’t enough, Warren Jones also has a knack for conducting, which he calls “one of the most fascinating skills and art forms to develop”. Maestro Jones will conduct the Music Academy of the West’s opera production of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, a great comedy that Jones likens to the comedy of I Love Lucy. Photo by David Bazemore