- Santa Barbara Spotlight
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- Issue #011
Issue #011
SBIFF 40, Farewell Pascucci & Must-See Events Await
TOGETHER WITH
Good Morning, Santa Barbara! 👋
I want to start by apologizing for the mess-up in last week’s email—our format went a bit haywire. The good news is that we’ve fixed the problem, and I’m excited to share the newsletter content exactly as it was meant to be seen.
To quickly recap: I mentioned that it’s been a little while since our last newsletter because life has been wonderfully hectic. We recently welcomed our second child on December 30th, and balancing dad duties with keeping WhatsGoodSB.com updated and sending the newsletter weekly has been quite the adventure! Despite the challenges, I’m excited to reconnect with you and keep you posted on all the latest events and happenings around town as we look forward to an incredible 2025.
Thank you for bearing with me, and here’s to more smooth and fun updates ahead!
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Santa Barbara International Film Festival Celebrates 40 Years with Star-Studded Lineup
The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is marking its 40th anniversary with a spectacular 11-day celebration from February 4-15. Film lovers will have the opportunity to experience over 200 films, exclusive tributes, and engaging symposiums at various venues across Santa Barbara.
The festival kicks off with the Opening Night Film, Jane Austen Wrecked My Life on February 4 at the historic Arlington Theatre. Throughout the event, numerous Hollywood stars will be honored, including Angelina Jolie (Modern Master Award, Feb. 5), Ralph Fiennes (Outstanding Performer Award, Feb. 6), and Timothée Chalamet (Arlington Artist of the Year, Feb. 11).
One of the festival’s most anticipated screenings is the U.S. premiere of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 on February 7, followed by a special Q&A with Kevin Costner. Other major highlights include the American Riviera Award for Zoe Saldana (Feb. 12) and the Cinema Vanguard Award honoring Adrien Brody and Guy Pearce (Feb. 13).
The festival concludes on February 15 with the Closing Night Film, A Missing Part at the Arlington Theatre.
With an impressive lineup of films and Hollywood’s biggest names in attendance, SBIFF 2024 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of cinema.
Pascucci Restaurant to Close After 31 Years in Downtown Santa Barbara
After three decades as a local favorite, Pascucci Restaurant is preparing to close its doors in mid-March. The beloved eatery, known for its fresh, locally sourced dishes and warm atmosphere, has been a staple of downtown Santa Barbara, hosting countless celebrations, first dates, and family gatherings.
Click to read the full story. 👇 https://www.noozhawk.com/pascucci-restaurant-in-downtown-santa-barbara-to-close-in-march/
Experience History After Dark at Presidio by Candlelight
Step back in time and immerse yourself in an evening of history, culture, and community at El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park during the Presidio by Candlelight event. This special First Thursday gathering offers a rare chance to explore the historic site after dark, with candlelit pathways guiding visitors through engaging exhibits and performances.
Attendees can warm up by an open fire while listening to traditional Chumash stories, explore the Nihonmachi Revisited exhibit highlighting Santa Barbara’s Japantown, and enjoy live music and dances from 1800s California. To add to the experience, guests will be treated to free champurrado (a traditional Mexican hot drink) and freshly baked goods.
For Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation (SBTHP) members, a complimentary wine reception will be held in the Presidio Orchard from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Those interested in exclusive perks can become members and enjoy this special offering.
This free event provides a unique opportunity to connect with Santa Barbara’s diverse history while enjoying an unforgettable candlelit atmosphere.
For more details, visit sbthp.org/presidiobycandlelight.
EVENTS
Tuesday 2/4
An evening with Mendeleyev – Experience an intimate night of music at SOhO Restaurant & Music Club.
Wednesday 2/5
An evening with Canned Heat – Enjoy a memorable evening with Canned Hea at SohO.
Thursday 2/6
Paint at Paseo Nuevo (First Thursday) – Join a free 90‑minute painting class at Paseo Nuevo for all ages and skill levels.
Bachata Nights – Learn beginner-friendly Bachata with dance and drink specials at STUDIO.
Sax in the City with DJ Darla Bea and Gerry Smith Jr. (8:00 PM) – Enjoy an evening of music and fun at SOhO Restaurant & Music Club.
JMP, Ayd b2b Bo, Rajanno, Jiggy, & Aidenroth – Dance all night with a split-room lineup at the Little Bar and main room.
Silent Disco – Kick off Valentine’s Day early with a free all-ages silent disco featuring DJ @djscotttopperproductions.
Lucky Loteria – Join the monthly Lotería for prizes, brews, and good vibes at Casa Agria.
Friday 2/7
Bob Marley's Birthday with Don Carlos and Rastan – Celebrate Bob Marley’s birthday with live reggae at SOhO.
Alternative Night – Dance the night away to ’90s and 2000s alternative hits at Whiskey Richards.
An Evening with Leo Kottke – Enjoy masterful acoustic guitar performances.
Subsessions Takeover – Experience multi-genre vibes all night at EOS Lounge.
Saturday 2/8
The Reset Ritual (10:00 AM) – Reset with yoga, breathwork, and contrast therapy at Acorn & Oak.
Peña Flamenca la Maria – Immerse yourself in flamenco at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum.
Chances Makers – Rock out with live performances by Chance Makers and friends at SB Brewhouse.
Pocket Fox – Celebrate Wylde Works’ 3rd anniversary with lively tunes by Pocket Fox at their venue.
Mad Caddies Live in the Funk Zone – Catch the Mad Caddies live at Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. (Doors at 6:00 PM, 21+ event).
Maria Bamford – Enjoy a night of signature humor by renowned comedian Maria Bamford at The Lobero Theatre.
SANDS of TIME – Dive into an oasis of sound with Organic House & Techno in the Funk Zone.
Danny Goliger, with Bix King, Seanathan, Ice Tea Cole B, & M80 – Dance to electrifying beats at EOS Lounge.
Sunday 2/9
Santa Barbara Jazz Society presents: Janis Mann and Friends! (1:00 PM) – Savor an afternoon of captivating jazz at SOhO.
Youth Ensembles Winter Festival Concert – Celebrate young musicians performing works by Mozart and more at The Granada Theatre.
WHAT’S GOOD SB?!
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