Thursday 20
If African art and eclectic American pop-culture inspired sculpture seem like they could never co-exist harmoniously, then you better see this to believe it. Local artist, Peter Cole’s textual and detailed sculptures are on exhibit downtown at the Sullivan Goss Ltd. Gallery. The show runs from now until Feb. 3 at 7 East Anapamu St. For additional info, call 730-1460. Singer-songwriter Mike Doughty is sure to please the crowds tonight with his unique blend of jazzy electric piano, bass and drums tonight at Bar Absinthe. Bring your I.D.s, though, because this show is only for those 21+. For more info, call 965-5057.
Friday 21
It’s about time for a girl’s night out for all ages! They may be a few decades apart, but they’re both blondes that can sing and don’t annoy the hell out of us, at least not yet. For all you teenyboppers at heart, or those of you who aren’t afraid to admit you, like, totally love the “Lizzie McGuire” show, Hilary Duff will be performing tonight at the Ventura Theatre. Tickets are $25. Call 639-3965 for info. And for you much older mature women, your favorite snaggletoothed songstress, Jewel, will yodel the night away at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets start at $35. Call 449-2787 for more info.
Saturday 22
There’s nothing like experiencing springtime in the winter. The Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens presents a Close-up Nature Photography class today from 9 a.m. to noon. While you’re there, take a tour of their impressive gardens. For prices and information, call 682-4726. If you are in dire need of a bluesy, folksy, lyrically talented duo that sounds like they might’ve been magically transported from the ’70s, then don’t miss the female fronted band Eastmountainsouth. This show is a part of the Sings Like Hell concert series being held tonight at the Lobero Theatre, starting at 8 p.m. For info, call 963-0761.
Sunday 23
If you have ever been the least bit curious as to how talented our dance majors are, then don’t miss this opportunity to see Seven Fall Dances, dance works by faculty members and dance students here at UCSB. The performance starts at 2 p.m. this afternoon in the Hatlen Theater on campus. For tickets and info, call 893-3535. The current exhibit at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Margrethe Mather and Edward Weston: a Passionate Collaboration, examines the legendary personal and professional relationship between two of the most important American photographers of the 20th century. The exhibit runs until Jan. 18. Call 963-4364 for hours and info.
Monday 24
Aparently, Frank Sinatra’s legacy is facing some competition these days by a 19-year old Columbia University student. Jazz artist Peter Cincotti is described as a blend of Sinatra’s voice and Fats Waller’s piano style. Check him out in Campbell Hall at 8 p.m. and see if Ol’ Blue Eyes should be rolling in his grave. Tickets start at $16. Call 893-3535 for info. Remember back in the late ’80s… you know that one song, “Cult of Personality”? Well, the band behind that song, Living Colour, are back and plan to take the mystery out of what happened to them, tonight at the Coach House. Prices vary for this all-ages supper club, so call 965-0789 to check out the menu and cover charge for this 7 p.m. show.
Tuesday 25- Wednesday 26
You know you used to think of it as softcore porn, but hopefully now you appreciate it for its educational value. The National Geographic Live! series presents the first of four events tonight at 8 in Campbell Hall. Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Michael Davie will present “Filming on the Edge: Adventures in Guerrilla Filmmaking.” Tickets are $10. Call 893-3535 for info. This isn’t the kind of high-flying you partake in recreationally. “Defying Gravity” is a poetic play inspired by the life of teacher and astronaut Christa McAuliffe. The play aims to affirm that love, faith and beauty can overcome all limitations and will show tonight at 7 in the Rubicon Theater. Tix start at $25. Call 667-2900 for info.
