Lauren Chiou

May 28, 2026

Letter from the Artsweek Editor: Scenes of greatness through frames of a Nexus

By Lauren Chiou

Lauren says goodbye to Artsweek.

May 20, 2026

Extravaganza 2026: Dominic Fike excels as first rock headliner in 11 years alongside JT, Earl Sweatshirt and Jane Remover

By Lauren Chiou, Kendra Martinez

With a notably high turnout of 7,500 audience members and a popular, genre-spanning lineup, the May 17 concert brought a fresh take and renewed excitement to the campus festival.

May 14, 2026

Japanese Breakfast’s Michelle Zauner talks memoir and 2026 UCSB Reads selection ‘Crying in H Mart’

By Lauren Chiou, Stella Mullin

The author and musician spoke at Campbell Hall about her book “Crying in H Mart: A Memoir,” which was selected as the official 2026’s UCSB Reads book.

April 16, 2026

Projecting nostalgia: The subtle genius of Justin Bieber’s Coachella set

By Lauren Chiou

Lauren Chiou has Bieber fever and she hopes to never recover.

April 9, 2026

Lil Yachty drives UCSB crazy at The Warm Up

By Lauren Chiou

The April 4 concert, organized by UC Santa Barbara’s Associated Students Program Board, brought in a record-breaking crowd of over 3,000 attendees, making it one of the biggest evenings in the concert’s history

February 12, 2026

SBIFF 2026: Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro receive Hammond Cinema Vanguard Award, with surprise presenter Paul Thomas Anderson

By Lauren Chiou, Zachery Kramer

The film legends and “One Battle After Another” co-stars were honored for their unmatched achievements and contributions to film.

February 12, 2026

SBIFF 2026: Teyana Taylor, Jacob Elordi and more honored with Virtuosos Award

By Lauren Chiou, Kendra Martinez

Virtuosos is the most star-packed event of the festival, honoring eight rising stars who have made waves in the year’s film circuit.

February 9, 2026

SBIFF 2026: Ethan Hawke reflects on 40-year career, meets Jeff Bridges at American Riviera Award

By Lauren Chiou

Actor, filmmaker and writer Ethan Hawke was honored with the American Riviera Award for his extensive, genre-spanning career.

January 14, 2026

Monique Limón sworn in as Senate president pro tempore, Kamala Harris makes appearance

By Lauren Chiou, Stella Mullin

California State Senate President Pro Tempore Monique Limón was honored at a district swearing-in ceremony at Santa Barbara Junior High School on Jan. 9.

October 9, 2025

The flop of a showgirl: in defense of the critic

By Lauren Chiou

Lauren Chiou defends the critics in the name of arts journalism.

August 23, 2025

Summer listens for various summer scenarios

By Lauren Chiou

Straight from the Spotify of Artsweek editor Lauren Chiou.

July 27, 2025

Let’s hear it for the album of the year: Lorde makes momentous return with ‘Virgin’

By Lauren Chiou

The New Zealand singer-songwriter released her fourth album on June 27, an explosion of nostalgia, sensuality and vulnerability.

May 23, 2025

Setting the stage: past 25 years of Extravaganza lineups lack gender diversity and mark genre shift

By Lauren Chiou

The Daily Nexus looked at all Extravaganza lineups from 2000-2025, finding a prominent lack of female performers and a shift in genre presence from rock to electronic dance music.

May 22, 2025

Extravaganza 2025: Chris Lake brings the heat, Aminé saves the day

By Lauren Chiou, Kendra Martinez

Amidst sunny weather and a last-minute lineup change, students arrived in droves to watch headliner Chris Lake and performers Aminé, Ravyn Lenae and Zacari on the Harder Stadium stage.

May 17, 2025

Shabang 2025: two UCSB student bands featured on festival lineup

By Lauren Chiou, Kendra Martinez

Isla Vista bands Big Hungry and Cordoba performed at the two-day music festival, bringing a taste of the I.V. music scene to San Luis Obispo.

May 1, 2025

Pete Buttigieg discusses Trump admin, youth engagement

By Lauren Chiou, Conor Kelly

Pete Buttigieg spoke at the Arlington Theatre where he spoke on his life in government and what he thinks needs to be done in the midst of Trump's second term.