Music of Alta California

Santa Barbara has a rich cultural history, not only since the area was incorporated by the United States but also long before when it was part of Alta California. Chumash, Mexicans, and folks coming out west from East Coast cities all contributed to the music popular during that era. On Saturday, June 18, 9:30 a.m.-noon, Santa Barbarans can learn about those early traditions when musician and music scholar Ramón Araiza presents Musical Cultures of Early Alta California at the Genealogical Society’s monthly meeting, which is open to the public. Araiza will talk about secular music from the courts of Mexico, popular folksongs, vernacular music from foreign countries, and sacred music from the Spanish Mission period (1769-1833), among other things. The event takes place at First Presbyterian Church (21 E. Constance Ave.).