vol. 21, no. 087, Sept. 13-20, 2007

ON THE COVER:
Connecticut-based Pilobolus Dance Theatre has been wowing audiences for more than 30 years with their striking blend of acrobatic movement, sculptural configurations, painterly costumes, and theatrical performance. Having established itself as a Santa Barbara favorite, the company returns to town this October, providing one of the many adventures in art this season has in store. Like the Pilobolus dancers pictured on the cover, the arts will be out in all their colorful glory this fall, so get out and let yourself be moved. Your guide to Fall Arts begins HERE.

Howdy Partner

The Montecito Trails Foundation will host its annual fall barbeque this Saturday, September 15. Whether you want to hike, bike, or saddle up and ride through the lush and winding hillside paths, this event is sure to quench your thirst for all things outdoors. The three-hour trek will run from 9 a.m. ’til noon, and will be followed immediately by a catered BBQ lunch-served from noon to 1 p.m.-and live music from Steve Woods (1-4 p.m.). Participants should meet at Bella Vista Ranch (2800 Via Real, Carpinteria). Call 568-0833 for additional information.

89 portraits of Vietnam Zippos

During the Vietnam War, American soldiers used more than 200,000 Zippo lighters. But they weren’t just for lighting smokes. As soldiers began etching designs and words on their Zippos, the shiny silver lighters became canvases for self-expression and very personal symbols of identity in a situation where individualism and creativity were discouraged.

Rita Solinas 19312007

When I think of Rita, the image that comes most often to me is that of her smile, the radiance of which was one of her gifts to so many of us. As many of you know, she was more than just a smile. Rita was a fighter, and she became an ardent advocate for the Mexican-American community. City Councilmembers knew Rita for her pithy remarks, spoken with a passion and directness that was hard to ignore.

Child-proofed: State Street Storytime

Throughout September, the downtown Borders Books (900 State St.) will present a slew of children’s books, activities, and special guests as part of its ongoing State Street Storytime program. The events take place every Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. and are geared toward kids of all ages. Check out a list of upcoming tales and signings held specifically for the tykes.

The Telluride Wrap-Up

It’s no secret that I love film festivals-I’m the happiest and most fulfilled in that environment. Every once in a while somebody asks me, “Which is your favorite?” My answer for the past 25 years has been the same: Telluride Film Festival. Nothing comes close. Nothing quite compares.

What’s Your Story?

Speaking of Stories is searching for new literature to read. Both fiction and non-fiction writings by Santa Barbara authors are welcome. Short stories are needed for the upcoming 2008 season, so apply before September 30. For guidelines and an application, see speakingofstories.org.

Talk to Me

File Talk to Me under the subgenre of films this year with an eye on American media history, following Zodiac and Resurrecting the Champ. In all these films, the presumed wall between reportage, public action, and show biz is eroded, based on cases outside the ever-thickening plot of media vs. public interface vis- -vis the Internet.

Rap Pioneers Sugarhill Gang Come to Santa Barbara

“A hip, hop, the hippie, the hippie to the hip hip hop you don’t stop.” Who knew that those goofy lyrics-the opening verse to the 1979 hit song “Rapper’s Delight”-would turn out to be so prophetic? In the 28 years since Sugarhill Gang dropped one of the first rap songs, the hip-hop movement has, as the song predicted, not stopped. Since then, the song has brought in billions of dollars a year and shaped popular culture from Tokyo to Tehran.

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