For three decades and counting, the often fascinating German-born director Werner Herzog has been heading into the jungle in search of true metaphorical and narrative grit. By creating complex and neurotic stories based on true life tales, Herzog seems obsessed with the recurring theme of men drawn into the wild for various reasons, who end up in ruin or redemption, or both.
Thirteen
World-famous mezzo-soprano and director of the Music Academy of the West voice program Marilyn Horne will conduct a masterclass in voice at the Lobero Theatre on Saturday, July 28, at 3 p.m.
• This Friday evening, the S.B. Museum of Natural History promises two very happy hours with its Fridays@Five Tequila Tasting. Imbibers will sip on Blanco, Reposado, and A±ejo varieties and learn what makes the agave so unique. And tequila-infused hors d’oeuvres will keep your buzz under control. Friday, July 27, 5-7pm. $20-$25. Call 682-4711 x110.
Standing straight and tall, with almost military bearing, Thomas Hampson sang “I must carry the whole world!” The song was “Der Atlas,” Schubert’s setting of Heinrich Heine’s poem, but this Atlas, tragic as he was, still sounded as if he could bear the burden of the world easily.
The Black and Blue Ball is an undisputed Santa Barbara summertime institution, a staple of the fundraising circuit, a well-documented highlight of the peeping calendar year, and equally well documented in its status as prime terrain for a Palm sighting. In short, the annual MDA benefit is a function that’s not to be missed.
REGGAE FOR A CAUSE: At 6 p.m. this Saturday evening, under the warm glow of a rising full moon, the Condor Express will set sail from the Santa Barbara Harbor, its decks and cabins filled with the sounds of sweet reggae music. And while the three-hour tour will no doubt be a party of epic proportions-with beer and wine flowing and irie smiles blowing in the wind-the voyage is about much more than the musical offerings of Cornerstone and the gathering of friends new and old.
A FINE DAY FOR JAZZ: The jazz concert seasons in town have been announced, and it’s a fine time to make the ceremonial trip to the calendar, Sharpies in hand (or mouse in palm). For the past many years now, Santa Barbara jazz fans have found much to rejoice about in the concert offerings at UCSB’s Campbell Hall and the historic Lobero Theatre (though the naturally greedy among us would like twice as many per year).
Quiz: Beach Days
Those wishing the French Festival ran all year can take heart since Renaud’s Patisserie and Bistro is coming to town. Moving into the former location of the Italian Bakery (3315 State St.) in Loreto Plaza, Renaud’s, which should open in the middle of September, will at first be open for breakfast and lunch. Owner Renaud Gonthier moved to the U.S. from France in 1999 and has since worked at esteemed locations like the Ritz Carlton in Washington, D.C., and the Breakers Resort in Palm Beach, Florida.
