Leslie’s Enlightening Entertainment

Leslie Dinaberg is the Arts, Culture, and Community Editor for the Santa Barbara Independent.

What is something new in town that has got your interest recently?  Planned Parenthood’s annual book sale is September 14-24, which is always a treasure chest of fun, not to mention all of the proceeds go to such a great cause. There is some particularly beautiful and thought-provoking work on view at Sullivan Goss right now by Nicole Strasburg and Holli Harmon, both exhibitions running through September 25.

What are highlights of the UCSB Arts & Lectures season?  I was so excited to interview Tiler Peck for this issue. She’s an amazing ballerina (principal with the New York City Ballet) and the show she’s bringing to town next month has elements of ballet, but also tap, contemporary, and more. It’s going to be fabulous, and she could not have been nicer and more down to earth. I’m also a huge fan of Kristen Chenoweth, who’s going to be doing a cabaret-style revenue for Arts & Lectures in November.

Where are your personal favorite spots in town?  Lotusland, for sure! It’s such a magical spot; I never turn down an opportunity to visit. Lotusfest returns this weekend, September 16. I go a lot for work, but the Lobero and the Santa Barbara Bowl are definitely two of my happy places, without a doubt.