It Takes a Village
Taking its place in the old Peabody’s venue, MONTE’S from chef Daniel Kim is already primed to become the new darling of Montecito.
The cheerful sign on Coast Village Road
Written by Caitlin White
Photography by Jack Dahlia
Taking its place in the old Peabody’s venue, MONTE’S from chef Daniel Kim is already primed to become the new darling of Montecito. Barely two months in, the restaurant has already been added to the Michelin Guide. Rooted in the regenerative agriculture of Rincon Hill Farm in Carpinteria (see page 120), nearly every ingredient on the menu is sourced from that property. This hyperlocal ethos is the guiding force behind Endwell Hospitality, the ownership group known for their lauded venue One White Street, a restaurant similarly anchored by Rigor Hill Farm in upstate New York. Here, at Endwell’s first Central Coast restaurant, patio tables and a separate dining room define the indoor-outdoor space, which is cozy yet refined.
The menu presents a trifecta of starters, shared plates, and mains, plus a selection of sides. Sourdough from Oat Bakery comes accompanied by cultured butter and Korean chives, which is woven into dishes like the Santa Rosa Island halibut crudo with a nori rice chip or prawn toast layered with kimchi and furikake. A spectacular main, the wild rice pork katsu, marries a Japanese staple with the farm’s own grain in the signature crispy crust. Order a glass of the Sta. Rita Hills Pence “PTG” Burgundian blend, a delicious chilled red, to pair with the pork or an equally showstopping Wagyu strip loin finished with black garlic A1 steak sauce. 1198 Coast Village Rd., Montecito, 805-330-4590, montessb.com
See the story in our digital edition
Location Is Everything
The Hollister Ranch beach shacks—crude structures of driftwood and salvaged materials—mark a bygone era in Santa Barbara surf history, when legendary waves broke along the Hollister family’s eight-mile coast.
A Hollister Ranch beach shack from the 1960s epitomizes the Southern California indoor-outdoor lifestyle, with a deck for sunbathing and the ocean just steps away.
Written by Joan Tapper
Photography by Jeff Kruthers
The HOLLISTER RANCH BEACH SHACKS, haphazard structures of driftwood and other salvaged materials, were hardly things of beauty, but they do represent a bygone era of Santa Barbara surf history that began with the legendary waves that broke along eight miles of shore on the 14,400 acres owned by the Hollister family. Initially, in the 1950s, a handful of local surfers kept knowledge of the place to themselves, but in the next decade, when word began to spread and out-of-towners arrived, landowner Clinton Hollister (so the story goes) made a deal with the fledgling Santa Barbara Surf Club—which had Renny Yater as president, a board of directors, and $25 dues—that members could have access if they kept vandals out.
By the ’60s, their shoreside huts had gone up, providing casual shelters for gear and overnights stays with easy access to renowned surf breaks like Razor Blades, Drake’s, and Cojo Point. Then, around 1970, as the ranch was developed into 100-acre private parcels, the shacks disappeared—destined to live on only in photographs and surfing lore.
See the story in our digital edition
Friendly Flora
Drawing on her culinary background and community-minded perspective, Emma West Roldan—former chef and cofounder of Satellite—has opened her newest venture, BODEGA FLOWER GIRL.
Emma West Roldan in her new space in Sevilla Square
Written by Hana-Lee Sedgwick
Photography by Erren Franklin
Drawing on her culinary background and community-minded perspective, Emma West Roldan—former chef and cofounder of Satellite—has opened her newest venture, BODEGA FLOWER GIRL. The neighborhood market and mini eatery is a welcome addition to Sevilla Square, just off lower State Street.
Inside the airy corner space, customers will find products thoughtfully curated by Roldan herself—think local produce, prepared foods, beverages and imported wine, and unexpected items like Hot Wheels and playing cards. Along with house-made grab-and-go salads and bites, the small, vegetable-forward food program and seating for up to 10 add to the bodega’s local vibe. As the name suggests, shoppers can also pick up flowers. “Bodega Flower Girl was inspired by corner markets across the globe, but the name pays tribute to my love for flowers,” Roldan says. “Flowers aren’t reserved for a certain time or occasion. They’re something that anyone can enjoy year-round.”
Roldan takes an intentional approach to sourcing, selecting products that spark joy or foster a sense of belonging. “I want this to be a place of simple pleasures, whether that’s a toy or candy, a nourishing lunch, seeds to plant, or vegan cookie dough to bake later,” she says. “Most important is creating a space where everyone can feel seen and welcome—an inclusive place that celebrates local makers and farmers alongside diverse global goods.” 15 W. Gutierrez St., Santa Barbara, bodegaflowergirl.com
See the story in our digital edition
Mood for a Staycay
Picturesque souvenirs aren’t only for tourists—local photogs offer keepsakes of Santa Barbara spots
Picturesque souvenirs aren’t only for tourists—local photogs offer keepsakes of Santa Barbara spots
See the story in our digital edition
Fresh Paint
Graphic designer and artist Peter Horjus has created a new charming group of vintage-inspired local beach images.
Graphic designer and artist Peter Horjus has created a new charming group of vintage-inspired local beach images, available as hand-signed fine art prints in three sizes. 11 W. Figueroa St., Santa Barbara, peterhorjus.com
Hand-signed fine art prints are available in three sizes: 16" x 20" ($325), 24" x 36" ($725), and 36" x 48" ($975).
See the story in our digital edition
American Nights
Local fans of bronc riding, roping, and steer wrestling got a treat on June 20–21, when riders on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) circuit came to compete in the seventh Old Santa Ynez Days Rodeo
Old Santa Ynez Days makes rodeo dreams come true
Local fans of bronc riding, roping, and steer wrestling got a treat on June 20–21, when riders on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) circuit came to compete in the seventh Old Santa Ynez Days Rodeo, organized and run by the nonprofit SYV Western Heritage Foundation (syvwhf.org). The proceeds support half a dozen Valley youth organizations that range from the high school agriculture department and a therapeutic riding program to the Elks children’s Christmas fund and Santa Maria’s Golden Circle of Champions.
“We started it for the community,” says Kevin Murphy, president of both the foundation and the rodeo, which he cofounded with director Ralph Lausten in 2018. “It’s now one of the fastest-growing rodeos,” he adds, “number six or seven in prize money—$112,000 this year.” The PRCA-sanctioned competition, which also includes events in barrel racing, women’s breakaway, and bull riding, allows professionals to amass points for the National Finals Rodeo, held in December in Las Vegas.
Part of Old Santa Ynez Days festivities, the rodeo takes place at the Santa Ynez Chumash San Carlos Property, which is undeveloped land most of the time. “We build everything from scratch every year,” Murphy says. “It’s a little city, with grandstands, arena, VIP tent, and vendors for food and drink.” Sponsors for 2026 included Rio Vista Chevrolet, 805 Beer, Ranchero Whiskey, and Skechers, among others.
“We’re ground zero here for the vaquero way of life,” Murphy says, adding that as more people move to the Valley with no Western ties, “it’s important to keep that relationship [to the West] growing in the area. The rodeo is a way of knowing that two days a year we can celebrate the Western way of living.”
See our digital edition
Star Bar
The Speakeasy at San Ysidro Ranch is definitely a chic insider’s drinking establishment, but it’s hardly a secret.
The Speakeasy at SYR
Say the word “speakeasy” and undoubtedly what comes to mind is a secret, chic, insider’s drinking establishment. Well, The Speakeasy at San Ysidro Ranch is definitely a chic insider’s drinking establishment, but it’s hardly a secret. The elegant jazz-infused hideaway, tucked beneath the hostelry’s Stonehouse Restaurant, has just been named one of the world’s best hotel bars in Forbes Travel Guide’s 2026 list of Hotel Star Bars. That makes it one of just five in the United States with that honor, and a member of an exclusive 37 destinations worldwide representing the finest in cocktail culture. Scores were based on the beverage program and presentation, as well as the ability to provide seamless, luxurious service, an exceptional guest experience, and a unique ambiance.
“This distinction reflects the passion and creativity of our beverage team,” says Ian Williams, general manager of the Ranch, “while reinforcing the legacy of excellence that has made the Ranch an enduring icon of luxury hospitality.”
Under a beamed ceiling, leather couches and animal-print seating underscore the intimate atmosphere of the place, while the art deco–style menu of cocktails and nibbles pays homage to iconic speakeasy libations. Among the notable offerings here are a rare Glenturret 50-year-old Highland single malt in a Lalique black crystal decanter, the Macallan M Trio, and the Balvenie DCS Chapter Four Series. Patrons who crave a bit of theater can order the interactive absinthe service, which includes a traditional tableside fountain.
New for summer are inventive cocktails that include a ceremonial-grade Matcha Mar-Tea-Ni and an elevated martini service. Of course, if someone prefers to forgo a cocktail and order a glass of wine or Champagne, they can probably find something to their taste in San Ysidro Ranch’s 16,000-bottle wine cellar, which earned the hotel a Wine Spectator Grand Award.
Photography by Kris Zacharias
See our digital edition
Raise a Glass and a Mallet
Folded Hills Winery celebrated Santa Barbara polo season with its sixth annual Folded Hills Polo Classic in the Santa Ynez Valley
Folded Hills’ annual Polo Classic
Summer is polo season in Santa Barbara, and Folded Hills Winery helped usher it in with the sixth annual Folded Hills Polo Classic on Saturday, June 13, held on their own field in the Santa Ynez Valley. Some 300 members and guests sipped a number of new wine releases, including the acclaimed 2024 Roper Syrah, and watched players drawn from the Santa Barbara Polo Club battle it out for the day’s honors.
“These are ad hoc teams,” says Kim Busch, who owns the winery with her husband, lifelong polo aficionado Andy, “and often children of the club players join in.” This year the field included their son Will, number two on the winery’s team; Jesse Bray, a top-rated American 7-goal player; and Carter Thicke, son of Santa Barbara Magazine executive editor Gina Tolleson.
“We do different events here, and this is a perfect fit,” Busch says. Among the festivities were tailgate contests, she adds, “and our executive chef served mini sliders, asiago potatos, and bruschetta with tomatoes from the ranch. People love to come and watch these great equine athletes and riders. There’s a magical feel to sitting on the sidelines and hearing the thundering hooves up and down the field.”
When the final score was posted, Folded Hills Blue had tied Folded Hills White. Of course, with a glass of Folded Hills wine in hand, the spectators themselves could feel like winners.
Photography by Emmanuelle Pickett
See our digital edition
Feel at Home
The six contactless accommodations at The Rincon Rooms are part of a larger complex that houses 24 residences, plus a forthcoming dining concept on the ground floor.
The Rincon Rooms beckon
Thoughtful layouts and oversize furniture lend each space a residential feel.
Written by Caitlin White
Photography by Meg Sandu
Traditional boutique hotels in Carpinteria are still few and far between, but a new guesthouse hidden in plain sight opens this summer with bespoke decor and keyless entry. The six contactless accommodations at THE RINCON ROOMS are part of a larger complex that houses 24 residences, plus a forthcoming dining concept on the ground floor. Residential-style rooms, which translate to a quieter, more comfortable sojourn, are part of a growing trend in hospitality, and these offerings fit neatly into a new category of short-term stay.
“There are influences from traditional English interiors and old California guesthouses but softened and made more relaxed for the beach setting,” says designer Amanda Masters, who envisions the furnishings and artwork throughout as being “collected rather than decorated.” Expect custom California-focused pieces, nods to the local polo scene, and tchotchkes that reflect the laidback local surf culture. Sferra linens, Salt & Stone amenities, and Nespresso coffee stations are part of the setup in every room, some of which are dog-friendly, while others come with a spacious balcony or deep soaking tub. 4745 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria, rinconrooms.com
See the story in our digital edition
Art Stars
Fifty years is a worthy milestone, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB)—founded in 1976 by artists for artists—is marking the occasion with the presentation of its 2026 Annual Art Awards on July 12.
Wheel of Foot in Mouth No. 3 (Song of Sappho) by Kathryn Andrews
Written by Joan Tapper
Fifty years is a worthy milestone, and the MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART SANTA BARBARA (MCASB)—founded in 1976 by artists for artists—is marking the occasion with the presentation of its 2026 Annual Art Awards on July 12. That event not only raises crucial operating funds for the nonprofit institution, says Frederick Janka, president of the board of trustees, but also “is celebrating the past, present, and future of the museum and our impact on art history.” This year’s honorees for artistic excellence are Kathryn Andrews, Sanford Biggers, Tonia Calderon, and Mark Swanson, while Hamza Walker is being feted for his curatorial excellence and arts leadership. For the established artists like Biggers and Swanson, “MCASB offered early and critical support with solo exhibitions and their first publications,” Janka says, adding that both have gone on to open major midcareer shows. Looking forward, MCASB will collaborate with Andrews on public programs in the future and is also committed to a solo exhibition for emerging talent Calderon. 653 Paseo Nuevo, Santa Barbara, mcasantabarbara.org
See the story in our digital edition
Love Letter to Cito
The I ❤︎ Montecito exhibit is the Montecito Country Mart’s love letter to the town it belongs to, as well as the greater Santa Barbara region that created and sustains it.
Written by Olivia Joffrey
Photography by Meg Sandu
The I ❤︎ Montecito exhibit is the Montecito Country Mart’s love letter to the town it belongs to, as well as the greater Santa Barbara region that created and sustains it. Our town is aching with stories, and I was privileged to interview all sorts of people and be aided by prolific collectors like James O’Mahoney and historians like Hattie Beresford. Trish Davis, the history chair at the Montecito Association, is a local treasure and spent hours with me. More than 40 people contributed objects (a Yater Spoon, a Klentner Ranch polo saddle) and photos (a full-length polaroid of Julia Child). From textile designers to old silent film studio photos to surfboard shapers to architects to farmers and sign-carvers, Montecito is a place of natural beauty, sophistication, and cultural richness. We are one facet of the California dream, and this jewel-box exhibit hopes to encapsulate that spirit for a few months. Open Saturdays 9 a.m.–1 p.m. montecitocountrymart.com
See the story in our digital edition
Out of the Water
Matt Titone’s SURF SHACKS series defies easy categories.
Daniella Manini in her Ventura studio, as seen in Matt Titone’s Surf Shacks.
Surf Shacks captures a creative community
Written by By Joan Tapper
Matt Titone’s SURF SHACKS series defies easy categories. Part architectural inspiration, part interior design, it’s an homage to the way surfers around the world live and work. The project dates to 2013, when Titone, cofounder of Indoek—a brand platform and publisher celebrating surf culture—began photographing his wave-riding friends and colleagues along with the spaces they created. His first volume appeared four years later, followed by volume 2 in 2020. Now there’s a third collection (Gestalten, $80), focusing on 40 individuals and couples stretching from California’s Central Coast to Hawaii, Europe, and Australia. Several live in Ventura (Indoek’s home base), where they relish the nearby surf and demonstrate a knack for transforming their material surroundings into something personal and unique. Artist and surfboard shaper Rachel Lord turned her garage into her workshop. Skateboard designer Neil Stratton and painter Jen Wolf reimagined a 110-year-old church, a drugstore, and several other buildings on the town’s Westside. Artist Daniella Manini imbues her pieces with color, joy, and a love of the coast and the ocean. Lachlan Leckie, cofounder of the outdoor-living brand Business & Pleasure Co., added playful elements to his home as well. us.gestalten.com
“These are the characters who help define our little surfing world.”
See the story in our digital edition
Shoreline Steps
L.A. DANCE PROJECT, the boundary-pushing company founded by Benjamin Millepied, is ushering in a new era of modern dance in Santa Barbara.
Written by Elizabeth Varnell
Photography by Josh S. Rose
L.A. DANCE PROJECT, the boundary-pushing company founded by Benjamin Millepied, is ushering in a new era of modern dance in Santa Barbara. Following appearances on June 12 and 13, set to Luciano Berio’s Sequenza series at the Esa-Pekka Salonen–led Ojai Music Festival, the company will stage a free public performance on June 16 at Stearns Wharf as part of its City of Dance series. And now a new initiative—the Santa Barbara Fund for New Choreography, founded by Millepied and Jennifer Smith—brings the dancers back to the tranquil coast in July. The fund will support new compositions intended to be presented by the company locally and also to be viewed by audiences further afield. “We’ve created this exciting initiative to support the development of original dance works in Santa Barbara that will ultimately tour internationally,” Smith says. A celebratory private seated dinner at a historic estate, including a performance, is slated for July 16 to kick off the new venture. Philanthropists and longtime supporters of the company Belle Hahn and Lily Hahn Shining are cohosting the evening, as is Cindy Robinson Mullen. ladanceproject.org
See the story in our digital edition
A Touch of Paris
Flaky, expertly folded apple galettes, golden clusters of homemade granola in impossibly chic packaging, frothy chai lattes, and lots of baby pink decor—these are all hallmarks of the current iteration of MERCI, a French-style bakery in the Montecito Country Mart.
o-owners Elizabeth Colling and Nicholas Barainca
Written by Caitlin White
Photogrpahy by Studio Arna
Pinks and creams create a calm, French-influenced café space that transitions effortlessly to night
Flaky, expertly folded apple galettes, golden clusters of homemade granola in impossibly chic packaging, frothy chai lattes, and lots of baby pink decor—these are all hallmarks of the current iteration of MERCI, a French-style bakery in the Montecito Country Mart. But there’s more in store for this little shop, which has been under the stewardship of co-owner and chef Nicholas Barainca for the last few years. His partner and cofounder, chef Elizabeth Colling, left Santa Barbara to spend several years in France.
Colling recently returned to Montecito, and she and Barainca have big plans to expand Merci. They’re keeping what’s already been working—breakfast starting daily at 8 a.m. and a full lunch menu of soups, salads, grain bowls, sandwiches, and plates served until 3 p.m. But expect dinner service in the weeks to come, with a fresh dose of French infusion. Scallop crudo with calamansi mignonette and beef tartare with dijonaise and green lentils are examples of standouts to start. Cavatelli dotted with chanterelles in a rich beurre blanc or a classic steak au poivre are on offer as mains, plus a pitch-perfect espresso crème soufflé as a sweet finish. 1028 Coast Village Rd., Santa Barbara, mercimontecito.com
See the story in our digital edition
Holding Court
“The concept of presenting a curated space that feels like you’ve stepped into a collector’s home has appealed to me for a long time,” says Lawren Howell, the interior designer, stylist, and former Vogue editor who just opened HOWELL & CO.
Written by Elizabeth Varnell
Photographs by Danielle Rubi
“The concept of presenting a curated space that feels like you’ve stepped into a collector’s home has appealed to me for a long time,” says Lawren Howell, the interior designer, stylist, and former Vogue editor who just opened HOWELL & CO. gallery in the El Paseo courtyard. Her roster of artists includes Ojai native ceramicist Mark Churchill, cocurator Nicole Alejandra Pierpont’s private collection from Mexico City, and felted exhibition posters made by her sister, textile artist Stevie Howell. And she’s found herself particularly enamored of chairs and tables by Los Olivos artist Chet Taylor. “My husband and I have been collecting wood slabs from fallen oaks in the Ojai Valley for years and making them into various furniture projects with different artisans,” Howell says. “There’s something about Chet’s interpretations that feel so cool and new. They’re the ultimate utilitarian object, but put together with such subtle connections and attention to detail that they become works of art you’d want to live with.” 30 El Paseo, Santa Barbara, howellandco.shop
See the story in our digital edition
Chukker Chic
In continued celebration of our 50th anniversary special edition Summer issue, Santa Barbara Magazine hosted an afternoon of high goal polo at the Santa Barbara Polo Club
In continued celebration of our 50th anniversary special edition Summer issue, Santa Barbara Magazine hosted an afternoon of high goal polo at the Santa Barbara Polo Club. The first match was the kickoff to the Pacific Coast Open, one of the more illustrious tournaments in the country.
Nestled front row fieldside in the ocean tent, guests were met with a curated experience with luxury goods partner Homer Maker, an exclusive wine collaboration pouring with Artiste, and the opportunity to book a portrait session with our contributing photographer Lindsey Ross and her 100-year-old tintype camera (featured in “Game Day”).
See our digital edition
Stripe a Pose
Artist LULU DE KWIATKOWSKI (aka Lulu DK) and designer NATALIE MARTIN have finally merged their respective talents.
Written by Jessica Ritz
Photographs by Ashley Turner
Artist LULU DE KWIATKOWSKI (aka Lulu DK) and designer NATALIE MARTIN have finally merged their respective talents. The duo’s collaborative debut transforms Lulu DK’s Martin Stripe motif in four joyful colorways into light, breezy cotton and silk pieces, perfect for sun-soaked Santa Barbara summers. “Like building a personally expressive gallery wall with Lulu’s prints, the Natalie Martin customer can customize a look all their own—as bold and playful as their imagination takes them,” Martin says. luludk.com; nataliemartin.com; dianiboutique.com
See the story in our digital edition
Garden Party
Although cookbook author and master gardener VALERIE RICE has had plenty of success in the food world on her own, chairing an event that felt like a celebration of all the women who inspire her in the industry was a recent career high point.
Alice Waters
Written by Caitlin White
Photographs by Jack Dahlia
Although cookbook author and master gardener Valerie Rice has had plenty of success in the food world on her own, chairing an event that felt like a celebration of all the women who inspire her in the industry was a recent career high point. “DINNER IN THE GARDEN,” honoring Alice Waters, was a chance for the central coast culinary community to honor Waters one last time as the recipient of the Julia Child Award before it was awarded to the next candidate. “It honestly gave me goosebumps to be involved in something so uniquely Santa Barbara,” Rice says. “It was truly a magical blend of my cherished mentors and passions, creating an experience that felt like a joyful celebration of everything I love.”
Hosted at the Lath House at the Bellosguardo Foundation, an Italianate villa built in 1902, which has been converted into a museum and is now open to the public, the event featured organic produce from Rincon Hill Farm and exquisite wines by Rajat Parr, along with cooking by local legends like Suzanne Goin, Daisy Ryan, and more. “It was both a joy and an honor to have my dear friend Suzanne Goin, who wrote the introduction to my cookbook, join us in bringing this meal to life,” Rice says. “The entire team of chefs worked harmoniously, making collaboration effortless as we shared a common vision. I’m still dreaming of the salad she made in Alice’s honor.”Along with Waters, the legacy of Julia Child had a considerable impact on the event. “As a kid, I was a devotee of Julia Child’s PBS show alongside Jacques Pépin, which truly ignited my passion for cooking,” Rice says. “I cherish the memories of spotting her around town in the very early 2000s at her favorite restaurants and the farmers market. She was a beacon of positivity and inspiration in the kitchen.” In conjunction with Santa Barbara Culinary Experience, the event also featured generous contributions from Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Field + Fort, Luretík, and Presqu’ile.
See the story in our digital edition
A Glorious Garden Party
Some would argue that Lotusland on any day is a GARDEN OF DREAMS, but since the 31st annual Lotusland Celebrates summer gala was subtitled Jardin des Rêves, special flourishes were in order.
Written by Joan Tapper
Photographs by David Mendoza III
Some would argue that Lotusland on any day is a Garden of Dreams, but since the 31st annual Lotusland Celebrates summer gala was subtitled Jardin des Rêves, special flourishes were in order. For the 500 guests who came to support the garden’s mission of sustainability, conservation, and education on Saturday, July 19, that meant entering the event in front of Colette Cosentino’s painted dreamscape and following that picturesque moment with a delightful butterfly release in the Bromeliad Garden.
Meanwhile, event cochairs Julie Morley and David M. Jones had Lotusland’s grounds transformed with a series of atmospheric French vignettes: a market scene called Marché des Rêves, designed by Merryl Brown Events; a Bar à Champagne with cocktails by The Flair Project; a floral Atelier des Fleurs; and a delectable array of pastries at the Rêve Patisserie. For anyone imagining a drive along the French (or Santa Barbara) Riviera, there was also a Concours d’Elegance on the Main Lawn, featuring vintage autos from 1938 to 1972.
After a three-course dinner by Duo Catering, with French wines provided by Abacus Life, attention turned to the some of the reasons Ganna Walska Lotusland remains a preeminent botanical garden. Actress Camilla Belle paid tribute to the property’s role as a place of emotional refuge after the ravages of the Palisades fire, and filmmaker Louis Schwartzberg premiered his short work, Botanical Beauty, created for the gala and narrated by Lotusland member Gwyneth Paltrow.
An exciting live auction underscored the generosity of attendees, who raised a record amount on an incredible array of items: a private superyacht voyage, a rare Nelumbo ‘Yimeng Red’ lotus, a lemon arbor designed by Marc Appleton, a private art tour of Hill House Montecito, an insider NY Fashion Week experience, and an exclusive visit to Jay Leno’s Big Dog Garage. An online auction with garden-inspired events, furniture, fine art, and luxury getaways added to the funds that will, noted Board president Mari Mitchel, help carry out the garden’s mission as well as infrastructure restoration and maintenance.
Added CEO Rebecca Anderson, “We are deeply grateful to our volunteer committee, sponsors, partners, donors, and friends for making this year’s event such a resounding success.”
See our digital edition
Striking a Chord
The MUSIC ACADEMY OF THE WEST hit all the right notes when it held its annual gala at the Montecito Club on July 11
Photographs by David Mendoza
The Music Academy of the West (MAW) hit all the right notes when it held its annual gala at the Montecito Club on July 11, welcoming more than 400 guests to the spectacular open-air ocean-view setting. Chaired this year by board member Mally Chakola and Casey Kallenbach, the event supports the full-tuition scholarships for the 150 fellows who attend the summer festival, now in its 78th year.
“This is about training the next generation of musicians,” said Shauna Quill, MAW’s president and CEO, about the instrumentalists and vocalists who have come from 19 countries around the globe. The funds also further music education in Santa Barbara County, through the year-round Sing! children’s choir, and underwrite community-access tickets to concerts.
After hors d’oeuvres and drinks on the lawn and a seated dinner catered by the Montecito Club, mandolinist Chris Thile headlined the evening’s entertainment, performing the “Allegro” from the Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor by J. S. Bach with violin fellow Angeles Hoyos and members of the Academy Chamber Orchestra led by conductor Daniela Candillari. Thile’s sheer joy in music-making across all genres was evident in the other pieces on the program—Caroline Shaw’ “And So,” and the Punch Brothers’ “Julep” and “My Oh My,” in which the Sing! youngsters joined in.
Along with a silent auction and lively paddle raise conducted by Arietta Wines co-proprietor Fritz Hatton the evening raised more than $750,000. “The Music Academy is a high-intensity experience,” said Thile, who marveled at the fellows’ high level of musicianship he had recognized during rehearsals. “They will populate the world’s great orchestras. I think that the last barriers between ‘learned music’ and ‘intuitive music’ are coming down,” he added. “I believe these musicians will change the way music is happening.” musicacademy.org