Eight Days a Week
Dec. 4-11 and beyond
By DANIEL OKAMURA
South Coast Beacon

Activities
51st Annual Downtown Holiday Parade Come see local marching bands, dance troupes, fabulous floats and, of course, Santa, as they parade down State St. Friday, 6:30 p.m.; State St., from Sola St. to De La Guerra Plaza; 962.2098; Free.

California Plant Communities This specialty tour arranges native plants as they exist in nature and explains how and why they grow in communities. Saturday, 2 p.m.; Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, 1212 Mission Canyon Road; 682.4726 x102; $6/4.

Gem Faire Find the lowest prices from over 70 dealers from around the world. Friday, 12-7 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real; 503.252.8300; $5.

Garden Court Party Ring in the season with festive food and drink, and the heavenly voices of Inner Light Community Gospel Choir. Today, 5-8 p.m.; 1116 De La Vina St.; 884.0095; Free.

La Arcada Christmas Walk Open houses, holiday music and carolers, treats and even an appearance by St. Nick himself. Sunday, 5:30-8:30 p.m.; La Arcada Court, 1114 State St.; 966.6634; Free.

Christmas at Casa Del Herrero Daily tours of the historic home Through Dec. 14, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Four special candlelight tours Friday-Saturday and Dec. 12-13, 4 p.m. 1387 E, Valley Road; 565.5653 for reservations, which are required. Daily tours $20, candlelight tours including entertainment and reception, $35.

Folk and Tribal Arts Marketplace Food and art from over 30 countries provide an alternative to the usual holiday gift giving. Dec. Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; The Jingle Bellies provide entertainment Dec. 6-7, 2 p.m.; 682.4711; Admission and parking are free.

Citizens Planning Association Holiday Party Join CPAand CPF members and friends for good food, conversation and spirits, as well as a country store and silent auction. Friday, 5-8 p.m.; Santa Barbara Contemporary Arts Forum, 653 Paseo Nuevo; 966.3979 for reservations; $20.

60th Annual Holiday Party Join the merriment with music, a puppet show, juggler and Father Christmas himself. Saturday, 6-9 p.m.; Santa Barbara Historical Museum, 136 E. De La Guerra St.; 966.1601 for required reservations; $35.

March for Peace It’s never too late to march for peace. Join others promoting world peace Saturdays, 11 a.m.; Vera Cruz Park, 130 E. Cota St.; 965.7771.

Backstage Tours at the Lobero Theatre Docent-guided tours of California’s oldest continuously operated theater. Available by appointment. 33 E. Canon Perdido St.; 966.4946 x613; Free.

Scenic Flights Spitfire Aviation offers tours, or you can set your own itinerary. 204 Moffett Place, Suite P; 967.9328; $165 and up.

Historic DowntownWalking Tour Docent-led tours leading to hidden courtyards and fountains. Saturdays, 10 a.m.; Santa Barbara Public Library fountain, 40 E. Anapamu St.; 965.6307; $5.

Fresh Produce, Grown Locally Farmer’s Markets offer fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, street musicians and other treats. Old Town Tuesdays, 4-7:30 p.m., 500 State St.; La Cumbre Plaza Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 110 S. Hope Ave.; Summerland Wednesdays, 3-7 p.m., 2200 Lillie Ave.; Goleta Thursdays, 3-6:30 p.m., 5700 Calle Real; Carpinteria Thursdays, 4-7 p.m., 800 Linden Ave.; Montecito Fridays, 8-10:30 a.m., 200 Coast Village Road; Downtown Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Santa Barbara and Cota streets.

Crab and Lobster, Still Pinching There’s no seafood fresher than the catch brought in at the Fishermen’s Market. Saturdays, 7:30-11:30 a.m.; Santa Barbara Harbor; 965.8112; Free.

Benefits
Holiday Arts and Crafts Boutique Bring family and friends to the 2nd annual kids’ arts and crafts sale with ornaments, gifts, homemade crafts and treats. Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon; San Roque School Parish Hall, 3214 Calle Cedro; 687.3717.

Habitat for Humanity announces a workday project to paint Bethel House Saturday, 8:30 a.m.; 24 W. Arrellaga St.; 692.2226.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden seeks docents to give tours, which requires a time commitment and training. For information, contact 682.4726 x126.

Adopt a Family The Salvation Army asks you to adopt a family by providing Christmas gifts and a Christmas meal. Now through Dec. 12; 964.8738.

Holiday Bazaar Goods made by Afghan refugees will be for sale, including accessories and jewelry, artwork and baked goods. Volunteers are still needed to distribute flyers and staff the bazaar. Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; 455 E. Pedregosa St.; 898.9260.

National MS Society needs volunteers and interns as a receptionist, administrative assistant, information and referral volunteer and data entry specialist. 14 W. Valerio St.; 682.8783.

SBHeartfelt Foundation seeks volunteers to deliver delicious meals to those in need on Saturday; Working meetings at 1607 Chapala St.; 805.682.4582 x2 for details.

16th Annual Motorcycle Toy Run Bring an unwrapped toy for the annual Christmas Unity donation. All motorcycles are welcome to participate in the ride from Santa Claus Lane into Goleta. Sunday, departure at 10:45 a.m.; Harley-Davidson, 3501 Via Real; 683.6688; $25/20.

First Annual Holiday Boutique features fabulous vendors from L.A. and Santa Barbara offering high-end gift items, including jewlery, clothing, toys, stationary and more. Food is available. Proceeds benefit Beit Hayeladim Preschool. Sunday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Congregation B’nai B’rith Social Hall, 1000 San Antonio Creek Road; 967.7869; Free to look.

El Montecito Annual Holiday Boutique Shoppers can stroll through a selection of unique items. Proceeds benefit El Montecito Early School. Friday, 4-7:30 p.m., Dec. 6Ê, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; El Montecito Presbyterian Church, 1455 E. Valley Road; 969.1482; Free to look.

PCPA Online Teddy Bear Auction 40 costumed, hand-made teddy bears representing various PCPAproductions from the last 40 years are available online to benefit the PCPAScholarship Fund. Through Wednesday; www.pcpa.org.

Homes for the Holidays Santa Barbara Symphony League sponsors a tour of a group of historic houses in the upper Eastside decorated for the holidays. The funds will go to support children’s music programs. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Check in at The Fielding Graduate Institute, 2112 Santa Barbara St.; 564.2515; $30

Monte Vista School Winter Boutique Hand crafted treasures and one-of-a-kind items perfect for holiday giving and supporting Monte Vista Elementary School. Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; 730 N. Hope Ave.; 963.9290; Free to look.

Garden Court Toy Drive Donations of unwrapped toys (new or like-new condition) can be dropped off at Garden Court. Toys will be donated to needy children through The Unity Shoppe and The Westside Boys & Girls Club. Donations through Dec. 19. Garden Court, 1116 De la Vina St.  884.0095

Goleta Library Book Drive Donate to the library and it will buy a gift book for the library’s collection. 500 N. Fairview Ave.; 964.7878.

Aeromedicos Santa Barbara Pilots, medical translators and various medical volunteers sought to treat patients in Baja. 963.3011.

Cartridges for Kids Tri-Counties Easter Seals can earn cash for your empty and used inkjet, laser, fax and copier cartridges. Drop them off at Easter Seals Center, 532 Santa Barbara St.; 899.4557.

Children
Breakdance Benefit features poppers, MCs, beat boxers and DJs to benefit the Page Youth Center. Saturday, 6-11 p.m. with a dance workshop 1:30-3 p.m.; 4540 Hollister Ave.; www.freshstyles.tk; $10.

Candy Cane Train Ride on a holiday decorated miniature train and pick up some treats and favors. Through Dec. 23; Goleta Depot, 300 N. Los Carneros Road; 964.3540; $3, extra rides 75¢ apiece.

Toys, Trains and Teddy Bears A display of all things Christmas, past and present. Through Dec. 23; Goleta Depot, 300 N. Los Carneros Road; 964.3540; Free.

S.B. Playgroups Fun at the parks for kids, a social break for parents. Various play groups meet Mondays-Fridays and hold field trips. 692.0090.

Free Tutoring Drop-in center for grades 7-12. Mondays through Thursdays through Dec. 11, 2:30-5 p.m.; First United Methodist Church, 305 E. Anapamu St.; 962.5697.

Cachuma Lake Nature Center Exhibits and displays on Chumash history, geology and local wildlife. Wednesdays and Saturdays; 693.0691; Free with $6 per vehicle for parking.

Clubs
Gold Coast Miniaturist, a clubÊfor adults interested in making and collecting all things in minature, meets 9:30 a.m. the first Saturday of each month in Goleta. All levels of interest and experience welcome; 968.9418 or 565.0200.

Native Daughters of the Golden West Meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month, 7:30 p.m.; Goleta Valley Community Center, 5679 Hollister Ave.; 563.0519.

Santa Barbara Lodge F&AMasons First Thursday of each month with dinner at 6:30 p.m., meeting at 7:30 p.m. Family dinners the third Thursday of each month at 6: 30 p.m. Masonic Center, 16 E. Carrillo St.; 966.4502.

Parliamo! Italian conversation group. All levels welcome. Tuesdays, 5:30-7 p.m.; Via Maestra Restaurant, 3343 State St.

Le Cercle Français French conversation group. Wednesdays, 5:30-7 p.m.; Pacific Crêpes, 705 Anacapa St.; 897.3810; Free.

Social Rubber Bridge Regulars and part-timers welcome. Tuesdays, 1-4 p.m.; Goleta Community Center Senior Lounge, 5679 Hollister Ave.; 968.6132; 50 cents.

The Write Stuff Prepare for peer reviews and share writing practices. Every second and fourth Monday, 7:30 p.m.; Borders Books, Camino Real Marketplace; 968.1370; Free.

Leads to Business Networking Club Meets Tuesdays, 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Max’s Restaurant, 3514 State St.; 385.3530 to RSVP.

Dance
Random Radiance Westmont Windancers’ fall concert takes abstract expressionism to a new dimension. Friday, 8 p.m. and Saturday, 2 p.m.; Porter Theatre, Westmont Campus; 565.7040; $10/5.

Gustafson Dance School’s Nutcracker incorporates 50 young dancers, ages 3 and up, into this holiday presentation. Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday, 2 p.m.; Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St.; 963.0761; $17.50/12.50.

Dance-Away Lively variety of music in a smoke- and alcohol-free environment. Fridays, 7:30-10: 30 p.m.; Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara, 1535 Santa Barbara St.; 967.5241; $5 adults/$1 children.

Line Dancing All ages and skill levels welcome, no partner necessary. Mondays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Community of Christ Church, 4675 Via Los Santos; 967.7990; $3.

Chasidic Jazz Dance Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m.; Bronfman Jewish Community Center, 524 Chapala St.; 957.1115; Free.

Contra (Country) Dance All ages and skill levels welcome. Tuesdays, 8-10 p.m., except the last two weeks in Dec.; Carrillo Recreation Center Ballroom, 100 E. Carrillo St.; 969.1511; www.sbcds.org; $3.

Ballroom Dance Enjoy live orchestras. All ages and singles welcome. Saturdays, 8-11 p.m.; 100 E. Carrillo St.; 897.2519; $9.

Square Dancing Santa Barbara Taws ’n’ Paws meets for Plus Level dancing. Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.; St. Mark United Methodist Church, 3942 La Colina Road; 967.3369; $5 donation.

Exhibits
Messengers Anne Luther presents new assemblage works Friday-Jan. 28, 2004, reception Dec. 13, 3-5 p.m.; Step One Art Gallery, 855 Linden Ave.; 566.2157.

Santa Barbara Beautiful Benefit 9 local artists paint with the theme of the trees that make Santa Barbara such a beautiful city. Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; Waterhouse Gallery, 1114 State St. #9; 962.8885.

Holiday Open House 3D Studio Gallery and Hotel Santa Barbara invite you to their open house with punch and dessert and a new work by Charles Fazzino. Tuesday, 4-7 p.m.; 529 State St.; 730.9109; Free.

One Art-Full Day Special for holiday gift-giving, visit the working studios of ten of Santa Barbara’s most celebrated artists, whose work ranges from watercolor to collage and includes something for every taste and pocketbook. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Maps available at 1114 State St. and 653 Paseo Nuevo; 967.9324; Free admission.

Holiday Art Show Works in various media for $300 or less on exhibit Dec. 1-Jan. 4, reception Sunday, 2-4 p.m.; Faulkner Gallery, Santa Barbara Public Library, 40 E. Anapamu St.; 962.1402; Free to look.

Goleta Valley Art Association presents its 2nd Annual Holiday Show, “Picassos for Peanuts.” Friday, reception that day, 4-9 p.m.; Goleta Library, 500 N. Fairview Ave.; 964.7878; No works over $300.

Mystery & Magic Hand tinted photography, paintings, watercolors and collage by locals Jill Sattler and Gene Ingles-Ward. Through Jan. 24; Gallery TEN-TWENTY-NINE, 1029 State St.; 886.0192; Free to look.

Worshiping the Ancestors Chinese commemorative portraits from 1450-1940 and historic furniture, textiles and dress. Through Feb. 15; Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St.; 963.4364; $7, additional $5/3 for lecture.

Reflections of the Central Coast Clyde Kirkpatrick presents marine-themed watercolors. Through Jan. 31; Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, 113 Harbor Way; 962.8404 x100 to RSVP for the limited reception.

Fine Lines Drawings from the collection of Wynn Kramarsky through Jan. 11; Contemporary Arts Forum, 653 Paseo Nuevo; 966.5373.

Mosaic Art Local favorite Patti Jacquemain goes to pieces with an ancient art for contemporary times. Through Dec. 28, Mission Creek Studios Art Gallery, 2948 Nojoqui Ave. #2, Los Olivos; 688.8792; Free to look.

At Home and Abroad Californian painters working in Europe demonstrate the influence of foreign travel on the study of the California regional tradition. Through Jan. 25; Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St.; 963.4364; $7.

Insights Works that link contemporary American Art with Buddhist philosophy and practice. Through May 16, 2004; University Art Museum, UCSB; 893.2951; Free.

Sally Storch: “Lost and Found” New paintings of familiar moments. What was lost now is found. Through Jan. 6; Sullivan Goss, 1266 Coast Village Road; 730.1460.

Packhorses and Power Figures Sculptures by local artist Peter Cole, marrying African ancestral power with American life and symbols. Through Feb. 3, reception Dec. 6, 5-8 p.m.; Sullivan Goss, 7 E. Anapamu St.; 730.1460.

The World of Carl Linnaeus See the work of the man who created the system by which we classify plants and animals. Through Jan. 4; Maximus Gallery, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta Del Sol Road; 682.4711; $6/5/4.

Picture the Holidays Staton•Greenberg Gallery, Sullivan Goss Downtown and Waterhouse Gallery offer open houses to view gifts of permanence. Saturday, 5-8 p.m.; Staton•Greenberg Gallery, 15 W. Anapamu St., 962.9876; Sullivan Goss Downtown, 7 W. Anapamu St.; 730.1460; Waterhouse Gallery, 1114 State St., Suite 9, 962.8885; Free to look.

The Gift Show Get that special person a photograph or book instead of a fruitcake this year. Shows concurrently with selections from Edward Weston. Wednesday through Dec. 23 with an open house Dec. 6, 5-8 p.m.; Staton•Greenberg Gallery, 15 W. Anapamu St.; 962.9876; Free to look.

Margethe Mather & Edward Weston An exhibition of the 12-year working relationship between the two influential photographers. Through Jan. 18; Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St.; 884.6462; $7.

Working Land A Photographic Portrait of Contemporary Agriculture in Santa Barbara. Through Feb. 27; Channing Peake Gallery, 105 E. Anapamu St.; Free.

Desert Views Paintings and photographs present unique visions of the American West. Through Jan. 9, 5-7:30 p.m.; Fielding Graduate Institute Art Gallery, 2112 Santa Barbara St.; 898.2947; Free to look.

Lot/ek: MDU A revolutionary look at portable housing. Through Sunday; UCSB University Art Museum Plaza; 893.2951; Free.

American Perspectives John Abner’s social and political artwork. Through Dec. 15; UCSBMultiCultural Center Lounge; 893.8411; Free.

Community Reflections Artists render the historic Presidio District and Santa Ines Mission. Through Dec. 14; Casa De la Guerra, 11-19 E. De la Guerra St.; 966.1279; $3 admission.

Film
The Bounty Roger Donaldson’s take on the mutiny on the Bounty. Dec. 11, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Munger Theater, 113 Harbor Way, Suite 190; 962.8404.

He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Father A moving film from Hong Kong about a young man’s relationship with his father, presented by professor Bhaskar Sarkar of the UCSBFilm Studies department. Today, 5:30 p.m.; Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St.; 963.4364; Free.

Health
California Child Care 7-hour workshop on injury prevention, infectious disease transmission and caring for ill children. Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; American Red Cross, 2707 State St.; 687.1331; $45.

Hula Class No experience necessary. Saturdays, 12:30-1:30 p.m.; Blue Star Rising, 5880 Calle Real; 683.6100.

Compassionate Communication Improve your communication skills and connect more easily with others. Sundays, 4:30-6:30 p.m.; Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Room C; 682.7895; Free.

Mahakankala Center Guided Buddhist meditation. Sundays, 10:30 a.m.; 925 E. Quinientos St.; Montecito meetings, Wednesdays, 7:15 p.m.; 1469 East Valley Road; 965.1813; $10 donations requested.

Sit ’n’ Stretch Light exercise for any age. Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m.; Bronfman Jewish Community Center, 524 Chapala St.; 957.1115; Free.

Laughter Helps Cancer Patients Classes are designed for those dealing with the disease and other life-threatening illnesses. Tuesdays, 3-4:15 p.m.; Multipurpose Room, Cancer Center, 2320 Bath St., Suite 107; 563.8820 x13 to register.

People with Arthritis Can Exercise Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-noon, and Fridays, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Wellness Resource Center of Santa Barbara; 892.5556.

Fighting Colon Cancer Christine Pickett, M.S., R.D., teaches how to fight cancer through diet. First Wednesday of each month, noon-1 p.m.; Cancer Center of Santa Barbara, 2410 Fletcher St., Suite 104; 569.2243; Free.

Nutrition Class for Diabetes Jeannine Mesipam, R.D., teaches this course. Thursdays, noon; Sansum Medical Research Institute, 2219 Bath St.; Free.

La Leche League of Santa Barbara Breastfeeding information and support for mothers. Second Thursday of each month, 10-11:30 a.m.; Birth Resource Center, 4141 State St.; 961.2205; Free.

Noon Swim Program for Adults Experienced lap swimmers only. Santa Barbara High, 700 E. Anapamu St.; 966.1191; $100 per year.

Lectures
Gyotaku: Japanese Fish Printing Master Printer Ryuka Yamamoto lectures and demonstrates traditional techniques of making Japanese fish prints. Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta Del Sol Road; 682.4711; $10/8.

Past Lives, Dreams and Soul Travel Lecture on how these things can apply to everyday life. Saturday, 2 p.m.; Carrillo Recreation Center, 100 E. Carrillo St.; 888.801.4256; Free.

Dr. Mel Levine Childhood development expert presents his work on learning differences including dyslexia Friday, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at SBCCGarvin Theatre, 963.7339 and Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at UCSB Corwin Pavilion, 893.5994; Free.

American Association of University Women Dr. Peter Brill and David Debin will define the Third Age at the AAUW’s holiday luncheon, Dec. 11, 11: 30 a.m.; Montecito Country Club, 920 Summit Road; 563.0633 before Dec. 8 for reservations; $35.

Democratic Women Hannah-Beth Jackson is scheduled to speak at their annual holiday tea, with catering by FRESCO! Sunday, 1:30 p.m.; 1052 Summit Road; 568.5932 for reservations. $25/15.

FashionShow Luncheon Santa Barbara Christian Women’s Club presents a luncheon with dazzling holiday fashions by Patty Montana. Wednesday, 12-2 p.m.; Radisson Hotel, 1111 E. Cabrillo Blvd.; 967.8133 for required reservations; $17.

Art From Scrap gives a workshop with a guest artist from the Contemporary Arts Forum. Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon; Art From Scrap, 302 E. Cota St.; 884.0459; $10/6.

Meetings
NAIFALuncheon Jim Farden from Principal speaks on salary continuation planning. Today, 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Harry’s Plaza Café, 3313 State St.; 882.9111; $20/15.

Goleta 4-H meets Monday, 7 p.m.; Foothill School Multipurpose Room, 711 Ribera Drive; 687.3124.

Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce Monthly luncheon discusses strategic planning for business, led by Terry Horsmon. Wednesday, 12-1:30 p.m.; Ramada Limited, 4770 Calle Real; 967.4618 to RSVP; $30/25.

Surfrider Foundation holds its general meeting featuring photographer joe Curren Today, 7:30 p.m.; Watershed Resource Center at Arroyo Burro County Park; 899.BLUE.

Meet-up for Dean Learn about the candidate, local activities and supporters. First Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m.; Franklin Neighborhood Community Center, 1136 E. Montecito St.; 884.1846; Free.

Town Hall Meeting Share ideas promoting peace, politics and good will through community action. First and third Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m.; 1535 Santa Barbara St.; 685.8822.

Veterans For Peace Meetings Mondays to discuss war and films. Social hour, 5-6 p.m., films 6 p.m.; Veterans Memorial Building, 115 W. Cabrillo Blvd.; 564.2698.

IWC Study Group on Sufism Informal study group meets every second and fourth Thursday of each month, 8-9:30 p.m. Currently considering the teachings of Seyyed Hossein Nasr, “the Heart of Islam.” All are welcome. Concord House, 1407 Chapala St.; 967.1055; Free.

Plato Discussion Circle Informal study group meets the last Saturday of each month, 4-6 p.m. Institute of World Culture, Concord House, 1407 Chapala St.; 967.7263 for the current reading assignment; Free.

Music
VENICE When they performed two years ago for the Holiday in Hell celebration, the audience begged to have them back, and here they are with familial harmony and subtle songwriting to Sing Like Hell. Friday, 8 p.m.; Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St.; 963.0761; $39.50 at the door, $34.50 in advance.

SBCCJazz Ensemble featuring the Monday Madness and Lunch Break Jazz Bands. Monday, 7 p.m.; SBCCGarvin Theatre; 965.5395; $10.

Tina Schlieske and friends play a free show at the newly opened Club Prodigy. Saturday, 6:30-9 p.m.; 435 State St.; 884.1034; Free.

Santa Barbara Music Club presents a morning program of sonatas by Mozart and Bach. Wednesday, 11 a.m.; Unitarian Society, 1535 Santa Barbara St.; 683.0811; Free.

Weihnachtskonzert A traditional Christmas concert with music from many European lands, including a popular sing-along. Friday, 7 p.m.; Trinity Lutheran Church, 909 N. La Cumbre Road; 682.1537; $8 suggested donation.

Westmont Wind and Chamber Ensemble perform Christmas and more serious music. Friday, 8 p.m.; Deane Chapel, Westmont Campus; 565.7040; Free.

Advent Organ Series features David A. Gell in a concert of French noels Sunday, 3:30-4:30 p.m.; Ray W. Urwin performs seasonal pieces Dec. 14, 3:30-4:30 p.m.; Trinity Episcopal Church, 1500 State St.; 965.7419.

Kim Wilson The Detroit blues man, once known as “Goleta Slim,” comes back to town with His Blues Revue. Saturday, 8:30 p.m.; La Casa De La Raza, 601 E. Montecito St.; 897.0060; $25/20.

Channel City Men’s Barbershop Chorus Immediate openings in all four parts. No audition. Mondays, 7:30 p.m.; Trinity Lutheran Church, 909 N. La Cumbre Road; 682.5005.

Inner Light Community Gospel Choir Invitation to all without auditions. Mondays, 7 p.m.; Goleta Presbyterian Church, 6067 Shirrell Way; 961.2712.

Seniors
Schmooze Room A community social cafe for seniors. Wednesdays, 2:30 p.m.; Bronfman Jewish Community Center, 524 Chapala St.; 957.1115; Free.

Senior Health Clinic Comprehensive health assessment by a public health nurse.Daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; county Public Health Department; 681.2568.

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Ages 55 and older are encouraged to participate in this invaluable service. 963.0474.

Tai Chi Goleta Valley Senior Center provides fun, healthy events, including this great class to strengthen, stretch and rejuvenate. Mondays, 10:45-11:30 a.m.; 5679 Hollister Ave.; 683.1124; Free.

Support
Angels Among Us Enjoy holiday refreshments, music and an inspirational program as angel ornaments are hung to honor those passed away. For a $10 donation, guests can hang an angel ornament and for a $50 donation, guests will receive a stained glass keepsake star with photo slot. Wednesday, 7-8 pm.; Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care, 222 E. Canon Perdido St.; 690.6282; Free to attend.

Light Up a Life Special tree lighting ceremonies to comfort those grieving the loss of loved ones. Saturday, 5:30 p.m. at Camino Real Marketplace, Storke Road at Hollister Ave.; Sunday, 5 p.m. at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St.; Dec. 13, 6 p.m. at Linden Ave. at 8th St.

Celebrate Recovery Christian group to heal people’s pains and hang-ups. Mondays, 6:45-9 p.m.; 924 Anacapa St., Suite 1A; 965.9283.

Post-Polio Support Group Meetings the last Wednesday of each month. 12:30-2 p.m.; Easter Seals, 532 Santa Barbara St.; 899.4557.

Single Living in a Couples World Mondays, noon-1:15 p.m.; Bronfman Jewish Community Center, 524 Chapala St.; 957.1115; $5.

Life After Loss Meetings Mondays, 1-2:15 p.m.; Bronfman Jewish Community Center, 524 Chapala St.; 957.1115; $5.

Current Events Rap Group Meetings Tuesdays, 10-11:15 a.m.; Bronfman Jewish Community Center, 524 Chapala St.; 957.1115.

Anorexic and Bulimic 12-Step Meeting Help for the eating disordered. Mondays, 6:30 p.m.; St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Picasso Road and Camino Pescadero, Isla Vista; 692.9940 or 692.9942; Free.

Autism Society of America Fourth Wednesday of month, 7-8:30 p.m.; First United Methodist Church, 305 E. Anapamu St.; 569.1091.

Diabetes Support Group First Friday of each month, noon; Sansum Medical Research Institute, 2219 Bath St.; 682.7638; Free.

Simplify Your Life Weekly lessons offered by the Braille Institute. Fridays, 2 p.m.; Garden Court Senior Residence, 1116 De la Vina St.; 884.0095; Free.

Caregivers Support Group Meetings every second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 4-5:30 p.m.; Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care building, 222 E. Canon Perdido; 963.6794.

Free Legal Aid Legal outreach for those finding the law out of their reach. Monday-Thursday, 9: 30 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.; 301 E. Canon Perdido; 963.6754; Free to needy residents and senior citizens.

Epilepsy Support Group Meetings Fridays, 7 p.m.; 967.4370.

Theater
Speaking of Stories performs a holiday program featuring stories by David Sedaris and Jean Shepherd. Monday, 7:30 p.m.; Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St.; 963.4408; $30.

The Country Club Ensemble Theatre Company presents Douglas Carter Beane’s social satire about holidays amongs the privileged. Friday-Jan 4, Tuesdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m. and Sundays, 2 and 7 p.m.; Alhecama Theatre, 914 Santa Barbara St.; 962.8606; $24.50-34.50.

Baby with the Bathwater SBCC Theatre Group presents a dark comedy about parenthood by satirist Christopher Durang. Through Dec. 13, Tuesdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; SBCCJurkowitz Theater; 965.5935; $10/8/5.

Upcoming
Holiday Nature Craft Workshop Bring the family to make gifts and cards using natural materials. Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-noon; Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, 1212 Mission Canyon Road; 682.4726 x102; $40 per family up to 4, $9 each additional person.

Harbor Parade of Lights Decorated boats and fireworks light up the harbor in the spirit of the season. Dec. 14, 5 p.m.; Stearn’s Wharf; 564.5520; Free.