Youth Program Update

Nebula Dance Lab presents KARANA in 2020

Since 2015, the Lobero has been partnering with Nebula Dance Lab to bring high-quality dance performances to the Lobero stage for youth audiences. Each year more than 2,000 students have the opportunity to experience these intelligent programs with their classrooms. Having just celebrated their 10th Anniversary in 2019, we are excited to have featured Nebula’s 2020 production, KARANA.

KARANA is an original work and the first dance adaptation of the book, Island of the Blue Dolphins. This book is an important part of the elementary school curriculum focused on local history. Nebula is honored to have the opportunity and responsibility of helping to illuminate the culture of local Native American tribes (specifically the natives at Ghalas-at, an island off the coast of California, also known as San Nicolas), and the rich story of a persevering young woman. A compelling historical fiction, the story explores history, Native American culture, themes of forgiveness and trust, loneliness and companionship, and moral development. Told through the eyes of a young girl, KARANA is set to be a captivating and exhilarating performance.

Four performances of KARANA are available for school field trips in November 2020, as well as one public performance.

Other Youth & Community Outreach programs

Here at the Lobero, we believe the best gift we can give to local youth is the chance to experience live performances. Whether as a performer on our stage or as member of the audience, the Lobero’s Youth & Community Outreach programs bring the arts alive for thousands each year.

Jazz Residencies

Thanks to the Brubeck Circle, we have two jazz residencies that reach hundreds of students throughout Santa Barbara County and make a big impact.

Santa Barbara Vocal Jazz Foundations provides jazz history and performance residencies to local 4th, 5th and 6th grade students at three schools.

Each spring, the Derek Douget Band comes all the way from New Orleans to provide hands-on instruction to local junior high, high school and college jazz bands.

Performance Subsidies

Each year more than 800 children and teens perform on the Lobero stage. Santa Barbara Vocal Jazz Foundation, Santa Barbara Youth Symphony, Gustafson Dance, Santa Barbara Youth Ensemble Theatre, Montecito Union, Cold Spring and Crane Schools and the AHA! Sing it Out program all bring their culminating recitals home to the Lobero for a professional performance experience.

Tickets for Youth and Families

Throughout the year, at-risk and underserved youth, seniors and families are invited to join our audience for a live arts experience–for many, their first. Each year, more than 2,500 individuals will receive complimentary tickets for Nebula Dance Lab, Santa Barbara Vocal Jazz, It’s Magic!, the Derek Douget Band and other Lobero LIVE events.

Thanks to our sponsors

SBVJF’s residencies are funded in part by the Community Arts Program using funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the County Office of Arts & Culture

Our thanks to the Lobero Brubeck Circle and the many sponsors and donors who make these programs possible:

The Bentson Foundation, Brown Family Foundation

The Leni Fund, Harold P. McAlister Foundation

John C. Mithun Foundation, Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts, a field of interest fund of the Santa Barbara Foundation