Santa Barbara Folk Orchestra performs a wide variety of carefully arranged music. Most of the program is performed by the full 30+ orchestra, but some pieces are small ensemble sections of the orchestra. This is an intimate setting at the beautiful, historic El Presidio Chapel with a packed, sold out audience for the American/Mexicana Summer Concert. This small ensemble performance includes (L-R) Kristi Holstein (violin), Erin McKibben (vocals), Josh Jenkins (vocals, guitar), and Michael "Guitar" Witt. Big thanks to Director, Adam Phillips, for his tireless efforts to keep Santa Barbara rich in music.
GuitarWitt Plays Hotel Californian: Luxury Santa Barbara Beach Hotel
It was an honor to perform a special set of Jewish Music, setting the tone for the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara's - Women's Philanthropy Luncheon at the spectacular new venue, Hotel Californian. Over time, after producing a Yiddish Folk Music Legacy album, and building up Jewish repertoire playing the the Red Sea Rhythm Rockers Band, as well as various Jewish Weddings, GuitarWitt devised a very special selection of arranged instrumental solo guitar pieces. This included songs that would celebrate Israel at 70 years, such as Yihye Tov by David Broza, Zog Nit Keynmol and other classics like Tum Balalaika, Shalom Rav and Tanz Tanz Yidelekh.
Pastry Chef Ben Kunert, Executive Chef Alexander La Motte, previously of The French Laundry | Thomas Keller Restaurant Group), and Chef de Cuisine James King are prepared exceptional service for the luncheon. Above photos by Santa Barbara local photographer extraordinaire - Kelsey Crews Photo
Auction sponsors included but not limited to: Cos Bar https://www.cosbar.com/ RéVive Skincare https://reviveskincare.com/ SR Hogue and Co. Forist http://www.hoguefloral.com/ Majorelle http://www.thehotelcalifornian.com/santa_barbara_spa/ Evolutions Spa http://www.evolutionsmedicalspa.com/ http://www.occhialieyewear.com/ This is a great article about The History of Santa Barbara and Hotel Californian being an integral point of our history. https://www.independent.com/news/2017/sep/21/santa-barbaras-hotel-californian-opens/ #womensphilanthropy #santabarbarawomen #seesb #Israelat70 #remarkablewomen #JewishMusic #HotelCalifornia #HotelCalifornian
Guitar Performance Santa Barbara Wedding at University Club/Riviera Mansion
It was a warm and breezy occasion, which made for a beautiful back drop for the #drinktotheminks big day this Spring in Santa Barbara. Thanks to Gavin Roy Presents for hooking up the sound during ceremony. Gavin is fun to work with and a perfectionist with his work. This video is a portion of the processional where GuitarWitt performs a Leo Brouwer composition. Leo Brouwer is the foremost Cuban classical guitar composer, who incorporates gorgeous Cuban folk melodies into a somewhat dissonant, color rich, Avante-garde approach. He is well respected in the classical guitar community and a musical celebrity in Cuba. Later on GuitarWitt played an upbeat set of Spanish music for the cocktail hour.
GuitarWitt and the Acclaimed Santa Barbara Folk Orchestra
Tickets are selling fast! Be sure to get your tickets in advance. The Scottish program is expected to be our best yet! 2 Shows! At El Presidio de Santa Barbara, 125 E. Canon Perdido St. Thursday, November 30, 7:30-9:30pm GET TIX NOW!! & Sunday, December 3, 4:00-6:00pm SOLD OUT!!!
The final program of the Folk Orchestra's inaugural season is Scottish! Come and enjoy the gorgeous acoustics of the Presidio and join us for a tasty beer from Telegraph Brewing at intermission. Flower of Scotland, Scotland the Brave, Ca the Yowes, The Skye Boat Song (Outlander Theme) and MANY MORE! Here are links to the TWO DIFFERENT event pages: https://www.facebook.com/folkorchestrasb/ THURSDAY - https://folkorchestrasb-scottish11-30.brownpapertickets.com/ GET TIX NOW!! SUNDAY - https://folkorchestrasb-scottish12-3.brownpapertickets.com/ SOLD OUT!!!
GuitarWitt warming up on his Larrivée Guitar before his folk orchestra performance at the El Presidio Chapel. The acoustics are incredible at this historic venue, built in 1782, with about 30 amazing acoustic musicians at the helm of SBFO Director, Adam Phillips. This is truly a unique experience for both the musicians and the audience, which we encourage participation. Thanks to our sponsors, such as craft brewery - Telegraph Brewing and the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation.