2023-2024, Another Adventurous, Must-See Season for UCSB Arts & Lectures

There are any number of terrific organizations that create, produce, present, or import arts and entertainment events in Santa Barbara. But none of them come close to the size, scope, and breadth of UCSB Arts & Lectures (A&L), whose reach extends far beyond the seaside campus near the Santa Barbara airport into just about every major venue in town. 

Each year, the significant roster of performances and lectures boasts an impressive slate of world-renowned, up-and-coming artists and everything in between, more than 100 public events each year that span a wide variety of fields from multiple musical genres to dance companies, theater, film, and spoken word. 

Highlights of the already underway 2023-24 season include two separate dates with Pulitzer Prize-winner Rhiannon Giddens as part of the Silkroad Ensemble and with her folk-roots band; recitals by Broadway stars Audra McDonald and Kristin Chenoweth; dance performances from Israel’s Batsheva Dance Company and New York City Ballet principal dancer Tiler Peck & Friends; jazz concerts with 83-year-old legend Herbie Hancock and 23-year-old Samara Joy, who became the second-ever jazz artist to claim the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2023; and concerts featuring superstars like soprano Renée Fleming and up-and-comers like Itzhak Perlman’s protégé, violinist Randall Goosby.

Add in the lecture portion of A&L’s season featuring distinguished writers and other thought leaders – like organizational psychologist Adam Grant, bestselling author Abraham Verghese, and ecologist Suzanne Simard – who speak on historical and cutting-edge topics of importance – timely new events are announced each quarter – and it’s easy to see why A&L has been a vital presence on the Santa Barbara scene for more than half a century. Timely new events are announced each quarter.

“What makes us unique and essential is that we are the only multidisciplinary presenter of arts and lectures in the region” says Celesta M. Billeci, the Miller McCune Executive Director, A&L. “There truly is something for everyone. Gathering to witness great performers and engage in meaningful dialogue with cultural leaders sparks a joy for which there is no substitute. The extraordinary breadth and depth of our programming offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience vital connection, which is at the heart of everything we do.”

A&L’s mission is to “educate, entertain, and inspire,” and the organization gives special attention to that first aspect. A&L’s “Access for All” program features an outreach program that brings visiting artists and speakers into local classrooms and other venues for master classes, open rehearsals, discussions, and more, serving K-12 and college students and the general public. What’s more, A&L’s Thematic Learning Initiative presents workshops, writing contests, screenings, roundtables, and book giveaways that delve deeper into the lives of community members. 

“We take our role as a thought leader in the community very seriously” Billeci says. “It’s a big responsibility to continue to bring the world’s best in the arts and ideas to our local community, and always be stepping forward. I feel proud and privileged to be the head of a program that is so beloved and trusted.”