Symphony trombone goes astray

A Santa Barbara Symphony musician has lost his professional-quality trombone.

He left his instrument, in its case, next to his car in the first block of West Sola Street (across from the Arlington Theatre parking lot) when he drove off at about 5:15 p.m. after last Sunday’s performance.

When he realized he had left the valuable instrument behind and went back, the trombone was gone.

Anyone with information about the trombone is asked to call the symphony office at (805) 898-9386.

 

PCPA seeks summer housing

Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts (PCPA) is looking for lodging for the actors and technicians who will arrive soon for the Theaterfest summer season of performances in Solvang and Santa Maria.

PCPA announced it is looking for affordable summer housing — rooms, apartments or lofts — to house the thespian influx. Affordable or donated housing is wanted from May through September.

Persons wishing to help with housing can inquire at PCPA Theaterfest, 800 S. College Dr., Santa Maria, CA 93454 or by calling (805) 928-7731.

 

Chorale runs ‘Idol’ show

The Santa Ynez Valley Chorale staged its first Santa Ynez Valley Idol competition on April 11, with singer Christina Barnes taking top honors.

Barnes sang her own original song before a sold-out house at St. Mark’s in-the-Valley Episcopal Church in Los Olivos to win the contest, patterned after the popular television show “American Idol.”

After two rounds of voting, she and two other top finalists were chosen from the group of 13 contestants, with both the judges and the audience having a hand in the selection.

Barnes was awarded a cash prize of $500 and an opportunity to perform at the Vineyard House in Santa Ynez.

The second prize went to Josue Hernandez, whose powerful baritone was honored for a selection of Mexican ballads. In third place was Morgan Laughlin, 12, one of the youngest competitors

The master of ceremonies was Jim Farnum, and the judges’ panel included Art Green, Don Hulette, Lynda Kelly, and Tyler Story.  

Chorale members applauded the evening, during which several indicated the fundraiser was such a success that there will be more Idol competitions in future.

 

Honor for Larry Crandell

Popular Santa Barbara personality and host Larry Crandell will be honored April 17 with “85 and Not Dead Yet: Larry Crandell Roast,” a benefit for the Arthritis Foundation of Santa Barbara. Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. at the Four Seasons Biltmore, 1260 Channel Drive.

More information is available by calling (805) 563-4685.