TFDI, a group who played together again for the first time in five years in 2016 and decided they liked it, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at Standing Sun Live in Buellton.

In 2009, Tony Lucca and Jay Nash co-headlined a tour that featured Matt Duke as support. Early in the tour, the three recognized that they had great musical chemistry with three-part vocal harmony and different but complementary approaches to guitar.

That tour was cut short by Lucca’s success on “The Voice.”

In 2016, TFDI played together again for the first time in five years and decided that they needed to record more music together. Their album “Beggars & Ballers” is TFDI’s first release in nearly six years.

Doors open 7 p.m. and the show starts 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $25 for reserved seating. Log onto www.standingsunwines.com to purchase in advance.

The post Standing Sun LIVE presents TFDI appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

To submit an event for publication, email the information to news@santaynezvalleystar.com. To see more information online, go to www.visitsyvcom or www.santaynezvalleystar.com.

November

21

Christmas Light Display – Now through Christmas Day. Recovery Ranch, 3694 B. Tivola St., Santa Ynez. Miles of lights illuminate the property. The public is invited to come view the display while enjoying the Ranch Guys food trailer and hot coco stand. Visit www.therecoveryranch.com/events.

22

K’Syrah Holiday Cocktail Party – 6 p.m.-12 a.m. 478 4th Place, Solvang. Music, dancing, full bar and holiday drink specials. Ages 21 and over. Free admission, drinks for purchase. Visit www.kscateringandevents.com.

23

Thanksgiving Day – 12-7 p.m. The Bear and Star, 2860 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. Carving station, hot buffet, cold buffet and pie bar. $55/adult, $20/under 12 years old. Visit www.thebearandstar.com.

24

Turkey Trot – 10 a.m. Sunny Fields Park, 900 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang. $25. Register online at www.cityofsolvang.com.

Holiday Art Show Opening – Judith Hale Gallery at Solvang Antiques, 1693 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang. Call 688-6222.

25

Small Business Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., ONEderCHILD, 240 E. Highway 246, Suite 105 in Buellton.

Fall Open House – 12-3 p.m. Zaca Mesa Winery, 6905 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos. Wine deals, vendors and live music by Danielle Taylor. Visit www.zacamesa.com.

Artists Reception – 12-4 p.m. Solvang Antiques, 1693 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang. Call 688-6222.

“Star Boat” Book Signing – 3-4 p.m. The Book Loft, 1680 Mission Drive, Solvang. Meet the author, Roger F. Vanderlaan.

26

Gingerbread House Workshop – 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1-4 p.m. The Creation Station Fabric and Quilt Shop, 252 E. Hwy. 246, Unit A, Buellton. $75. Registration in advance required. Call 693-0174.

30

50 Home Challenge Home Energy Meeting – 6-7 p.m. CHOMP Burgers, Fries and Shakes, 1693 Mission Drive, Solvang. Hear how the 50 Home Challenge is improving homes and communities through energy efficiency. For more information, call 805-568-3566.

December

1

Shop, Mingle and Jingle – Dec. 1-3, 8-10 and 15-17. Select shops, restaurants and tasting rooms will be offering discounts. Guests will be able to enjoy special events and entertainment while they shop. Visit www.solvangusa.com.

Solvang Julefest Photos with Santa – 4-6 p.m.; Tree Lighting – 5 p.m. Visit www.solvangusa.com.

TFDI Beggars and Ballers Winter Tour – 7 p.m. Standing Sun, 92 2nd St., Buellton. $20/standing room or $25/reserved seating based on availability. Visit www.standingsunwines.com.

Jewel’s Handmade Holiday Tour – 8 p.m. Chumash Casino Resort, 3400 E. Hwy-246, Santa Ynez. Ages 21 and up. Tickets start at $55. Visit www.chumashcasino.com.

2

Solvang Julefest Parade – 11 a.m.; Photos with Santa – 12:30-4 p.m. Visit www.solvangusa.com.

Los Olivos Olde Fashioned Christmas – Artisan Boutique at the Grange-1-8 p.m.; Gingerbread Wonderland at St. Mark’s and Carolers, 4-8 p.m.; Summerset Farm and Dale’s Train, 4:30-8 p.m.; Tree Lighting, 6 p.m.

Annual Christmas Party – 5-8 p.m.; The Home Connection, 425 Alisal Road, Solvang. Enjoy 20% off items storewide during event. For more information, call 686-4553.

Candlelight Tours – Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. 5 p.m. Meet at the Solvang Visitor’s Center, 1639 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang. A costumed Tour Guide will share information on the history of Solvang, you will enjoy traditional Christmas Carols while experiencing the sights and sounds of Julefest. Free, space is limited.  Visit www.solvangusa.com.

Live Music in the Park (Wandering) – Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 26, 28-30. 1-4 p.m. Live holiday music provided by musicians who will be wandering up and down Copenhagen Dr. Visit www.solvangusa.com.

Michael Shelton Performance – 8-10:30 p.m. The Good Life, 1672 Mission Drive, Solvang. Ages 21 and up. Contact info@thegoodlifecellar.com.

3

Buellton Winter Fest – Breakfast with Santa, Holiday Village, live music and a tree lighting ceremony. Visit www.buellton.org or www.buelltonrec.com for a schedule of events.

7th Annual Holiday Marketplace – 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature, 1511 Mission Drive, Solvang. Shop from over a dozen artisan vendors while enjoying free cider and cookies. Visit www.wildlingmuseum.org.

Every Day

Summerset Farm and Dale’s Nursery – 9 a.m. Hwy 154 at Baseline and Edison, Santa Ynez. Call 245-0989 or 895-7902.

Cachuma Lake Recreation – Wildlife cruises and boat rentals, fishing, nature walks and Nature Center. Visit www.countyofsb.org/parks.

Zaca Creek Golf Course – Perfect little 9-hole course, daily from sunrise to sunset. No tee times. Call 691-9272.

Every Sunday

Bethania Lutheran Church Services 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.– 603 Atterdag Road, Solvang. A time of worship and prayer in an inclusive and progressive community. Call 688-7927.

Every Monday

Weight Room – 6-8 a.m. and 1:30-8 p.m. Buellton Rec Center, 301 2nd St., Buellton. $3. Call 688-1086.

Senior T’ai Chi – 9:15 a.m.; Arthritis Class – 10:15 a.m.; Creative Coloring – 1 p.m. every other Monday; Senior Issues – 1 p.m. every other Monday at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Every Tuesday

Knitting – 9 a.m.; Computer class 9:30 a.m.; Bridge and Poker – 1 p.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Every Wednesday

Yoga – 9:15 a.m.; Bingo – 1 p.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Knit and Crochet – 1 p.m. at the Buellton Senior Center, West Hwy. 246, Buellton. Call 688-4571.

Creation Station Fabric and Quilt Shop After School Wednesdays – 2-5 p.m. 252 E. Hwy-246, Unit A, Buellton. Pre-registration and fee required. Call 693-0714.

Solvang Farmers Market – 2:30-6:30 p.m. Between Mission Drive and Copenhagen Drive, Solvang.

Trivia Night – 7-9 p.m. Naughty Oak Tap Room, 3569 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Visit www.naughtyoak.com.

Every Thursday

Chair Exercises – 10 a.m. at the Buellton Senior Center, West Hwy. 246, Buellton. Call 688-4571.

Arthritis Class – 10:15 a.m.; Poker – 1 p.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Brain Injury Survivors of Santa Ynez Valley – 12-2 p.m. Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Road, Solvang. Jodi House Brain Injury Support Center is offering a support group for care givers and brain injury survivors. Visit www.jodihouse.org.

Every Friday

Pilates – 10:00 a.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Bingo – 1 p.m. at the Buellton Senior Center, West Hwy. 246, Buellton. Call 688-4571.

Home School PE – 2:45-3:45 p.m. and Itty Bitty Sports – 4-4:45 p.m. Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA, 900 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez. 686-2037.

Live music – 6 -8 p.m. at Carr Vineyards and Winery, 3563 Numancia St., Santa Ynez. Ages 21 and up. For more information visit www.carrwinery.com.

Karaoke – Eleven Wine Lounge, 3640 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Free.  Call 691-9134.

Every Saturday

Junior Golf Clinics – Zaca Creek Golf Course, 223 Shadow Mountain Drive, Buellton.  Free. Call 698-6224 or e-mail bob@oldeschoolgolfschool.com.

Cachuma Lake Nature Walk – 10-11:30 a.m. Call 688-4515 or visit www.sbparks.org.

Coming Up – log onto www.cityofsolvang.com or www.buelltonrec.com to see the full schedule of programs and events from adult sports, youth sports, teen dances, field trips and excursions and more!

The post Nov. 21 – Dec. 4 Events Calendar appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

By Raiza Giorgi

In a time when the Civil Rights, Women’s Liberation and Vietnam War protest movements were all heavy topics in American culture, popular music was one of the things that brought people together.

The rock ’n’ roll genre was in transition, and Jim Messina wanted his music to be a source of hope and positive thinking.

“Crosby, Stills and Nash were very vocal about their political views and I love them for that, but I wanted to be heartfelt and humorous,” Messina said.

His fans will get an opportunity to hear a chronological set list when he plays two shows at Standing Sun LIVE in Buellton on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 7-8. The audience will hear songs from his time in Buffalo Springfield, Poco, and Loggins and Messina, as well as from his solo albums and everything in between.

“I am really excited for this show because it will be intimate and I will be presenting work from my new album ‘In the Groove’,” he said.

Messina was born in California but after his parents divorced when he was young, he split this time between his father in California and mother in Texas. His father taught him to play guitar at 6 years old and he hasn’t stopped since.

“I knew I wanted to be a musician and loved spending my time listening to The Champs (“Tequila,” 1958), Freddy King, The Torques, Merle Travis, Chet Atkins, among some. I had the best of both rock and country,” he said.

Messina became an assistant to a studio engineer at Sunset Sound where some not-yet-famous musicians got their starts, including The Doors, Lee Michaels, and the up-and-coming Buffalo Springfield.

Before being asked to play bass with them, Jim Messina produced albums for Buffalo Springfield.

“I had never heard Buffalo Springfield play live. I just produced their albums, but then they asked me to play bass in their final album and I got my first shot playing with them. I tell you, that was an incredible time. I remember playing places like Whiskey A-Go-Go and people just screaming while we played. It was intense as we slipped out the back door and people were ripping fringe off my jacket as I got into my car,” Messina recalled.

Buffalo Springfield was a group of folk rock musicians including Steven Stills, Richie Furay, Neil Young, Bruce Palmer, Dewey Martin — and Messina for their final album.

After the band broke up, Messina, Furay and Rusty Young started Poco, which mixed country with rock ’n’ roll — thus beginning the country rock genre, even though he stayed with Poco for only two years.

“Poco is still going. I just left, that’s all. Richie was the primary songwriter and I wanted to challenge myself elsewhere, and our musical interests just changed,” Messina said.

Messina helped train a new bassist, and Clive Davis signed Messina to an independent contract. His first project was with Kenny Loggins, and he intended to stay with Loggins only until the newcomer felt comfortable, Messina laughed.

“I thought it would be a short project, and then nine albums later we parted ways,” Messina said.

“I thought it would be a short project” when he was paired with young Kenny Loggins, Messina said, “and then nine albums later we parted ways.”

Loggins and Messina wrote iconic music including “Danny’s Song,” “House at Pooh Corner,” “Your Mama Don’t Dance,” and “Watching the River Run.” They parted ways in 1976 after seven years of making music together.

Messina went on to produce several solo albums and reunited with Poco to make an album called “Legacy” in 1989.

Messina was living in Los Angeles and decided he wanted to escape the Hollywood life with his son, so they moved to Montecito. When his son entered Laguna Blanca he met the music teacher there, Michaela Laza (now Messina). She was an opera singer who had come to Santa Barbara to teach and be close to Los Angeles to perform.

“I had been driving through the Santa Ynez Valley since forever. I would stop here because it reminded me of the old rural mining towns that I loved as a kid. I bought our place in the valley in late 1998, and living here has been a dream. The people are friendly, there’s a sense of community, and my kids have grown up in a small town where we watch out for each other,” Messina said.

The chance to play at Standing Sun came about as Messina wanted an intimate venue where people could take in the music.

“I’ve been to Standing Sun to see shows and I really love the atmosphere,” he said.

For tickets to the shows, which start at $68 each, log onto www.standingsunwines.com and click the Music link. Standing Sun is at 92 Second St. in Buellton, east of the Avenue of Flags.

For more information or to buy Messina’s new album, log onto www.jimmessina.com.

The post Jim Messina to play new music, old hits at Standing Sun appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Rooted in three-part vocal harmonies, southern twang, and pop hooks, Honey County is a female country trio led by singer/songwriter Dani Rose, which will perform at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5, at Standing Sun in Buellton.

A Virginia native, Rose moved to Los Angeles in the early 2010s. There, she found herself gravitating toward the sounds, stories, and swagger of country music, and eventually she got an opportunity to open for LeAnn Rimes.

Launched in 2014, the group takes its name from a fictional place, a move that allows Rose and her two bandmates — Devon Jane and Katie Stump — to create their own landscape of story-driven country; modern, melodic pop; and punchy, and guitar-fueled rock. The trio’s lead guitarist, Jane has landed gigs with everyone from Keith Urban to Ceelo Green.

The band also earned a spot on the HBO series “True Blood” with its first single, “Blood From a Stone,” and it was a semi-finalist on VH1’s “Make a Band Famous” competition.

Standing Sun is at 92 2^nd St. in Buellton, east of Avenue of the Flags.

The post Female country band to harmonize at Standing Sun appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Staff Report

Hollis Brown will play rock ’n’ roll at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 29, at Standing Sun Live in Buellton.

Named after Bob Dylan’s “The Ballad of Hollis Brown,” the band was formed by Queens natives and songwriters Mike Montali (lead vocals and guitar) and Jonathan Bonilla (lead guitar). They soon recruited Andrew Zehnal (drums) from Cleveland, Adam Bock (keyboard/vocals) from St. Louis, and Brian Courage (bass) from Long Island.

The band’s current single, “Run Right To You,” was released on vinyl in October 2016 on Velvet Elk/One Little Indian records. Their song “Steady Ground” is a featured exclusive on Amazon’s playlist, Amazon Acoustics.

Their vinyl EP “Cluster of Pearls” (Alive Naturalsound Records) was chosen as one of the 300 releases throughout the world for Record Store Day 2016.

The edgy, roots-rock indie band wrapped up a tour of more than 40 amphitheater shows across America supporting Counting Crows and Citizen Cope in 2015, followed by a month-long headline tour in the UK and Europe.

Last summer and fall, the band embarked on a headlining tour across the U.S. and Europe, including performances at Firefly Music Festival, WFPK “Live Lunch,”  Audiotree, and Studio 10 Live.

For tickets or more information, log onto www.standingsunwines.com.

The post Rockers Hollis Brown to perform at Standing Sun Live appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

June B Events Calendar Santa Ynez Valley Star

June

20

Boomers Summer Day Camp with Buellton Parks and Rec-June 20th-23rd. Daily to weekly sessions available. Visit www.buelltonrec.com for more information.

“Beauty and the Beast” Performance presented by PCPA Pacific Conservatory Theater-June 21st through July 2nd. No showings on June 22nd. Solvang Festival Theater, 420 2nd St., Solvang. Call 922-8313 for ticket sales.

21

Row by Row Sewing-8 a.m. Creation Station Fabric and Quilt Shop, 252 East Hwy 246, Unit A, Buellton. Call 693-0174 for more information.

65th Lompoc Flower Festival-June 21st through June 25th at 10 a.m. Parade, Carnival and Live music. $4. Food and beverages available for additional purchase. Visit www.lompocvalleyfestivals.com.

Community Day-11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wildling Museum, 1511 Mission Dr., Solvang. Free Museum Day.

Ukelele Jim! Children’s Songs and More-12 p.m. Buellton Library, 140 W Hwy 246, Buellton.

Music Under the Stars featuring the Art Green and Tony Martinez-6:30-8:30 p.m. The Vineyard House, 3631 Sagunto Street, Santa Ynez. The longest running live music event in the valley is taking place once again. Performances will be held every Wednesday from through September 13th. For reservations call 688-2886. Visit www.thevineyardhouse.com for a full list of events.

22

Living Trust Seminar-4-5 p.m. 1607 Mission Dr. Suite 107, Solvang. Seminar presented by the North County’s only State Bar Certified Estate and Trust Specialist Lana Clark. Learn how to determine if you need a trust, how assets are transferred outside probate and trust control and learn how to simplify an outdated trust. Free. Call to reserve a seat at 688-3939.

The History of Rancho Los Olivos Presentation and Book Signing by Joanna Bard Newton-5:30 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum and Parks-Janeway Carriage House, 3596 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. $10 museum members, $15 non-members. Purchase tickets by calling (805) 688-7889 or visiting www.santaynezmuseum.org.

Dancers will perform an excerpt from “Don Quixote” at Fossemalle Dance Studio’s 30th anniversary celebration from June 22-24.

“An Invitation to Dance” Performance-June 22nd through 24th at 7 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley High School Little Theater. The Santa Ynez Valley Performing Arts Company, under the direction of Christine Fossemalle, will present its 30th Anniversary Celebration with this public performance. Tickets on sale now at Fossemalle Dance Studios, 3595 Numancia St, Santa Ynez. For more information, call 688-8494.

23

Movies in the Park “Secret Life of Pets”-7:30 p.m. Solvang Park, at the corner of Mission Dr. and First St. Free. Hot chocolate and popcorn available for purchase.

24

Battle of the Bars-10 a.m. Zaca Creek Golf Course, 223 Shadow Mountain Dr., Buellton. Four person 18-Hole scramble and silent auction benefitting St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. All bars are welcome. Minimum of 1 employee per team. $200 per team. Register by contacting Rebecca Lewis at (760) 625-6916 or rlewis@pga.com.

Book Sale-10 a.m.-3 p.m. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. For more information call 688-4214.

Movie Afternoon “A Dog’s Purpose”-2 p.m. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Free. For more information call 688-4214.

Bear Redell Performance Under the Stars-Mad and Vin Courtyard at The Landsby, 1576 Mission Dr., Solvang. Enjoy live entertainment every Saturday evening in the newly renovated courtyard. Bar menu eats and drinks available during the event. For more information call 688-3121.

6th Annual Santa Ynez Valley Polo Classic-Piocho Ranch at Happy Canyon Vineyard, 1100 Secretariat Dr. Happy Canyon, Santa Ynez. For ticket sales visit www.syvpoloclassic.com.

26

That’s Entertainment by Buellton Parks and Rec-June 26th-30th. Ravine Water Park, 2301 Airport Rd., Paso Robles. Summer camp geared toward children ages 6-12. Daily to weekly sessions available. Visit www.buelltonrec.com for more information.

SYV Mindfulness Meditation Group-7:30 p.m. 1669 Fir Ave Suite #4, Solvang. Facilitated by Erin Pollaro, MS, LMFT. Donation based offering.

27

Nifty Balloons: The Magic Balloon Book-10:30-11:30 a.m. Starring Mr. Dave, the world-traveling balloon artist. With the help of his amazing book of many balloons, Mr. Dave tells stories, teaches science lessons, and even brings a giant balloon dog to life! At the end of the show everyone in the audience will learn to make a balloon doggie that they can take home! Ages 3 and up. Free. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. For more information call 688-4214.

Recovery Ranch Presentation by Santa Ynez Valley Youth Coalition-3:30-5 p.m. People Helping People, 545 Alisal Rd. #102, Solvang. A Quarterly Coalition Meeting.

28

Music Under the Stars featuring the Steve Ochoa Trio-6:30-8:30 p.m. The Vineyard House, 3631 Sagunto Street, Santa Ynez. The longest running live music event in the valley is taking place once again. Performances will be held every Wednesday through September 13th. For reservations call 688-2886. Visit www.thevineyardhouse.com for a full list of events.

29

Kids Come and Stitch 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The Creation Station Fabric and Quilt Shop, 252 East Hwy 246, Unit A, Buellton. Teaming with the Santa Maria Guild for a day of teaching youngsters to stitch. Free lesson. $5 supply kit. Contact (805) 693-0174 for more information or visit www.thecreationstation.com.

30

Parade Craft Workshop-June 30th through July 1st 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Every year for the past 13 years, Library patrons have joined us in making a fun walking entry for Solvang’s hometown Fourth of July Parade. This year we are making… huge foldout books! Materials provided, bring your imagination! Children 7 and under must be with an adult or teen. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Call 688-4214.

The Rincons Performance during the Solvang Summer Concert Series-5 p.m. Solvang Park, between First St. and Mission Dr. Free. Food and drinks available for purchase.

July

3

SYV Mindfulness Meditation Group-7:30 p.m. 1669 Fir Ave Suite #4, Solvang. Facilitated by Erin Pollaro, MS, LMFT. Donation based offering.

Every Day

Cachuma Lake Recreation – Wildlife cruises and boat rentals, fishing, nature walks and Nature Center. Visit www.countyofsb.org/parks.

Zaca Creek Golf Course – Perfect little 9-hole course, daily from sunrise to sunset. No tee times. Call 691-9272.

Every Monday

Senior T’ai Chi – 9:15 a.m.; Arthritis Class at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Adult Coloring – 2nd and 4th Monday every month at 1 p.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Senior Issues-2nd and 4th Monday every month at 1 p.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Weight Room-6-8 a.m. and 1:30-8 p.m. Buellton Rec Center, 301 2^nd St., Buellton. $3. Call 688-1086.

Every Tuesday

Knitting-9 a.m.; Computer class 9:30 a.m.; Bridge and Poker 1 p.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Preschool Storytime-11:15 a.m. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Call 688-4214.

Every Wednesday

Solvang Summer Concert Series-5-8 p.m. Occurring through August 16th. Solvang Park, between First St. and Mission Dr. The Series features musicians and bands of varied genres playing to crowds of both locals and tourists, who are invited to picnic in the Park during the family-friendly, evening concert events. Free. Food and drink available for purchase.

Solvang Farmers Market-2:30-6:30 p.m. Between Mission Dr. and Copenhagen Dr., Solvang.

Yoga-9:15 a.m.; Bingo at 1 p.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Knit and Crochet-1 p.m. at the Buellton Senior Center, West Hwy. 246, Buellton. Call 688-4571.

Wiggly Storytime-10:30 a.m. 11:15 a.m. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Call 688-4214.

Every Thursday

Arthritis Class- 10:15 a.m.; Poker at 1 p.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Chair Excercises-10 a.m. at the Buellton Senior Center, West Hwy. 246, Buellton. Call 688-4571.

Tail Waggin’ Tutors-3:30 p.m. Solvang Library, 1745 Mission Dr., Solvang. Call 688-4214.

Every Friday

Pilates – 10:00 a.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Bingo – 1 p.m. at the Buellton Senior Center, West Hwy. 246, Buellton. Call 688-4571.

Live music – 5 to 7 p.m. at Carr Vineyards and Winery, 3563 Numancia St., Santa Ynez. For more information visit www.carrwinery.com.

Firkin Friday at Figueroa Mountain Brew – 5-10 p.m. at the Buellton and Los Olivos Figueroa Mountain Brewery locations. For more information visit www.figmtnbrew.com.

Every Saturday

Guided Nature Walk-10:00-11:30 a.m. Neal Taylor Nature Center, 2265 Highway 154, Santa Barbara. All Ages. Free. For more information visit www.sbparks.org.

Junior Rangers-12:30-1:30 p.m. Neal Taylor Nature Center, 2265 Highway 154, Santa Barbara. Geared towards children ages 3 and up. Free. For more information visit www.sbparks.org.

“Going Batty”-Meet at Dusk. Neal Taylor Nature Center, 2265 Highway 154, Santa Barbara. Talk and living exhibit of local bats. Watch them as they come out to feed. Seasonal event ending in September. Free. For more information visit www.sbparks.org.

“New Music” Concerts-3:30-7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The Crooked Path, 2885 Grand Ave. Listen to indie singer/songwriter Bent Myggen and his fellow musicians play his original Americana in a beautiful shaded garden.

Every Week

Crafting-Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 12-5:30 p.m. Buellton  Library, 140 W Hwy 246, Buellton.

Coming Up – log onto www.cityofsolvang.com or www.buelltonrec.com to see the full schedule of programs and events from adult sports, youth sports, teen dances, field trips and excursions and more!

The post June 20 -July 2 Events Calendar appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

The band Fort Frances will headline at 7 p.m. Oct. 29 at Standing Sun LIVE in Buellton.

“The band has a personal connection to Buellton. When we played SXSW in 2014, we were honored to play The Outlaw Roadshow. The Roadshow is curated by one of our favorite songwriters, Adam Duritz of the Counting Crows. We didn’t just meet Adam when we were in Austin; we also met John Wright, the owner of Standing Sun. John was one of the sponsors of the Roadshow, and we all had a great hang in Austin fueled by six hours of music and a few bottles of Standing Sun syrah,” said lead singer David McMillin.

Three years ago, the Chicago-based trio parted ways with their indie rock roots to record their own take on the hip-hop classic “Summertime.” The song made the rounds on lists of must-download summer songs and landed the band on Comedy Central’s “Tosh.0.”

But the American reception to the song paled in comparison to an unlikely spot on the map in Lithuania. While the band continued to wage the American DIY-band battle for attention at small club shows around the U.S., the situation was much different in the country that is a former member of the USSR. There, the band had become a household name, and the song’s accompanying video had racked up more than one million views.

“We started to get all these messages from fans in Eastern Europe about how much they loved the song,” McMillin said. “We really didn’t think that we were catching on somewhere halfway around the world.”

In 2015, the U.S. Embassy in Lithuania offered to bring Fort Frances to Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital, to headline one of the city’s biggest summer festivals, Loftas Fest. The lineup included Mercury Prize-winning Young Fathers and XL/Terrible Records rapper Le1f.

“Here we are, this unknown band, with our name alongside some of these huge artists from around the world,” bassist Jeff Piper said. “I didn’t even believe we were going until we were on the plane.”

The band’s name was plastered on billboards and street signs. They appeared on “Good Morning, Lithuania.” They headlined the sold-out opening night of the festival. It was clear the band had found a second home.

When it came time to choose a title for the band’s album, the choice was clear. “Alio” — pronounced ah-low —  is Lithuanian for hello.

The post From Lithuania to Buellton, Fort Frances comes to rock appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.