A Century of African-American Music: Cultural Appreciation or Cultural Appropriation?

Wednesdays, May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $50; non-member price: $75

Presented by Norm Cohen
The contributions of African-Americans to our national music are unmistakable, though nevertheless contentious. Through recordings and pictorial documents we will explore the history and development of this music from the 1860s to the 1960s. We’ll listen to many genres, including spirituals, gospel and other religious music, ragtime and jazz, work songs and children’s songs, rhythm ‘n’ blues, and soul, as well as the African-American contribution to classical music. We’ll consider the phenomenon of musical interchange between black and white cultures and the important question of cultural appropriation.

A Century of African-American Music: Cultural Appreciation or Cultural Appropriation?

Wednesdays, May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $50; non-member price: $75

Presented by Norm Cohen
The contributions of African-Americans to our national music are unmistakable, though nevertheless contentious. Through recordings and pictorial documents we will explore the history and development of this music from the 1860s to the 1960s. We’ll listen to many genres, including spirituals, gospel and other religious music, ragtime and jazz, work songs and children’s songs, rhythm ‘n’ blues, and soul, as well as the African-American contribution to classical music. We’ll consider the phenomenon of musical interchange between black and white cultures and the important question of cultural appropriation.

A Century of African-American Music: Cultural Appreciation or Cultural Appropriation?

Wednesdays, May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $50; non-member price: $75

Presented by Norm Cohen
The contributions of African-Americans to our national music are unmistakable, though nevertheless contentious. Through recordings and pictorial documents we will explore the history and development of this music from the 1860s to the 1960s. We’ll listen to many genres, including spirituals, gospel and other religious music, ragtime and jazz, work songs and children’s songs, rhythm ‘n’ blues, and soul, as well as the African-American contribution to classical music. We’ll consider the phenomenon of musical interchange between black and white cultures and the important question of cultural appropriation.

A Century of African-American Music: Cultural Appreciation or Cultural Appropriation?

Wednesdays, May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $50; non-member price: $75

Presented by Norm Cohen
The contributions of African-Americans to our national music are unmistakable, though nevertheless contentious. Through recordings and pictorial documents we will explore the history and development of this music from the 1860s to the 1960s. We’ll listen to many genres, including spirituals, gospel and other religious music, ragtime and jazz, work songs and children’s songs, rhythm ‘n’ blues, and soul, as well as the African-American contribution to classical music. We’ll consider the phenomenon of musical interchange between black and white cultures and the important question of cultural appropriation.

Current Events Explained

Thursdays, May 21 and 28 | 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $30; non-member price: $45

Presented by Jack Friedlander
Participants will gain fresh insights and perspectives about current events. Topics will include recent Supreme Court decisions; how the MAGA movement was conceived and the six factions that form its base; analyses of foreign policy developments; how Stablecoins may change the banking system; why higher education is under attack; strategies to increase the supply of affordable housing; whether tariffs are achieving their intended goals; critiques of the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, and Medicaid and ideas for making them less costly; the changing media landscape; new approaches to providing foreign aid; and recent developments.

A Century of African-American Music: Cultural Appreciation or Cultural Appropriation?

Wednesdays, May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $50; non-member price: $75

Presented by Norm Cohen
The contributions of African-Americans to our national music are unmistakable, though nevertheless contentious. Through recordings and pictorial documents we will explore the history and development of this music from the 1860s to the 1960s. We’ll listen to many genres, including spirituals, gospel and other religious music, ragtime and jazz, work songs and children’s songs, rhythm ‘n’ blues, and soul, as well as the African-American contribution to classical music. We’ll consider the phenomenon of musical interchange between black and white cultures and the important question of cultural appropriation.

A Century of African-American Music: Cultural Appreciation or Cultural Appropriation?

Wednesdays, May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $50; non-member price: $75

Presented by Norm Cohen
The contributions of African-Americans to our national music are unmistakable, though nevertheless contentious. Through recordings and pictorial documents we will explore the history and development of this music from the 1860s to the 1960s. We’ll listen to many genres, including spirituals, gospel and other religious music, ragtime and jazz, work songs and children’s songs, rhythm ‘n’ blues, and soul, as well as the African-American contribution to classical music. We’ll consider the phenomenon of musical interchange between black and white cultures and the important question of cultural appropriation.

The News-Press: Then & Now

Friday, May 15, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $20; non-member price: $30

Presented by Thomas Reynolds and Will Belfiore
For most of the 20th century, the News - Press defined Santa Barbara. At the helm was the longtime editor and publisher, Thomas M. Storke — “the King of Santa Barbara, ” as Time magazine called him. From the day he took charge on January 1, 1901, Storke had a hand in nearly every major event in the city ’s history. He was both publisher and political power broker.

The News - Press entered bankruptcy in 2023. Its archives and business assets were about to be sold to an offshore content farm when Santa Barbara native William Belfiore stumbled upon the news and persuaded a local group to save them. Now, as the leader of news- press.com, he has been tasked with reinventing the newspaper as an online publication for the 21st century.

The News-Press: Then & Now

Friday, May 15, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $20; non-member price: $30

Presented by Thomas Reynolds and Will Belfiore
For most of the 20th century, the News - Press defined Santa Barbara. At the helm was the longtime editor and publisher, Thomas M. Storke — “the King of Santa Barbara, ” as Time magazine called him. From the day he took charge on January 1, 1901, Storke had a hand in nearly every major event in the city ’s history. He was both publisher and political power broker.

The News - Press entered bankruptcy in 2023. Its archives and business assets were about to be sold to an offshore content farm when Santa Barbara native William Belfiore stumbled upon the news and persuaded a local group to save them. Now, as the leader of news- press.com, he has been tasked with reinventing the newspaper as an online publication for the 21st century.

A Century of African-American Music: Cultural Appreciation or Cultural Appropriation?

Wednesdays, May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $50; non-member price: $75

Presented by Norm Cohen
The contributions of African-Americans to our national music are unmistakable, though nevertheless contentious. Through recordings and pictorial documents we will explore the history and development of this music from the 1860s to the 1960s. We’ll listen to many genres, including spirituals, gospel and other religious music, ragtime and jazz, work songs and children’s songs, rhythm ‘n’ blues, and soul, as well as the African-American contribution to classical music. We’ll consider the phenomenon of musical interchange between black and white cultures and the important question of cultural appropriation.

A Century of African-American Music: Cultural Appreciation or Cultural Appropriation?

Wednesdays, May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $50; non-member price: $75

Presented by Norm Cohen
The contributions of African-Americans to our national music are unmistakable, though nevertheless contentious. Through recordings and pictorial documents we will explore the history and development of this music from the 1860s to the 1960s. We’ll listen to many genres, including spirituals, gospel and other religious music, ragtime and jazz, work songs and children’s songs, rhythm ‘n’ blues, and soul, as well as the African-American contribution to classical music. We’ll consider the phenomenon of musical interchange between black and white cultures and the important question of cultural appropriation.

A Century of African-American Music: Cultural Appreciation or Cultural Appropriation?

Wednesdays, May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $50; non-member price: $75

Presented by Norm Cohen
The contributions of African-Americans to our national music are unmistakable, though nevertheless contentious. Through recordings and pictorial documents we will explore the history and development of this music from the 1860s to the 1960s. We’ll listen to many genres, including spirituals, gospel and other religious music, ragtime and jazz, work songs and children’s songs, rhythm ‘n’ blues, and soul, as well as the African-American contribution to classical music. We’ll consider the phenomenon of musical interchange between black and white cultures and the important question of cultural appropriation.

A Century of African-American Music: Cultural Appreciation or Cultural Appropriation?

Wednesdays, May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $50; non-member price: $75

Presented by Norm Cohen
The contributions of African-Americans to our national music are unmistakable, though nevertheless contentious. Through recordings and pictorial documents we will explore the history and development of this music from the 1860s to the 1960s. We’ll listen to many genres, including spirituals, gospel and other religious music, ragtime and jazz, work songs and children’s songs, rhythm ‘n’ blues, and soul, as well as the African-American contribution to classical music. We’ll consider the phenomenon of musical interchange between black and white cultures and the important question of cultural appropriation.

Birds: Keys to Flight

Wednesday, April 29 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $20; non-member price: $30

Presented by Steve Johnson
Birds have brought joy and wonder to humans for thousands of years. What makes them so special? They have the same general body structure and senses and internal organs as humans, yet they can fly and we can’t. This is because nearly everything about bird physiology and anatomy has been optimized through evolution to permit flight. Birds have fine-tuned their bones and muscles, breathing, digestion and metabolism, body temperature, and reproduction so that they can take to the air. This class will focus on all the fascinating differences between birds and humans that allow them to delight us. It will include short video clips and show-and-tell specimens. Come to this class to learn what goes on beneath the feathers—it’s surprising and amazing!
Please note: This class is a reprise of the VISTAS presentation Steve gave in November 2024.

Birds: Keys to Flight

Wednesday, April 29 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $20; non-member price: $30

Presented by Steve Johnson
Birds have brought joy and wonder to humans for thousands of years. What makes them so special? They have the same general body structure and senses and internal organs as humans, yet they can fly and we can’t. This is because nearly everything about bird physiology and anatomy has been optimized through evolution to permit flight. Birds have fine-tuned their bones and muscles, breathing, digestion and metabolism, body temperature, and reproduction so that they can take to the air. This class will focus on all the fascinating differences between birds and humans that allow them to delight us. It will include short video clips and show-and-tell specimens. Come to this class to learn what goes on beneath the feathers—it’s surprising and amazing!
Please note: This class is a reprise of the VISTAS presentation Steve gave in November 2024.

Gotta Dance: The Hollywood Musical

Tuesdays, April 14, 21, and 28 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Weinman Hall, Music Academy of the West 1070 Fairway Road, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $40; non-member price: $60

Presented by Bob Weinman
Most of Bob’s classes on the Hollywood musical have focused on the singers, so it is time to devote a class to DANCING! Of course at the top of any list of great Hollywood dancers are Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. Indeed, it was Kelly in “Singin’ in the Rain” who coined the phrase “Gotta dance!” But there were so many more, both individuals and dance teams, and this presentation will once again cover a lot of territory. Everyone enjoyed the sing-alongs that were featured in Bob’s previous classes. We admit it will be challenging for us to continue the tradition with dance-alongs … but I'm sure many of you “gotta dance,” so we’ll see!

Gotta Dance: The Hollywood Musical

Tuesdays, April 14, 21, and 28 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Weinman Hall, Music Academy of the West 1070 Fairway Road, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $40; non-member price: $60

Presented by Bob Weinman
Most of Bob’s classes on the Hollywood musical have focused on the singers, so it is time to devote a class to DANCING! Of course at the top of any list of great Hollywood dancers are Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. Indeed, it was Kelly in “Singin’ in the Rain” who coined the phrase “Gotta dance!” But there were so many more, both individuals and dance teams, and this presentation will once again cover a lot of territory. Everyone enjoyed the sing-alongs that were featured in Bob’s previous classes. We admit it will be challenging for us to continue the tradition with dance-alongs … but I'm sure many of you “gotta dance,” so we’ll see!

Music and Politics in the Early Soviet Union

Wednesdays, April 8, 15, and 22 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $40; non-member price $60

Presented by Derek Katz
This course will trace the fraught relationships between music and Soviet cultural policies from the 1917 Revolution to the Second World War. We will start with the clashes between proletarian musicians and modernist composers during the relatively tolerant New Economic Policy of the 1920s while also briefly dipping into popular music and jazz of that era. We will discuss the thorny concept of Socialist Realism in the 1930s after the establishment of the Union of Composers in 1932, and conclude with the promotion of nationalist music for both Russians and national minorities as war approached. Famous musicians like Shostakovich and Prokofiev will make appearances, but we will also listen to music by lesser-known Soviet composers such as Alexander Mosolov, Vladimir Deshevov, Nikolai Myaskovsky, and Vissarion Shebalin.

Music and Politics in the Early Soviet Union

Wednesdays, April 8, 15, and 22 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $40; non-member price $60

Presented by Derek Katz
This course will trace the fraught relationships between music and Soviet cultural policies from the 1917 Revolution to the Second World War. We will start with the clashes between proletarian musicians and modernist composers during the relatively tolerant New Economic Policy of the 1920s while also briefly dipping into popular music and jazz of that era. We will discuss the thorny concept of Socialist Realism in the 1930s after the establishment of the Union of Composers in 1932, and conclude with the promotion of nationalist music for both Russians and national minorities as war approached. Famous musicians like Shostakovich and Prokofiev will make appearances, but we will also listen to music by lesser-known Soviet composers such as Alexander Mosolov, Vladimir Deshevov, Nikolai Myaskovsky, and Vissarion Shebalin.

Gotta Dance: The Hollywood Musical

Tuesdays, April 14, 21, and 28 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Weinman Hall, Music Academy of the West 1070 Fairway Road, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $40; non-member price: $60

Presented by Bob Weinman
Most of Bob’s classes on the Hollywood musical have focused on the singers, so it is time to devote a class to DANCING! Of course at the top of any list of great Hollywood dancers are Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. Indeed, it was Kelly in “Singin’ in the Rain” who coined the phrase “Gotta dance!” But there were so many more, both individuals and dance teams, and this presentation will once again cover a lot of territory. Everyone enjoyed the sing-alongs that were featured in Bob’s previous classes. We admit it will be challenging for us to continue the tradition with dance-alongs … but I'm sure many of you “gotta dance,” so we’ll see!

Gotta Dance: The Hollywood Musical

Tuesdays, April 14, 21, and 28 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Weinman Hall, Music Academy of the West 1070 Fairway Road, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $40; non-member price: $60

Presented by Bob Weinman
Most of Bob’s classes on the Hollywood musical have focused on the singers, so it is time to devote a class to DANCING! Of course at the top of any list of great Hollywood dancers are Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. Indeed, it was Kelly in “Singin’ in the Rain” who coined the phrase “Gotta dance!” But there were so many more, both individuals and dance teams, and this presentation will once again cover a lot of territory. Everyone enjoyed the sing-alongs that were featured in Bob’s previous classes. We admit it will be challenging for us to continue the tradition with dance-alongs … but I'm sure many of you “gotta dance,” so we’ll see!

Music and Politics in the Early Soviet Union

Wednesdays, April 8, 15, and 22 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $40; non-member price $60

Presented by Derek Katz
This course will trace the fraught relationships between music and Soviet cultural policies from the 1917 Revolution to the Second World War. We will start with the clashes between proletarian musicians and modernist composers during the relatively tolerant New Economic Policy of the 1920s while also briefly dipping into popular music and jazz of that era. We will discuss the thorny concept of Socialist Realism in the 1930s after the establishment of the Union of Composers in 1932, and conclude with the promotion of nationalist music for both Russians and national minorities as war approached. Famous musicians like Shostakovich and Prokofiev will make appearances, but we will also listen to music by lesser-known Soviet composers such as Alexander Mosolov, Vladimir Deshevov, Nikolai Myaskovsky, and Vissarion Shebalin.

Music and Politics in the Early Soviet Union

Wednesdays, April 8, 15, and 22 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $40; non-member price $60

Presented by Derek Katz
This course will trace the fraught relationships between music and Soviet cultural policies from the 1917 Revolution to the Second World War. We will start with the clashes between proletarian musicians and modernist composers during the relatively tolerant New Economic Policy of the 1920s while also briefly dipping into popular music and jazz of that era. We will discuss the thorny concept of Socialist Realism in the 1930s after the establishment of the Union of Composers in 1932, and conclude with the promotion of nationalist music for both Russians and national minorities as war approached. Famous musicians like Shostakovich and Prokofiev will make appearances, but we will also listen to music by lesser-known Soviet composers such as Alexander Mosolov, Vladimir Deshevov, Nikolai Myaskovsky, and Vissarion Shebalin.

Gotta Dance: The Hollywood Musical

Tuesdays, April 14, 21, and 28 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Weinman Hall, Music Academy of the West 1070 Fairway Road, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $40; non-member price: $60

Presented by Bob Weinman
Most of Bob’s classes on the Hollywood musical have focused on the singers, so it is time to devote a class to DANCING! Of course at the top of any list of great Hollywood dancers are Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. Indeed, it was Kelly in “Singin’ in the Rain” who coined the phrase “Gotta dance!” But there were so many more, both individuals and dance teams, and this presentation will once again cover a lot of territory. Everyone enjoyed the sing-alongs that were featured in Bob’s previous classes. We admit it will be challenging for us to continue the tradition with dance-alongs … but I'm sure many of you “gotta dance,” so we’ll see!

Gotta Dance: The Hollywood Musical

Tuesdays, April 14, 21, and 28 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Weinman Hall, Music Academy of the West 1070 Fairway Road, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $40; non-member price: $60

Presented by Bob Weinman
Most of Bob’s classes on the Hollywood musical have focused on the singers, so it is time to devote a class to DANCING! Of course at the top of any list of great Hollywood dancers are Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. Indeed, it was Kelly in “Singin’ in the Rain” who coined the phrase “Gotta dance!” But there were so many more, both individuals and dance teams, and this presentation will once again cover a lot of territory. Everyone enjoyed the sing-alongs that were featured in Bob’s previous classes. We admit it will be challenging for us to continue the tradition with dance-alongs … but I'm sure many of you “gotta dance,” so we’ll see!

Music and Politics in the Early Soviet Union

Wednesdays, April 8, 15, and 22 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $40; non-member price $60

Presented by Derek Katz
This course will trace the fraught relationships between music and Soviet cultural policies from the 1917 Revolution to the Second World War. We will start with the clashes between proletarian musicians and modernist composers during the relatively tolerant New Economic Policy of the 1920s while also briefly dipping into popular music and jazz of that era. We will discuss the thorny concept of Socialist Realism in the 1930s after the establishment of the Union of Composers in 1932, and conclude with the promotion of nationalist music for both Russians and national minorities as war approached. Famous musicians like Shostakovich and Prokofiev will make appearances, but we will also listen to music by lesser-known Soviet composers such as Alexander Mosolov, Vladimir Deshevov, Nikolai Myaskovsky, and Vissarion Shebalin.

Music and Politics in the Early Soviet Union

Wednesdays, April 8, 15, and 22 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $40; non-member price $60

Presented by Derek Katz
This course will trace the fraught relationships between music and Soviet cultural policies from the 1917 Revolution to the Second World War. We will start with the clashes between proletarian musicians and modernist composers during the relatively tolerant New Economic Policy of the 1920s while also briefly dipping into popular music and jazz of that era. We will discuss the thorny concept of Socialist Realism in the 1930s after the establishment of the Union of Composers in 1932, and conclude with the promotion of nationalist music for both Russians and national minorities as war approached. Famous musicians like Shostakovich and Prokofiev will make appearances, but we will also listen to music by lesser-known Soviet composers such as Alexander Mosolov, Vladimir Deshevov, Nikolai Myaskovsky, and Vissarion Shebalin.

NEW DATE: Monday, April 6 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $20; non-member price: $30

Presented by Chuck Graham
Come take a visual journey with writer/photographer Chuck Graham into the Carrizo Plain National Monument, the last of California’s historic grasslands. This is a unique landscape that requires one to slow down, observe, and listen to what the grasslands want to reveal. Chuck has spent 20 years writing about and photographing the flora and fauna of the Plain and its surrounding mountain ranges, the Caliente to the west and the Temblors to the east. The Carrizo Plain gets a lot of attention due to its spectacular wildflower blooms, but its appeal is not just about the flowers. The Carrizo Plain is a wild place like no other. Its sweeping grasslands also support an array of wildlife hidden within seasonal arroyos, badlands, sandstone, and alkali loam. There are more endangered species in the Carrizo Plain than anywhere else in California.

NEW DATE: Monday, April 6 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $20; non-member price: $30

Presented by Chuck Graham
Come take a visual journey with writer/photographer Chuck Graham into the Carrizo Plain National Monument, the last of California’s historic grasslands. This is a unique landscape that requires one to slow down, observe, and listen to what the grasslands want to reveal. Chuck has spent 20 years writing about and photographing the flora and fauna of the Plain and its surrounding mountain ranges, the Caliente to the west and the Temblors to the east. The Carrizo Plain gets a lot of attention due to its spectacular wildflower blooms, but its appeal is not just about the flowers. The Carrizo Plain is a wild place like no other. Its sweeping grasslands also support an array of wildlife hidden within seasonal arroyos, badlands, sandstone, and alkali loam. There are more endangered species in the Carrizo Plain than anywhere else in California.