
December 1743: The Laird's neighbors gathered at his great manor-house to celebrate Hogmanay, or New Year's Eve. Tempers flared as the Clans converged, then subsided when the guests mingled, singing much-loved melodies, taking a cup together, dancing lively reels, and relating favorite stories. Suddenly, an unwelcome visitor appeared. Then, a mystery guest was revealed. Finally, a child's questions elicited a true understanding of the Yuletide. We followed the call to explore this ancient and beloved time and place!
PUB SING: Monday, March 20st ~ 6:00 to 8:00pm, Dargan's Irish Pub & Restaurant, 18 East Ortega Street
MAY DAY: Monday, May 1st ~ 4:00pm, Center Court, Paseo Nuevo Mall, State Street
REVELS CHORUS AUDITIONS: Late August
EQUINOX: A Concert in Celebration of the Changing Seasons, Mid-September
HARBOR SING: Mid-October
THE CHRISTMAS REVELS: In Celebration of the Winter Solstice, Mid-December
Our 2021 show was our own Santa Barbara story, portraying the wedding festivities of the Comandante’s daughter, Anita de la Guerra, during the holidays of 1835. Richard Henry Dana and his shipmates attend; they share sea shanties, English carols, and mumming antics and are introduced to the fandango, mission chants, Las Posadas, and traditional Spanish music and dance. With Alta California customs, Chumash story-telling, and engrossing events from Dana's book, Two Years Before the Mast.
Santa Barbara Revels celebrates a diverse range of cultural traditions by blending music, dance and storytelling in our staged celebrations of the Winter Solstice and other seasons.
We present a number of public events throughout the year. From concerts like Equinox to more informal community pub-sings, there is always an upcoming Revels happening.
The highlight of our season is The Christmas Revels, a joyful theatrical celebration of the winter solstice that travels the world each year showcasing cultural traditions including music, dance, and folktales.
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