The holidays are approaching quickly and there are so many news items I want to share with you, but so little time as we hurtle towards 2025.
So here are some arts-related tidbits I think you might be interested in knowing.
Cuesta College Community Programs has selected Meagan Friberg as the new director of the Central Coast Writers Conference. A veteran freelance writer, editor, and photographer, she served as volunteer coordinator during the recent 40th anniversary gathering and is a familiar face to attendees.
Friberg is taking over the reins from Brian Schwartz, who stepped down after two years in the role. She told me that she was happy that Cuesta decided to continue the conference and expects to keep the Saturday-only format (for now).
Watch for an announcement of both a keynote speaker and specific date early next year. As someone who directed the conference for 12 years, I can say that this important event is in good hands.
Speaking of watching, come check out the cult sci-fi classic Starship Troopers on Thursday, December 12 at 7 p.m. at The SLO Film Center at the Palm Theatre.
Directed by Paul Verhoeven and based on the novel by Robert Heinlein, the movie follows soldiers of the United Citizen Federation in the 23rd century as they battle an alien species known as the Arachnids.
Special bonus: Actor Steve Ford, who plays one of the mighty troopers, will participate in an audience Q&A following the screening. San Luis Obispo has been his home since his Cal Poly days and he’ll share behind-the-scene stories. You might recognize the former daytime TV star from other movies, including Black Hawk Down, Contact, and When Harry Met Sally. Pass the popcorn—I’m there.
The Thursday screening is the latest in the ongoing collaboration between the SLO Film Fest’s Skye McLennan and Cameron Wilson, co-owner of The Bay Theatre in Morro Bay.
McLennan recently presented one of her favorite movies, Brazil, at the Bay and Wilson is reciprocating this week with his choice of Starship Troopers. Hope to see more of this in the future.
Was it just me, or did the Central Coast arts scene seem on overload this last weekend? We had performances by Vocal Arts Ensemble, SLO Winds Orchestra, and the Cuesta Concord Chorus, among many others, all competing for our attention (and ticket dollars).
The holiday schedule continues to be completely packed through the end of 2024, culminating with the SLO Symphony‘s New Year’s Eve concert Rhapsody in Blue with Maxim Lando at the PAC SLO.
But one local dance company, Ballet Theatre San Luis Obispo, has decided to push back its scheduled holiday show Coppélia to January.
Artistic director Theresa Slobodnik told me that the December schedule was just “too impacted” and they’re shifting to January 18-19.
Tickets are currently on sale.
Speaking of tickets, a friendly holiday reminder: Tickets to local arts events make a great stocking stuffer. Take your pick: SLO Rep, Cal Poly Arts, Festival Mozaic, The Great American Melodrama, Clark Center, SLO Symphony, PCPA, etc., etc. etc.
Support the arts and spread a little holiday cheer. You definitely don’t want to be a Grinch about the arts!