Is that the sound of a Greek bouzoukia? Or a Hawaiian guitar? Is it blues, rock, or classical? All are on tap in Santa Barbara this weekend — and many of the concerts are free.
Go Greek
Souvlaki will be sizzling, falafel is sure to be flavorful, dolmades will delight ... and the baklava is sure to be dripping with honey. Dance and eat your way through the Greek Festival, this weekend from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Oak Park (West Alamar Street between West Junipero and Tallant streets).
Admission is free, it’s great fun for the kids, and you can try out your Zorba dance moves to the sounds of blazing bouzoukias (683-4492,
www.saintbarbara.net).
Jazz with Headless Household
The band Headless Household takes the stage at a free concert in the County Courthouse’s Sunken Garden Friday. These Courthouse Jazz concerts, held from 5 to 8 p.m. on the last Friday of summer months, are a way to celebrate the end of the work week. Though the show is free, you can buy tickets for drinks — the proceeds benefit local charities (Anapamu between Anacapa and Santa Barbara streets, www.courthousejazz .com).
Eclectic and eccentric, the members of Headless Household have played together for 25 years. They have a foundation in jazz, but expect surprises — maybe even a polka or two.
Aloha spirit
The island sounds of Kaleo Naea are featured in a free concert in Alameda Park at 3 p.m. Sunday. Kama’aina (island born) and raised on Kauai, he learned traditional Hawaiian music from his tutu (grandmother) who performed in Waikiki. He has a high, sweet voice, and plays lovely guitar.
Naea is joined by the dancers of Hula Anyone, directed by local treasure Angelita Eller. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and let the aloha spirit move you (1400 Santa Barbara St., between Micheltorena and Sola; 897-1982).
The top of the class
Young musicians selected for the Music Academy of the West’s summer program are the best of the best — this Saturday is a good time to see them strut their stuff.
Starting at 9:30 a.m. is an open dress rehearsal for the evening’s sold-out Concerto Night, in which young soloists, chosen by audition, perform with full orchestra in the Lobero. Tickets are $25 and it is well worth it to hear these young virtuoso performers.
Saturday also is the Marilyn Horne Foundation Vocal Competition, held in Hahn Hall at the Academy’s campus. Voice and vocal piano students vie for prestigious awards given by the wonderful Marilyn Horne, who heads the academy’s vocal program, starting at 10 a.m. and at 1 p.m. (969-8787; www.musicacade
my.org).
Mouth harp
Harmonica wonder Mark Hummel and the Blues Survivors play at the Earl Warren Showgrounds starting at 8:30 p.m. On Saturday night at another of the Blue’s Society’s terrific concerts ($30, $15/$10 students; 3400 Calle Real at Las Pasitas; 963-2445,
www.sbblues.org). “Blues Review” calls him “a harmonica god” — hear a preview at
www.markhummel.com.
Julia McHugh can be reached at
southon101column@yahoo.com.