Calendar of Events

Behind Barbed Wire: EVOLVING

Friday, January 22, 2027 | 7:30pm | Clark Center in Arroyo Grande

MARK YOUR CALENDARS - TICKETS AVAILABLE SOON!!!

Behind Barbed Wire: EVOLVING A Glimpse at Central Coast Japanese American Life During WWII: centers around 1942 Arroyo Grande, a few weeks prior to graduation, when nearly 45% of the High School Graduating Class were bussed with their Japanese-American families to isolated internment camps. Historian Jim Gregory (author of World War II Arroyo Grande), composer Deon Nielsen Price (Behind Barbed Wire), and conductor Brian Asher Alhadeff (OperaSLO Grand Orchestra), are pleased to present a commemoration of that tumultuous time.

This multi-media event is accompanied by a live orchestra and a large 1940s big band, combines soloists, videography, poetry, swing era music, and narration, in a production with specific synergy to the Arroyo Grande region's local heritage of sacrifice, friendship, patriotism, hard work, and community solidarity.

Featuring soloists include Bennett Chew, Baritone (Yonsei, 4^th generation); Chika Inoue, Saxophone; Suzan Azaret Davies, Piano; Deon Nielsen Price, Piano; and Kathryn Loomis, Jazz Vocalist; with historic video and People of Honor edited by Highlight Media with narration by Jim Gregory. Original musical compositions by Deon Nielsen Price; stage directed by Justine Prado Manro. The Friendly Neighborhood Big Band is directed by Mitch Latting, and the Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra with Brian Asher Alhadeff, Music Director and Conductor

Sponsored by: Culver Crest Publications, Osumi Agricultural Company Inc., South County Historical Society, Hayashi Family Farms, Opera San Luis Obispo, an the Clark Center for the Performing Arts.

The Nutcracker in Oxnard

Saturday & Sunday: December 5 & 6 - Both Performances at 2pm | Oxnard Performing Arts Center

This season the OperaSLO Grand Orchestra begins our Nutcracker tour with Ventura County Ballet at the glorious 1600-seat Oxnard Performing Arts Center! Nutcracker tradition in a new partnership with Ventura County Ballet! There's nothing like ending the year with a grand performance of The Nutcracker with live full orchestra. Join us in Oxnard and make it a stay-cation!

Saturday and Sunday | December 5 and 6, 2027 | Both Performances at 2pm

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

The Nutcracker in San Luis Obispo

FRIDAY: December 11, 7pm | SATURDAY: December 12, 2pm & 7pm | SUNDAY: December 13, 2pm | Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo

The end of the year means, Civic Ballet San Luis Obispo's presentation of Lorilee Silvaggio’sThe Nutcracker! For over 40 years, the Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo has presented this holiday classic (including 25 years performing to sold out audiences). Lori Lee Silvaggio’s The Nutcracker is filled with all the pageantry, magic and wonder that have made this one of the most enduring holiday traditions around the globe. Audiences of all ages will marvel in this spectacular and professional production, accompanied by the OperaSLO Grand Orchestra conducted by Maestro Brian Asher Alhadeff.

Friday, Dec. 11th at 7pm

Saturday, Dec. 12th at 2PM and 7PM

Sunday, Dec. 13th at 2 PM

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

The Nutcracker in Santa Barbara

FRIDAY: December 18, 6pm | SATURDAY: December 19, 2pm & 7:30pm | SUNDAY: December 20, 2pm | Granada Theater Santa Barbara

The end of the year means The Nutcracker, Santa Barbara-style at one of California's most beautiful venues - the historic Granada Theatre. Audiences of all ages will marvel at the magic and wonder of this spectacular and professional production by Santa Barbara's State Street Ballet, accompanied by the OperaSLO Grand Orchestra conducted by Maestro Brian Asher Alhadeff. 

Friday, December 18: 6pm (NEW ADDED PERFORMANCE 2025!)

Saturday, December 19: 2pm and 7:30pm

Sunday, December 20: 2pm

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!