Fisher Finds a Way

If a sudden affliction of acute flaccid myelitis resulting in becoming a quadriplegic wasn’t enough to stop Santa Barbaran Grace Fisher from pursuing her musical dreams, the coronavirus pandemic couldn’t contain her from continuing her community Christmas celebration. This year’s Winter Music Showcase from her Grace Fisher Foundation – which was pre-recorded using proper protocols in the Granada Theatre in the first performances at the venue in many months – is anchored by the Solstice Chamber Orchestra premiering “A Critter Fable,” written by Fisher and featuring her artwork. It also stars both Gillies and another local who recently tried his hand at a national singing competition, The Voice semi-finalist Will Breman, plus finalists from the Santa Barbara Teen Star competition as well as the string trio Three for Joy and the Madrigals Alumni Choir.

The show was shot from a variety of angles, and the musical performances were spread throughout the theater, including the stage and the far more intimate Founder’s Room, to create a production to provide holiday hope. 

The Winter Music Showcase will air on KEYT-TV and be livestreamed on Hulu and YouTube at 4 pm on Sunday, December 20. 

Joss Shines On

Montecito-raised singer-songwriter and kirtan artist Joss Jaffe has a new single out that features guest vocals from Dave Stringer, the iconic yoga-kirtan singer and a Grammy-nominated record producer. “Sun to Shine,” which premiered on digital platforms on December 11, is an optimistic number that defies COVID concerns by opening with the couple “Feel yourself protected / as you walk through this world.” Jaffe’s song with Stringer is just the latest in a collaboration that dates back to 1999, when the 18-year-old Jaffe opened for Stringer at Yoga Works in Santa Monica. They’ve since performed together from Sydney to Shanghai over the course of more than two decades. Adding another local angle, the cover art for “Sun to Shine” was created by Julika Lackner, a now-L.A. based artist gaining notoriety for her murals and art installations who first met Jaffe when they both attended Santa Barbara Middle School. Lackner has a piece as part of Sullivan Goss Gallery’s current annual “100 Grand” exhibition, and will participate in a three-artist show at the gallery in February.