Merry Mariachi 

The Arlington Theatre, our town’s largest indoor venue, hosts Santa Barbara’s first-ever Mariachi holiday concert produced by a local organization, in this case UCSB Arts & Lectures. The incomparable José Hernández will lead Mariachi Sol de México in a festive musical tribute to Mexico’s Christmas traditions, offering holiday favorites in a December 7 performance that includes elements of Las Posadas alongside traditional Christmas carols. Sol de México, one of the world’s foremost mariachi groups, has performed for five U.S. presidents and shared the stage with artists ranging from Lady Gaga to the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Grimaud the Great Returns

A generous 14 pieces are on the program when the fine French pianist Hélène Grimaud returns to town under the auspices of CAMA’s Masterseries at the Lobero on December 7. Grimaud, whose contribution to and impact on the world of classical music has been recognized by the French government with its highest decoration, will perform Schumann’s Kreisleriana, Op. 16, as the concert’s anchor preceded by a riveting collection of eccentric piano miniatures, including four each by Debussy and Satie, three Chopin pieces (a waltz, Mazurka, and nocturne) and Silvestrov’s “Bagatelle I & II.” 

Visit www.camasb.org or www.lobero.com