Over 30 displays will show off the various interests of our members and guests, several demonstrators will instruct in a variety of the lapidary arts, including glass bead making, cabochon making, and wire-wrapping, and over 50 inside and outside dealers will offer a large variety of materials related to the lapidary arts, and a Country Store will offer an eclectic variety of previously owned items for the bargain hunter. The “Treasure Chest” gives participants the chance to win a variety of lapidary related prizes, including the top prize of $100. Inside the main show building, a well-stocked snack bar will offer sandwiches, drinks, cake and pie, and Saturday night the Society hosts a fantastic Santa Maria Style Barbecue that has received rave reviews from those who have attended it. A highlight of the barbecue in addition to the succulent beef is the fresh roasted sweet corn.

Orcutt Mineral Society (OMS) is a non-profit corporation that uses monies earned at the annual show (from dealer space rental, food service, Country Store and Treasure Chest activities) to benefit the community. Our public service activities include bi-monthly highway clean-up, donations to Santa Barbara County Health Services for abused children, a canned-food drive for the area’s homeless, educational talks in local public schools, and annual scholarships at Alan Hancock and Cuesta Colleges.

The show is easily accessible via Thompson Avenue off the 101 Freeway, either from San Luis Obispo to the north, or Santa Maria to the south. Admission is FREE! For further information, call 805-481-3495 or 805-929-3788.

In an effort to meet the ever-increasing demand for blood, CCPEC is hosting a blood drive to benefit both pets and their human companions. The Paws for the Cause Blood Drive is Saturday 8-2-08 from 11-3pm in the K-Mart shopping center in Arroyo Grande. Our goal on the human side of the drive is to stock up on as much blood as possible to help our community. On the pet side, the goal is to find donors to help other animals survive surgery, trauma and disease. Please do not bring your pets; we will talk to you there about needs, requirements and protocols for animal blood donation and to see if your pet is right for our program. Appointments are appreciated (call 489-6573) but walk ins are welcome too! Any questions should be directed to Erin at the Central Coast Pet Emergency Clinic.

Menu includes: Menu (subject to change):
• Braised Meatballs w/ a Red Wine Reduction
• Chilled Shrimp w/ a Tomato Vinaigrette
• Blu Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
• Grilled Top Sirloin w/ Port Wine & Mushroom Sauce
• Grilled Chicken w/ Prosciutto & White Wine Sauce
• Roasted Baby Red Potatoes w/ Rosemary Butter Sauce
• Marinated Seasonal Vegetables
• Baby Spinach Salad w/ Pancetta in a Creamy Cucumber Dressing
• Focaccia Bread
• New York Style Cheesecake
• Our special D'Anbino Coffee blend roasted by Joebella Coffee Roasters

Admission price includes wine tasting, dinner, and entertainment. Tickets are non-refundable.

Oak Family Camp – August 4 – 8, 9am to 12noon
San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden
El Chorro Regional Park across from Cuesta College
Fee: $140 per family of 4 ($120 for members of the Garden)

Registrations are open until July 31, 2008.

Junior Police Officers should then plan to gather the morning of August 12 to begin their three-day “training” camp. Children ages 4 – 7 will begin camp August 12th for three mornings from 9:00 a.m. until noon. There will be a visit to the Pismo Beach Police Department where Junior Officers will get a chance to meet and march with a real police drill sergeant. This camp will also be held at the Happy Time Cooperative Preschool located at 1091 Bello Avenue in Pismo Beach. For more information please contact Sara Rugg at 440-0348 or srugg@sloymca.org.

Cost for each camp is $50 per child. Registration can be done by mail, fax, or in person at the Y. For additional information about YMCA programs working to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities in San Luis Obispo County, visit www.sloymca.org or call the Y’s administrative office at 543-8235.

The San Luis Obispo Art Center is open everyday except Tuesday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm now through Labor Day. Admission is Free

At this Powerful Event You Will Learn:
   What is Ideal Prospect Profiling? Why is this important to your business to your bottom line?
   How to build an Ideal Prospect Profile.
   How to minimize the fear of cold calling.
   Strategies for turning cold calls into relationships.
   Strategies supporting the prospecting process.

How You Will Benefit:
   Shorten your sales cycle through building meaningful relationships early on in the sales process.
   Save marketing dollars by focusing your message directly to businesses that are the most suitable to utilize your services.
   Know who your ideal potential client is before you even meet them.
   Learn how to develop a client base of people who you enjoy working with.

“The Western Shore” was produced by John Doyle, a founding member of Irish supergroup Solas. Guest performers include percussionist Fraser Stone (Old Blind Dogs), John Doyle, and Moira Smiley. International release to retail outlets is set for September 16.

Molly’s Revenge recently joined forces with vocalist and accordion player Moira Smiley, an accomplished performer in many styles who has won the Western USA division of the All-Ireland Singing Championships. She travels the world as a performer and teacher in early and traditional music and creates new work in the fields of dance, theater, and film. She has appeared as a member of the Eastern European ensembles KITKA and VIDA, served as Musical Director for Shakespeare Santa Cruz, was National Harmony Sweepstakes champion with her band VOCO, and has many other credits to her name.

"Moira Smiley's songs are captivating, holding the listener enchanted with their telling, and her rich voice captures the essence of great traditional singing." --Shay Black of the legendary Black family

Molly's Revenge CD Release Concert
Painted Sky Studios, Cambria, CA
Tickets $18 at Boo Boo Records or Call (805) 927-8330 for reservations.

The range of art that Nixson Borah has produced and exhibited covers a wide spectrum of media, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and photography. His work has been shown in numerous galleries and museums and is included in private collections on both coasts. The human figure has been a primary subject, and a love of modern dance led him to concentrate on dance photography in Los Angeles in the late 1980s and early 90s. Since then he has been creating digital composites of his drawings and photographs. Retired from a career in southern California as a teacher of drawing and printmaking at Fullerton College, he now lives in Atascadero.

Nixson Borah's work is also included in the Gallery's current exhibit, "12 Photographers in 12 Weeks," featuring the extraordinary images of twelve Central Coast fine art photographers. B-W Gallery is dedicated to the art and craft of black and white photography and we are honored to have their work in the gallery. B-W Gallery is located at 9315 Santa Clara Road, Atascadero, CA 93422. Please call 805-674-0337 or visit our web site (www.b-wgallery.com) for directions and a schedule of events for this current exhibit.

An extravaganza of gaming, glitz and glamour. Play roulette, poker or blackjack. If gaming isn't your thing, pamper yourself with beauty and spa demonstrations from Sephora. Enjoy a fabulous art exhibition and silent auction. Finally, tempt your palate with delectable hors d'oeuvres and Central Coast wines. Pacific Repertory Opera's resident artists will perform for an evening for all the senses! $75 per person. Saturday, August 9, 2008, 7 p.m., Embassy Suites, San Luis Obispo.

For tickets and more information call (805) 541-5369 or visit www.propera.org

Junior Police Officers should then plan to gather the morning of August 12 to begin their three-day “training” camp. Children ages 4 – 7 will begin camp August 12th for three mornings from 9:00 a.m. until noon. There will be a visit to the Pismo Beach Police Department where Junior Officers will get a chance to meet and march with a real police drill sergeant. This camp will also be held at the Happy Time Cooperative Preschool located at 1091 Bello Avenue in Pismo Beach. For more information please contact Sara Rugg at 440-0348 or srugg@sloymca.org.

Cost for each camp is $50 per child. Registration can be done by mail, fax, or in person at the Y. For additional information about YMCA programs working to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities in San Luis Obispo County, visit www.sloymca.org or call the Y’s administrative office at 543-8235.

Astronaut Camp gives children the opportunity to learn about astronaut heroes, planets, and the galaxy, it begins August 18th-20th. Pilot Camp is an exciting look into the life of a pilot and studies airplanes throughout history, it begins August 13th-15th. At each camp, children can also jump in the bounce house and participate in arts and crafts. Fees are $40 and include snacks and materials. Specialty camps are from 9am-11am/1pm-3pm. All camps are for enrichment, learning, and youth having fun! For more information contact Amy Buchanan at 543-8235 x120 or abuchanan@sloymca.org. Additional information about YMCA community programs and the YMCA’s efforts to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities in San Luis Obispo County, visit www.sloymca.org or call the Y’s administrative office at 543-8235.

Sydney Creek
1234 Laurel Lane
San Luis Obispo CA 93401

Join nonprofit professionals, board members, and volunteers for networking, capacity building, and resource sharing at the 6th Annual Lompoc Collaboration Faire on Thursday, August 14 from 8 a.m. to Noon at the Anderson Recreation Center, 125 W. Walnut Avenue. Participate in dynamic discussions on effective nonprofit board service. Looking to build productive staff and board relationships? Learn from active members of the Lompoc community.

Schedule:
8 – 8:30 a.m.
Check in / Set up Displays
8:30 – 9 a.m.
Networking
9 – 9:45 a.m.
Panel Discussion:An Honest Look at Board Development Moderator: Joyce Howerton, The Fund for Santa Barbara
9:45 – 10:15 a.m.
Networking Break
10:15 – 11 a.m.
Breakout Sessions:
Working in Harmony: Composing Board/Staff Relationships Moderator: Pat Brady, Good Samaritan Services, Inc.
A New Generation of Leadership: Succession Planning Moderator: Niki Sandoval, Nonprofit Support Center
Fund Development for Effective Board Members Moderator: Kathy Simas, Santa Barbara Foundation
11 – Noon
Networking

The registration fee is $20 per person ($15 prior to August 1) and includes a contact list of all participants, admission to panel discussion and one breakout session. Display space for nonprofits (3’) is available for $10. Coffee, tea, and snacks are included in the registration price. Register on-line today at www.supportcenter.org. For more information, contact the Nonprofit Support Center at 928-2503.

Inga Swearingen (vocals)
Aaron Wolf (saxophones)
Jeff Miley (guitar)
Dylan Johnson (bass)
Jason Harnell (drums)

Please join us at Steynberg Gallery in San Luis Obispo on Friday, August 15th at 8:00 p.m, or at Firefly Gallery in Paso Robles on Sunday, August 17th at 1:00 p.m.

Reservations are recommended, as seats are limited! Tickets are $15

Location:
Lone Madrone Tasting Room & Herb Farm (Formerly Sycamore Herb Farm) 2485 Highway 46 West, Paso Robles, Ca.

Time:
Saturday's events - 12-8pm
  Pesto Contest with awards!
  Music by Ras Danny and the Reggae All Stars!
  Raffle drawing with great prizes!
  Basil Beer & Ice Cream
Sunday's events - 10-12pm
  Family day - Green Eggs & Ham Breakfast!
  Lawn games for the kids!
  Wine & Cider tasting available for parents.

Raffle Tickets are available at KCBX studios and the Lone Madrone tasting room for $10 with chances to win local art, great wine and tickets to Jamaica!

NIPOMO - The Monarch Club at Trilogy Central Coast presents a free outdoor summer concert series on Saturdays through Sept. 13.

Enjoy fun in the sun and live music from 2 – 4 p.m. Bring blankets and beach chairs to sit on. There will be a barbecue and cocktails will be available from the full bar.

Here’s the schedule for the Trilogy concert series:
Aug. 16 - The Kicks: Roots and reggae.
Aug. 30 - Guy Budd & the Gypsy Souls: Blues fused with elements of rock, jazz and soul.
Sept. 13 - Usual Suspects: Rock and roll dance band.

Find Trilogy Central Coast at 1640 Trilogy Parkway, Nipomo.

For more information, visit www.TrilogyAtCentralCoast.com or call 1-888-458-8379.

I Care Int. is a group of volunteers who pay their own expenses (airfare, hotel and food)and travel to Mexico, Central and South America providing free eyecare and eyeglasses to those less fortunate. Check out our website www.icareinternational.org to find out more on who we are and what we do. The Benefit Evening will feature music and dancing by The House Red Band. We have a Guatemalan chef providing a full dinner for our guests. There will be a silent auction with all types of vacation home stays, art, wine and other goodies!! Five varietal wines from Pomar Junction Winery will be poured as well as Beer and non alcoholic drinks. We are a non political, non religous group who enjoy helping others in need. Come check us out and have a great evening as well. Maybe join us on one of our trips (our last trip three months ago was to Panajachel, Guatemala).

Tickets are $60 per person or $100 per couple. A three day pass to the Avila Bay Athletic Club is included in each ticket purchase!!

Give Lance a call at 440-3433 for more info.

Mark your calendar to experience Gitanjali, a musical group that fills a room with a beautiful, uplifting energy. If you have experienced Deva Premal or Jai Uttal you know what chanting kirtan does for the soul. Chanting purifies the heart and mind and prepares us for meditation. This evenings chanting will be led by Ellen Grace O'Brien and if you haven't experienced her style of kirtan, this event is the perfect opportunity to find out! Newcomers are welcome to this gathering of Spirit.

To be held at: Circle of Spiritual Enlightenment 1500 Lizzie St. Rm. J-2 San Luis Obispo, CA

Tickets can be purchased for $20 in advance at www.spiritualcircle.org, at www.awakeninginterfaith.org, or at Coalesce bookstore in Morro Bay. Tickets at the door are $25. We are expecting a packed house, so suggest you get your tickets as soon as possible.

10-11am Talk/ sermon
1-3pm Class on meditation and spiritual life

Awakening Interfaith Community and Circle of Spiritual Enlightenment are partnering to bring Rev. Ellen Grace O'Brian back to the central coast. Ellen is the Founding Minister of the Center for Spiritual Enlightenment (CSE) in San Jose, California. She is the author of several books, as well as CD commentaries on classical spiritual works and a frequent speaker at conferences and retreats on the value of meditation, and the importance of spiritual awakening to world peace.

Talk and class to be held at: Circle of Spiritual Enlightenment 1500 Lizzie St. Rm. J-2 San Luis Obispo, CA

For tickets, registration, or for more information call: 805-772-0306 or visit awakeninginterfaith.org or spiritualcircle.org.

Chef Ann Cooper, the “Renegade Lunch Lady” (from the Bay area) who’s working to transform cafeterias into culinary classrooms for students and author of "Lunch Lessons: Changing the Way We Feed Our Children,” will be speaking on the healthy, sustainable eating for everyone. Chef Gregg Wangard from the Cliffs’ Marisol restaurant will provide a cooking demonstration on how to cook with fresh, seasonal produce to make practical meals. The same dishes will also be prepared in the kitchen and served to the audience. Audience members are welcome to participate in the demonstration by asking the chefs questions throughout the making of each course. Neal MacDougall, a Cal Poly professor in the Agribusiness Department and the Faculty Director of the Sustainable Agriculture Resource Consortium (SARC) will present an overview of what sustainable agriculture is.

What: Cooking conference with national speaker Chef Ann Cooper (www.lunchlessons.org)
Food: Three-course lunch
When: 12:30 - 3pm Chefs: Chef Ann Cooper, Chef Gregg Wangard and three farmers providing local produce
Where: The ballroom at The Cliffs Resort, Shell Beach
Cost: $15
Tickets available at: www.slofoodbank.org or through The Cliffs Resort in Shell Beach
All proeeds Benefit The Food Bank of San Luis Obispo

Inga Swearingen (vocals)
Aaron Wolf (saxophones)
Jeff Miley (guitar)
Dylan Johnson (bass)
Jason Harnell (drums)

Please join us at Steynberg Gallery in San Luis Obispo on Friday, August 15th at 8:00 p.m, or at Firefly Gallery in Paso Robles on Sunday, August 17th at 1:00 p.m.

Reservations are recommended, as seats are limited! Tickets are $15

Trained tour leaders will take you on a walk through a few of the Reserve’s ecosystems: from sandy beach to the Devereux Slough to a restored coastal dune system. Learn about the Reserve's current restoration projects and its cultural and geologic history while identifying flora and fauna-such as American Kestrel, Coast Golden Bush, and the Globuse Dune Beetle-that make their home at Coal Oil Point. $5 donation suggested, except for students and Reserve volunteers.

Tours occur monthly on the third Sunday from 2:00pm – 4:15pm. Tours for groups or classes over five people are available by appointment if reservations are made at least three weeks in advance. Reservations for tours are required. No reservations are taken on weekends. Tours are capped at 15 people, so early registration is suggested. Contact Leeza Charleboix at (805) 893-5092 or staffcopr@ucnrs.org to reserve a spot. Tours are a program of Shorelines & Watersheds-a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization-and Coal Oil Point Reserve. Funding for the Tour Program is provided by the Coastal Fund and Venoco Inc.

Charlotte Whitaker was born and raised in New Mexico and has lived in the West all her life. Her award winning photography focuses on American western landscape and culture -- primarily cowboy and Native American cultures. Ms. Whitaker resides in Los Osos.

Charlotte Whittaker's work is also included in the Gallery's current exhibit, "12 Photographers in 12 Weeks," featuring the extraordinary images of twelve Central Coast fine art photographers. B-W Gallery is dedicated to the art and craft of black and white photography and we are honored to have their work in the gallery. The reception for Ms. Whitaker will be the last in a series of twelve held in honor of those photographers participating in the current exhibit at B-W Gallery. We invite and encourage all those who have not yet had an opportunity to view the entire exhibit to join us on August 17th.

B-W Gallery is located at 9315 Santa Clara Road, Atascadero, CA 93422. Please call 805-674-0337 or visit our web site (www.b-wgallery.com) for directions and a schedule of events for this current exhibit.

Astronaut Camp gives children the opportunity to learn about astronaut heroes, planets, and the galaxy. It begins August 18th-20th. Children can also jump in the bounce house and participate in arts and crafts. Fees are $40 and include snacks and materials. Specialty camps are from 9am-11am/1pm-3pm. All camps are for enrichment, learning, and youth having fun! For more information contact Amy Buchanan at 543-8235 x120 or abuchanan@sloymca.org. Additional information about YMCA community programs and the YMCA’s efforts to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities in San Luis Obispo County, visit www.sloymca.org or call the Y’s administrative office at 543-8235.

Held in an outdoor tent overlooking the ocean at the Ciffs in Shell Beach, the public will enjoy a farmer’s market-like setting where a chef and their selected local farmer will pair up at a booth. Participants will be able to sample food, chat with the chefs and farmers, and find out more about each. A full bar, wine tasting (5 wineries) and live music will be on hand, as well as a silent auction fundraiser.

What: Approximately 20 chefs pair with local farmers in a farmers market-like setting
Food: Samples provided by chef/farmer exhibitors, wine tasting, no-host bar
Where: The Cliffs Resort, Shell Beach
When: 5-8pm
Cost: $25

For Tickets: Order online at www.slofoodbank.org or visit one of two locations:
   The Cliffs Resort in Shell Beach - 2757 Shell Beach Road 805.773.5000
   The Food Bank in Paso Robles - 2212 Golden Hill Road 805.773.5000

Instructed by Cheryl Dettrick, who holds a Master’s of Science in Business Organizational Management, and is a full time consultant that provides grant development and management services to public and private nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education and municipalities. Her career in grant development spans 20 years and prior to starting her own consulting business, Dettrick served as a strategic planning consultant for numerous public, private and nonprofit organizations for various college grants administrators, proposal reviewers and nonprofit service providers. In addition, Dettrick has written several successful proposals, which have secured over $41 million in funding during her career. She has been teaching Resource and Grant Development since 2002 for the Cal Poly Natural Resource Management Department and is also an associate faculty member at Chapman University where she teaches several courses in Organizational Leadership and Team Building.

The class will be held on Tuesday, August 19 from 9 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at First Bank Of San Luis Obispo Court Street Training Facility, 997 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo. The cost is $45 NSC Members, $70 Nonmembers. This class is open to anyone interested in building, strengthening and exercising their grant writing capabilities. This class is for the experienced grant professional. For more information or to register, call 681-1040 Ext. 10, email us at programs@supportcenter.org or

CA debut! Ahimsa is an Indo-European ensemble performs a captivating fusion of Indian Carnatic music and jazz. The musical partnership between German jazz guitarist Matthias Muller and South Indian master violinist Neyveli S. Radhakrishna with master percussionists Udai Mazumdar and R. Yogaraja. Ahimsa forte presents enchanting and daring improvisational music played with such virtuosity that it is reminiscent of the group “Shakti” and at the same time gives a fresh and innovative impetus which is unique to Ahimsa.

Venue:
SOhO Restaurant and Music Club
1221 State Street, #205
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Date:
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 8:00 PM

Tickets & Info:
Tel: 805-899 2176 ($10 Advance / $15 Door)
www.sohosb.com

The Ensemble:
Matthias Mueller (Guitar)
Neyveli S. Radhakrishna (Double-neck Violin)
Udai Mazumdar (Tabla)
R. Yogaraja (Mrudangam, Ganjera)

SBMUG is holding its second annual picnic! Last year's picnic was great fun! One table will be devoted to a swap meet, so bring your old Newtons, PowerPC, Macs, Zip drives, SCSI hard drives, and OS 9 install disks. It's pot-luck, so bring a salad or dessert to serve at least 6. Or, bring a main course item (meat, fish, or casserole) and receive a free raffle ticket. Family, friends and significant others are welcome. Directions: Take Ward Memorial Blvd. (Hwy. 217) toward the beach, exit at Sandspit Rd. Turn left at the intersection, continue to the beach entrance. Enter the beach area, turn right. SBMUG will be in area B very close to the park entrance.

"Cleverly-worded pop confections that swiftly live up to the pair's billing"--Washington Post

"This pop-folk-funk duo has it all sewed up baby, and damn is it fine."--Sing Out!

Tom and Cary fell in love in the spring of 2002. They started writing songs together almost immediately, songs that describe the roller coaster ride of finding love again later in life. They set out to create something different, not for 13 year olds with allowance money, but for parents with mortgages and divorces. Soon their songs started developing a certain motif; celebrating the experience, the fear, the sexuality, and the longing of those who have actually been around the block.

Marley’s Ghost has certainly earned the mud on their musical boots! Since forming in the mid-80s, this eclectic band has become a legend, building a singular reputation among discerning roots-music lovers for their instrumental virtuosity, ultra-tight four-part harmonies, & animated live performances. Collectively they’re a walking, talking encyclopedia of rhythm & roots, from bluegrass to bagpipes, folk ballad to sea chantey, Nashville twang to Mardi Gras funk, Gospel rave to Celtic reel. They pick everything including pedal steel, dobro, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitars, keyboards, drums, & various exotic stringed instruments all added to the mix. Dining with Andre will be serving up dinners on site (optional for $12) and Stacked Stone Cellars will keep the wine flowing! This concert is located under the shady oak trees of Stacked Stone Cellars in Paso Robles, just a mile and a half from downtown. Call Matt’s Music for tickets and all the details at 805-237-0054. Cost is $15 Check out www.divineappointmentguitars.com for all the details!

In demand internationally and nationally for clinics, private teaching, compositions, live performances and studio recording, Cathy has traveled Australia, Argentina, throughout Europe, and Japan. Cathy created The Vocal Workshop Network in 1997, hosting various clinicians, including herself, every month, sometimes several a month. These workshops cover performance, technique, preparation, studio work, jazz, blues, Brazilian, music business, internet...anything that a singer would be interested in, and many times other musicians and non-musicians are in attendance as well.

v Discussion of Growing, Harvesting, and Preparation of Local Foods
v The Preservation of Food Traditions
v Local Chef Serving Samples of Foods Discussed at Workshop
v Discussion of Food as Medicine by Nutritionist
v Learn What to Plant and When

Presenter: Melanie Blankenship, Owner, Nature’s Touch Nursery & Harvest, Templeton
Chef: Michele Ward-Knecht, Owner, Seasonal Custom Cuisine Delivered, Atascadero
Nutritionist: Dr. Zoe Wells, ND, Naturopathic Medicine, San Luis Obispo
Suggested Donation $10

Contact: westwolff653@yahoo.com or cmfergoda@earthlink.net for more information

Location: The Victoria Hall Theater 33. West Victoria Street, Santa Barbara, CA (on the corner of Chapala & Victoria)

This is a free event, but heart donations are welcome!

August 23 - Castoro Cellars, Hwy46W and Bethel Rd in Templeton. 7PM - $22 (238-0725)
Catered dinner available at extra charge by Giuseppe's, (starting at 6PM, when the doors open)

Peppino has been playing for SLOfolks every August for over 20 years and sells out every year...so please get your tickets early. Here are some examples of what the press and other artists have had to say about Peppino's efforts: "[a] phenom in the same league with John Fahey, Leo Kottke, Doc Watson and John Renbourn." Jazziz "...D'Agostino plays steel-string guitar with virtuosity and complexity...Influences are as far-flung as the flamenco work of Paco de Lucia and the pop sensibility of the Beatles, evident in the songs he's written, which brim with memorable melodies." Chicago Tribune "The music Peppino creates, is like him, generous, lyrical and abundant." Pierre Bensusan "Peppino D'Agostino is one of today's greatest acoustic guitarists and one of my all time favourites." Peter Finger

TERRY MILLER - BASS
Terry is currently involved and playing with Tom Montgomery's Astor Piazzolla's "Montango", Mike Miller, Tom Scott, The Steve Miller Band, The Harry James Orchestra, Anne Kosich, Les Misérables, Marcus Luvett's "the phantom of the opera" and occasionalyl tours with Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead. Most recently, Terry has performed/recorded with, Bob Wier, Tommy Johnson, Michael McDonald, Vince Gil & Amy Grant, Little Anthony and the Imperials and Dave Coz.

KARL PERAZZO - Percussion
Karl Perazzo since the age of 2 has played some kind of drum or another. At age 7, he played in a band that his mother and father formed. From there he became unstoppable and went on to play with Cal Tjader while only in the 6th grade. Karl has played on numerous Santana albums including the 11 Grammy nominated Supernatural.

The cost is free to Y members, and $10 per session to any non-member. You can sign up at the member services desk at the YMCA located at 1020 Southwood Drive or by email to ldow@sloymca.org. The guitar classes are sponsored by Blue Note Guitars which is located at 3220 Broad Street, Suite 100 in San Luis Obispo. For more information, please call 805-541-6188. For additional information about YMCA programs working to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities in San Luis Obispo County, visit www.sloymca.org or call the Y’s administrative office at 543-8235.

The solution to menopausal symptoms, infertility and PMS. Discover the most effective, natural solutions to these common health problems. A community workshop presented by the Foundation for Wellness Professionals. Advanced registration required. $5 donation suggested, all proceeds benefit The Smile Train charity. Limited to the first twenty callers. 7pm-8pm at the Goleta library. Call Today to register: (805) 966-5446 x 220 ShanaLauerAcupuncture.com

We are pleased to offer an opportunity for an evening of sharing and conversation with Gabriel Howearth, co-founder of Seeds of Change, the foremost GMO free organic seed bank company in the world. Joining him will be Dr. Adam Green, assistant professor of Biology and Director of the Santa Barbara City College Center for Sustainability (http://sustainability.sbcc.edu), and Dr. Robert Bruegel, founder of OlaBrisa Eco-village development(www.OlaBrisa.com) in southern Baja California.

Buena Fortuna, the botanical gardens of Gabriel Howearth, are a case study in the creation of biodiversity. Located in the desert of Southern Baja California, Howearth tends more than 4,000 different native and introduced plant species that co-exist on nearly 10 acres. The entire Baja peninsula has only approximately 2,700 plant species. The 4,000-plus species under Howearth's care make an astounding vision that steadily expands as he adds more species. Gabriel Howearth is a Botanist, Landscape Architect and Seedsman. He is the founder of Buena Fortuna Botanical Garden, located in Baja Mexico (3700 plant species of the tropical and dry tropical regions).

This event is also your opportunity to buy raffle tickets to win some amazing prizes. Again, the proceeds from this raffle will support the Community Counseling Center. This year the raffle prizes include: a mixed lot of six cases (72 bottles) of wine donated and signed by local politicians, county characters, artists, and even one or two national celebrities. Second place winners will receive a mixed lot of six large format (magnum and three-liter) bottles from local wineries; third place wins a condo in Puerto Vallarta for a week. WFC is also offering several water colors and prints from well-known local artists. Raffle tickets are $100 and only 150 will be sold.

For more information on Women for Community and the Hit and Giggle golf tournament coming up on September 14th, click to www.womenforcommunity.org. WFC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of living for all San Luis Obispo County residents by supporting organizations providing health and human services to county residents. They have contributed nearly $100,000 since their first tournament in 2004.

Tickets for the event are $35, $15, and $50 for the poker tournament. The Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling Kim & Co Salon and Day Spa at 541-5424. A $35 Ticket includes local Food, Beer & wine Tasting, entertainment and all the fun you can stand! A $50 ticket gets you all of this plus a seat at the poker tournament; a $15 ticket gets you one mini spa service; (must be accompanied with a door ticket). Mini Spa Services offered that evening include Massages, Manicures, Pedicures, professional Make-up, Hair Styling, Facial, and Foot Reflexology; Make sure to schedule your service right away as they fill up fast! All proceeds will benefit Central Coast funds for Children. Guys and Gals will also enjoy a performance of Tahitian and Hula dancing and they can try their hand at the Poker Tournament, and also Bid on one or more of the incredible auction items. Remember it’s all for a good cause- All the Money raised benefits CCFC.

So come and help us make a difference on August 28th from 5-9 p.m. You don’t want to miss it, people are still talking about the last event, See you there! For more information and tickets, please call Kim and Co Salon and day Spa @ 541-5424. 2103 Broad St. San Luis Obispo, Ca 93405 www.kimandcosalon.com

The Socotran Archipelago has such a unique assemblage of animal and plant species that it has been described as an Arabian Eden. For a rather small, xeric island, Socotra has a remarkable level of endemism (about 32%) in its plants and many endemic reptiles, invertebrates and birds besides. Some classic plants from Socotra include the dragon tree (Dracaena cinnabari), bottle trees (Adenium), the eccentric cucumber tree (Dendrosicyos) and the only other species of pomegranate, Punica protopunica. Geographically and politically remote, the islands have been difficult of access until recently. In ancient times it was called the Isle of Bliss and its biological significance is matched by its natural beauty.

Socotra is considered the "jewel" of biodiversity in the Arabian sea. The long geological isolation of the Socotra archipelago and its fierce heat and drought have combined to create a unique and spectacular endemic flora. Botanists rank the flora of Socotra among the ten most endangered island floras in the world. The archipelago is a site of global importance for biodiversity conservation.

The lecture is free but donations are welcome. For more information, people can call the SLO Botanical Garden at 805/541-1400 x 300.

From working with the aboriginals in the Australian outback, to greening the desert in the Dead Sea of Jordan (see video www.youtube.com/watch?v=sohI6vnWZmk), to providing post tsunami reconstruction in Thailand and New Orleans, Geoff Lawton has done it all; thinking and acting both locally and globally. Geoff work takes you on an adventure you won't forget. Hear about his life and times in permaculture, his journey, work, challenges, and opportunities.

Geoff Lawton is one of the world's foremost experts in permaculture, providing consulting, designing, teaching and project implementation for clients that include private individuals, groups, communities, governments, aid organizations, non-government organizations and multi-national companies. Lawton has served clients in 17 different countries, including Jordan , Iraq , Egypt , USA , Mexico , Macedonia , Vietnam , Costa Rica , Brazil , Ecuador, Peru , England , Denmark , Australia and the South Pacific. Permaculture Research Institute ( www.permaculture.org.au ).

The evening lecture takes place Thursday, August 28, 2008, at 7:30 pm at Santa Barbara City College, East Campus, Rm EBS 309, 721 Cliff Drive. No reservations are required and the event is free. Sponsors for the event are the Santa Barbara City College Center for Sustainability ( http://sustainability.sbcc.edu) , the Santa Barbara Permaculture Network, and Santa Barbara Adult Education Programs. For more information, please call (805) 962-2571, margie@sbpermaculture.org or www.sbpermaculture.org.

Mark your calendar for Friday, August 29 to spend an evening at the San Luis Obispo County YMCA as local artists present music, poetry, short stories, photography, paintings and much more. Share your artistic talents or just feel free to enjoy a warm beverage and a delicious treat while you are entertained by others in our community. This free evening is presented by the Y-Arts Program and will run from 7:30 – 9:00PM (doors open at 7:15pm) at the YMCA’s Main Facility at 1020 Southwood Drive off Laurel Lane in San Luis Obispo.

Admission is free and everyone is welcome. Donations are greatly appreciated to support the Y-Arts program and beverages and desserts will be sold for a nominal fee. Persons interested in attending should pick up a free ticket at the YMCA, as seats may be limited. For more information or to register your talent, please contact Nathan Asher nasher@sloymca.org or Lana Dow ldow@sloymca.org or call the Member Services Counter at 543-8235.

The YMCA offers a variety of introductory art classes. Currently classes in Beginning Drawing and Beginning Acrylic Painting are underway. Drawing is offered through August 28, on Thursdays from 1:00pm- 2:30 and Painting will run through August 26, on Tuesdays 1:00pm to 3:00. Both classes are held at the YMCA’s San Luis Obispo facility. The classes are free for YMCA members and $25 per series for non-members. For more information contact Lana Dow or the Y’s Member Services Counter.

For more information about other YMCA programs and its efforts to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities in San Luis Obispo County, visit www.sloymca.org or call the Y’s administrative office at 543-8235.