Thank you for joining us for
Fiesta Finale 2024
Celebrating 25 Years!
August 4th 5:30 – 10pm
Fiesta Finale 2024
Sunday, August 4, 2024 5:30 – 10pm
El Paseo Restaurant
Join us as we honor Santa Barbara culture with fabulous cuisine, vibrant costumes, lively music and dancing, all while raising funds for scholarships. And of course, continuing a tradition since the year 2000, art comes to life!
Fiesta Costume or Cocktail Attire
General Seating $250 per person
Early Bird Price: $200 until July 10, 2024
Limited Seating Available – Make Your Reservation Today!
jeprofant@gmail.com (805) 705-9179
Special Thanks to our Event Sponsors:
Conway Family Wines, Home Improvement Center,
Bega Lighting, and Brander Vineyard
Fiesta Finale 2023
Sunday, August 6, 2023 5:30 – 10pm
El Paseo Restaurant
Join us as we honor Santa Barbara culture with fabulous cuisine, vibrant costumes, lively music and dancing, all while raising funds for scholarships. And of course, continuing a tradition since the year 2000, art comes to life!
Fiesta Costume or Cocktail Attire
General Seating $250 per person
Early Bird Price: $200 until July 10, 2023
Limited Seating Available – Make Your Reservation Today!
jeprofant@gmail.com (805) 705-9179
Special Thanks to our Event Sponsors:
Conway Family Wines, Home Improvement Center,
Bega Lighting, and Brander Vineyard
Fiesta Finale 2022
Sunday, August 7, 2022 5:30 – 10pm
El Paseo Restaurant
Join us as we honor Santa Barbara traditions with fabulous cuisine, vibrant costumes, lively music and dancing, all while raising funds for scholarships. And of course, once again, art comes to life!
Fiesta Costume or Cocktail Attire
General Seating $250 per person
Early Bird Price: $200 until July 18, 2022
Limited Seating Available – Make Your Reservation Today!
jeprofant@gmail.com (805) 450-2001
Special Thanks to our Event Sponsors:
Conway Family Wines, Home Improvement Center,
Bega Lighting, and Brander Vineyard
The Profant Foundation for the Arts announces their annual Fiesta Finale Gala!
This year our annual event features a gourmet dinner, dancing under the stars, and world class professional entertainment.
Continuing our tradition, this year’s “Art that Comes To Life” is Maja by Eduard Jenner, inspired by Carmen Tortola Valencia, circa 1921. Argentinian singer Camila Lima will bring this beautiful painting to life, with spectacular selections from opera and zarzuela.
GD Tango, the partnership of dancers Guillermo De Fazio and Giovanna Dan, hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, will thrill us with stunning and sultry world-class tango!
The Argentine Tango duo joined forces after bonding over their shared experience of being raised by artistic families, as both spent their childhoods immersed in music and the unique expressions of Argentina’s culture. While Giovanna grew up behind theatre curtains watching her tango dancer mother and musician father on the stages of the world, Guillermo, son of a classical pianist, learned multiple disciplines at his grandmother’s Academy of Argentine Arts and Culture in Buenos Aires. With tango performance art as a part of their heart and soul, the duo has been showcasing their talents around the world together since 2015, and is currently based in Los Angeles, California.
International performing artist Marco Antonio Labastida is known for his lyrical and romantic renditions of classic Latin American songs. Mr. Labastida has been recognized by the Agustin Lara Foundation for his performances promoting Mr. Lara’s music (composer of “Granada”). We are thrilled to have him serenade the audience under the stars at this year’s Fiesta Finale.
Nerea Barrondo and Kaito Yamamoto, international stars originally from Bilbao, Spain and Hokkaido, Japan respectively, join us to perform Danse Espagnole the “Spanish Dance” from Act II of Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake”
Virtuoso flamenco dancer Ricardo Chavez will again join the celebration with his company. Mr. Chavez has a deep appreciation for the art of Flamenco in it’s purest form, which led him to intensive studies in Seville and Madrid, and has informed his performance and teaching ever since. They will also once again thrill the audience with a fiery performance of the dance.
Dancing in the beautiful open air El Paseo will be accompanied by the Martinez Brothers during the cocktail hour and after the performance – under the stars.
Please Join Us at Fiesta Finale 2022 – Make Your Reservations Today!
jeprofant@gmail.com (805) 450-2001
Annual Fiesta Finale Gala for 2021 a huge success!
Due to the pandemic, there was no Fiesta Finale in 2020. In 2021 we did return to the historic El Paseo Restaurant for a scaled-down, but definitely festive Fiesta Finale. Thank you to all who made it happen!!
Fiesta Finale 2019
Sunday, August 4, 2019 5:30 – 10pm
El Paseo Restaurant
Celebrating 20 Years!
Join us as we honor Santa Barbara traditions with fabulous cuisine, vibrant costumes, lively music and dancing, all while raising funds for scholarships. And of course, once again, art comes to life!
Fiesta Costume or Cocktail Attire
Limited Seating Available – Make Your Reservation Today!
jeprofant@gmail.com
Special Thanks to our Event Sponsors:
Conway Family Wines, Windrun Vintners, Home Improvement Center, Hilton,
Bega Lighting, Hampton Inn and Santa Barbara Inn
The Profant Foundation for the Arts announces their annual Fiesta Finale Gala!
This year we celebrate 20 years, in an event that features a gourmet dinner, dancing under the stars, and professional entertainment. Join us this year as we continue the celebration.
Continuing a Profant tradition, the entertainment will feature artwork that “comes to life,” not only with posed actors, but also with dancers and musicians! This year’s tableau will be the painting “Spanish Dancer” by Juan Giralt Lerin, featuring Lakshmi Basile, Ricardo Chavez, Antonio Triana, José Cortés, Haley Conklin, James Garcia, and Richard & Amanda Payatt.
Kristen Salazar and Serge Chmelnitzki, owners of the local Arthur Murray Dance Studio, have won several awards, competing nationally and internationally. They, along with dancers Brittany Petersen and Josh Ochoa, will thrill the audience with Cha-Cha, Bolero, Salsa and Samba!
International performing artist Marco Antonio Labastida is known for his lyrical and romantic renditions of classic Latin American songs. Mr. Labastida has been recognized by the Agustin Lara Foundation for his performances promoting Mr. Lara’s music (composer of “Granada”). We are thrilled to have him serenade the audience under the stars at this year’s Fiesta Finale.
SB Piano Boys, Rhyan and Zeyn Schweyk, have been playing classical piano since the age of 5. Now in their mid-teens, these very talented brothers will perform unforgettable duets.
Virtuoso flamenco dancer Ricardo Chavez will again join the celebration with his company. Mr. Chavez has a deep appreciation for the art of Flamenco in it’s purest form, which led him to intensive studies in Seville and Madrid, and has informed his performance and teaching ever since. They will also once again thrill the audience with a fiery performance of the dance
Dancing in the beautiful open air El Paseo will be accompanied by the Martinez Brothers during the cocktail hour and after the performance – under the stars.
Please Join Us at Fiesta Finale 2019 – Make Your Reservations Today!
The Reviews are in for Fiesta Finale 2018!
“A sold-out crowd of about 175 guests, most clad in Fiesta attire, mingled and danced during the lively reception to music by the Martinez Brothers.” – Santa Barbara Independent
To read the whole article in Santa Barbara Independent, click HERE
“On a beautiful summer evening, under the canopy of the historic El Paseo Restaurant, the Profant Foundation for the Arts’ 2018 Fiesta Finale Gala treated guests to hours of music and performances, concluding the successful Fiesta season in style.” – Voice Magazine
To read the whole article in Voice Magazine – page 22, click HERE
“El Paseo Restaurant, a special spot in the family’s history, serves as the backdrop for the ‘Celebrating Vintage Fiestas’-themed benefit event.” – Noozhawk
To read the whole article in Noozhawk, click HERE
Annual Fiesta Finale Gala for 2018 a huge success!
This year’s Fiesta Finale Gala was held on August 5th at the historic El Paseo Restaurant.
It was a perfect venue to celebrate Vintage Fiestas – listening to Gil Rosas play melodies that were popular in Fiestas past, watching performances of ballroom dancing, ballet and Flamenco, and dancing to the Martinez Brother in the open air restaurant, under the stars. A truly magical evening!
We are pleased that this year’s event sold out in record time! Our annual fund-raising gala makes it possible for us to continue serving the community through scholarships, exhibits and performances.
“A lovely evening… another class event!” – David B.
“Absolutely the best Fiesta Finale that I’ve ever attended!” – Gary S.
“The best Finale yet! I had a terrific time, and I’ll bet everyone else did too” – Jim B.
“The dancing was fantastic!” – Kathleen Y.
Fiesta Finale 2018
Sunday, August 5, 2018 5:30 – 9pm
El Paseo Restaurant
Celebrating Vintage Fiestas!
Join us as we honor Santa Barbara traditions with fabulous cuisine, vibrant costumes, lively music and dancing, all while raising funds for scholarships. And of course, once again, art comes to life!
Fiesta Costume or Cocktail Attire
General Seating
Limited Seating Available – Make Your Reservation Today!
Special Thanks to our Event Sponsors:
Windrun Vintners, Bega Lighting, Brander Vineyard, Conway Family Wines,
and Home Improvement Center
The Profant Foundation for the Arts announces their annual Fiesta Finale Gala!
This year we celebrate Vintage Fiestas, in an event that features a gourmet dinner, dancing under the stars, and professional entertainment.
Continuing a Profant tradition, the entertainment will feature artwork that “comes to life”. This year’s “tableau vivant” will be a recreation of the poster from the 1947 movie Fiesta Brava starring Ricardo Montalban, Esther Williams, Cyd Charisse and John Carroll.
Dancers Kristen and Serge Chmelnitzki, owners of the local Arthur Murray Dance Studio, along with Peter Jensen-Sabol and Heidi Gielisch, will step out of the tableau and thrill the audience with a tribute to the ballroom dance numbers of Hollywood movies in the 1940’s! Richard and Amanda Payatt, Erin Graffy and James Garcia & David Bolton and Gonzalo Sarmiento will also help make this artwork come to life!
Helping with our tribute to Vintage Fiestas, legendary pianist Gil Rosas will share delightful anecdotes of Fiestas past, and conjure memories of those historic parties, playing unforgettable selections from his vast repertoire of melodies.
Virtuoso flamenco dancer Ricardo Chavez will again join the celebration with his company. Mr. Chavez has a deep appreciation for the art of Flamenco in it’s purest form, which led him to intensive studies in Seville and Madrid, and has informed his performance and teaching ever since. As a treat this year, he and his company will share some behind the scenes insight into the amazing communication and beautiful improvisation that is fundamental to each Flamenco performance. They will also once again thrill the audience with a fiery performance of the dance
Acclaimed dancers Leila Drake and James Folsom, principal dancers from State Street Ballet will perform a selection from Chris Fossek’s original composition Soleaus Canvas. Mr. Fossek is a Santa Barbara native who is also a Top-Ten Billboard charting recording artist and composer. His music has been described as a blend of classical music, flamenco, Eastern European folk music, and rock n’ roll. Mr. Fossek and friends will be performing on August 10th at the New Vic. Ms. Drake, who also serves as the Associate Director of State Street Ballet, has agreed to give us a taste of the amazing choreography which was inspired by this original score, performing a duet with Mr. Folsom.
Multifaceted Entéra The Artist is known throughout the country for her vibrant paintings and detail sculptures. However, in addition to her work in the fine arts, she has a whimsical side that is revealed in her quick and playful cartoon sketches. During the evening Entéra will create these personal one-of-a-kind caricatures for the guests.
Two of our recent scholarship recipients, vocalist Chelsea Chaves and dancer Sofia Chicote, will be available to meet during the cocktail hour, and the Piano Boys, Rhyan & Zeyn Shweyk, will share some of the music of Spain!
Dancing in the beautiful open air El Paseo will be accompanied by the Martinez Brothers during the cocktail hour and after the performance – under the stars.
Please Join Us at Fiesta Finale 2018 – Make Your Reservations Today!
The Reviews are in for Fiesta Finale 2017!
“Milena Kitic… dazzled the audience with selections from Carmen. Another highlight was the creation of a tableau vivant. Ricardo Chavez, Leticia Jimenez and others filtered onto the stage to recreate John Singer Sargent’s “El Jaleo” painting. Then, in a Profant Foundation twist, the 19th-century Spanish scene came to life through a dramatic flamenco performance. Breathtaking!” – Santa Barbara Independent
To read the whole article in Santa Barbara Independent, click HERE
“Aspiring artists inspire Profant Foundation’s Fiesta Finale gala fundraiser. Benefit event at El Paseo Restaurant features the Santa Barbara premiere performance of mezzo soprano Milena Kitic.” – Noozhawk
To read the whole article in Noozhawk, click HERE
Thank you for supporting Fiesta Finale 2017,
the “most elegant party,” and a “breathtaking” performance!
On August 6, guests at our annual fundraising gala were treated to a breathtaking tableau and flamenco performance as well as a stunning appearance by International Opera Sensation Milena Kitic. It was an evening full of masterful performances by musicians and dancers, all set in the beautiful and romantic location of El Paseo Restaurant. The open air courtyard restaurant is a fitting venue for this “most elegant party” of Fiesta, since it holds so many memories of Fiestas past.
Here are some comments from those who attended the event:
“The Fiesta Finale Gala dinner and program was absolutely wonderful!” – Blanca B.
“The evening was perfectly lovely” – Mary C.
“The best Finale yet!” – Jon H.
“I was so blown away by everything… I think it was over-the-top and a huge success!” – Gary S.
“Well done! What a wonderful party, and the performances were incredible! Yes, I plan on attending next year – with tassels on!” – Carol W.
Fiesta Finale 2017
Sunday, August 6, 2017 5:30 – 10pm
El Paseo Restaurant
Join us as we celebrate Santa Barbara traditions with fabulous cuisine, vibrant costumes, lively music and dancing, all while raising funds for scholarships.
This year we are pleased to feature the Santa Barbara premier performance by International Opera Sensation Milena Kitic !
Fiesta Costume or Cocktail Attire
General Seating
Limited Seating Available – Make Your Reservation Today!
Special Thanks to our Event Sponsors:
Windrun Vintners, Bega Lighting, Fess Parker Resort, and Home Improvement Center
Announcing our annual Fiesta Finale Gala for 2017!
This year’s Fiesta Finale evening includes a delicious gourmet dinner and dancing under the stars, accompanied by a program of outstanding entertainment.
We are pleased to present the Santa Barbara premier of mezzo soprano Milena Kitic, known worldwide for her dramatic and sensitive performances.
Originally from Belgrade, Serbia, Ms. Kitic has thrilled audiences around the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Opera, and Los Angeles Opera. She now enjoys sharing her knowledge and love of the art with developing singers at Chapman University and USC’s Thorton School of Music, and has just returned from teaching and performing in Rome, Italy.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this renowned voice in the very intimate setting of Fiesta Finale at El Paseo!
Once again this year – Art Comes to Life, as Richardo Chavez and his flamenco company help us recreate the beautiful El Jaleo painting by John Singer Sargent!
This interactive technique is the Profant version of ‘living art’ in the tableau vivant tradition, which “marries the art forms of the stage with those of painting or photography.” Not only are actors posed to re-create an artwork, but musicians and dancers ‘come to life’ for a complete, engaging performance of what might have taken place in Spain in the 1800’s.
Kristen and Serge Chmelnitzki, owners of the local Arthur Murray Dance Studio, will be back to delight our guests with their amazing ballroom dancing, performing a Paso Doble and a Rumba, and will also be available to dance with guests.
Meet some of our recent scholarship recipients – Robert Cassidy, Maya Rouillard, Jackson Gillies, Alicia St. John, Julia Martyn and Rhyan & Zeyn Shweyk will be available to meet during the cocktail hour.
Dancing in the beautiful open air El Paseo will be accompanied by the Martinez Brothers during the cocktail hour and after the performance.
Please Join Us at Fiesta Finale 2017 – Make Your Reservations Today!
(805) 682-8184
Preview press coverage of the event on Page 14 of the July 20th issue of the Montecito Journal.
Here’s the link… MontecitoJournal.net
The Reviews are in for Fiesta Finale 2016!
“Once again, the Profants carried on the family tradition of delivering a superb evening from start to finish.” – Santa Barbara Independent
To read the whole article in Santa Barbara Independent, click HERE
“It was a conversation in support of art punctuated with laughter, good will, and community pride.” – Voice Magazine
To read the whole article in Voice Magazine, click HERE
Thank you for supporting Fiesta Finale 2016, “the best Fiesta Finale yet!”
At this year’s Fiesta Finale we created a “tableau vivant” of the image below, a 1926 B&W Photograph by J.W. Collinge, which we present through the courtesy of the Santa Barbara Historical Society. The photograph was hand tinted by Peggy Lindt in 1989.
“Tableau vivant” is not only a wonderful way to make art and history come to life, but it is also a tribute to those who keep our Santa Barbara traditions alive. We were thrilled to have participating in the tableau the granddaughter of one of the musicians in the original photograph, Teresa Terres, as well as Diana Vandervoort, who has been managing the annual Noches de Ronda performance at the Santa Barbara Courthouse for the past several years, succeeding her parents who had run it for decades before that.
We were honored to also have several other distinguished community members among the participants: David Bolton, Ricardo Chavez, Misuda Cohen, James Garcia, Erin Graffy de Garcia, Arleen Hurtado, Gabriela Martinez, Luis Moreno, Amanda Payatt, Richard Payatt, Mark Whirthurst, Thea Vandervoort, and Ben Woods.
Fiesta Finale 2016
Sunday, August 7, 2016 5:30 – 10pm
El Paseo Restaurant
Join us as we honor Santa Barbara traditions with fabulous cuisine, vibrant costumes, lively music and dancing, all while raising funds for scholarships. And this year once again, art comes to life!
The Profant Foundation for the Arts announces their annual Fiesta Finale Gala!
The event features a gourmet dinner, dancing, professional entertainment, and honors a few of the people who have – year after year – supported the organization’s mission, and made the journey possible: Joyce Shaar, Craig Case, Barbara Anderson, Dr. Herb and Mareva Barthels, the Wilkie and Henricks Families.
Art Comes to Life – This interactive technique is the Profant version of ‘living art’ in the tableau vivant tradition, which “marries the art forms of the stage with those of painting or photography.” Not only are actors posed to re-create an artwork, but musicians and dancers ‘come to life’ for a complete, engaging performance of what might have taken place in early California. The participants include James Garcia, Luis Moreno, Erin Graffy, Diana and Thea Vandervoort, to name a few.
At this year’s Fiesta Finale we will recreate the Image above, a 1926 B&W Photograph by J.W. Collinge, courtesy of the Santa Barbara Historical Society. Hand Tinting of Photograph by Peggy Lindt ©1989.
Ricardo Chavez and company will present their amazing Flamenco artistry, and Kristen and Serge Chmelnitzki, new owners of the local Arthur Murray Dance Studio, will perform a Paso Doble and a Mambo, and be available to dance with guests.
Legendary pianist Gil Rosas will share anecdotes and his vast repertoire of melodies. Entera The Artist will sketch costumed patrons during the evening. Dancing in the beautiful open air El Paseo will be accompanied by the Martinez Brothers during the cocktail hour and after the performance.
Please Join Us at Fiesta Finale 2016 – Make Your Reservations Today!
(805) 682-8184
Catch the whole story on Page 44 of the July 28th issue of the Montecito Journal.
Here’s the link… MontecitoJournal.net
