Montecito Miscellany

Monte ito Miscellany by Richard Mineards

Social Distance Serenades Richard covered the Royal Family for Britain’s Daily Mirror and Daily Mail, and was an editor on New York Magazine. He was also a national anchor on CBS, a commentator on ABC Network News, gossip on The Joan Rivers Show and Geraldo Rivera, host on E! TV, a correspondent on the syndicated show Extra, a commentator on the KTLA Morning News and Entertainment Tonight. He moved to Montecito 13 years ago.

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MONTECITO JOURNAL6 “Anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero.” – Fred Rogers oliversofmontecito.com @oliversofmontecito (805) 969-0834 oliversofmontecito.com @oliversofmontecito (805) 969-0834 oliversofmontecito.com @oliversofmontecito (805) 969-0834 NOW OFFERING TAKE OUT AND CURBSIDE PICKUP (805) 969-0834 oliversofmontecito.com @oliversofmontecito S anta Barbara classical guitarist Chris Fossek is looking to the

Middle Ages, when balladeers roamed the land, to soothe our furrowed brows during these most trying of times.

Chris, who has performed at the Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and Rome’s Olympic Stadium, has launched a charming new project, Open Window Serenades.

“As long as we keep our social distancing, we can keep these types of live concerts happening,” says Chris, who is married to former State Street Ballet principal dancer Leila Drake.

For $100 to $350, depending on your budget, Chris, who lived in Italy for many years, and also studied in Spain and Germany, will come to your home and serenade occupants, not to mention a few lucky neighbors – who might care to chip in – from his extensive musical repertoire, be it classical, flamenco, Eastern European folk music, and even rock ‘n’ roll for a 45-minute personal concert.

Having heard him many times over the years, including when he would entertain in the bar at Ty Warner’s Biltmore, I can certainly attest to his abilities.

“I know I am not alone in saying that simple uplifting moments from ‘times before’ are more precious than ever,” says Chris. “I am really inspired

to do this. It is very simple. I set up a safe distance from your house, and anyone inside can open a window or sit on the patio with a glass of wine or cup of tea while I serenade you.

“If there are neighbors close by, they can open their windows too. We can all get a taste of that old ‘Happy Hour’ normal for a moment and I get a feeling of giving something meaningful to people, which is a connection I really miss these days. It’s about sharing the unique joy music can bring despite the challenges at present.”

And why not gift a serenade to a friend or loved one to help their spirits too?

Chris can be reached on 805-455- 1005 or e-mail chrisfossek@gmail.com.

Somber Prediction

Santa Barbara Polo Club patron Tom Barrack has warned that the U.S. commercial mortgage market is on the brink of collapse due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Billionaire Barrack, owner of Michael Jackson’s 2,700-acre Neverland Ranch in Los Olivos and CEO of Colony Capital, says the effect of the virus could dwarf the impacts of the Great Depression.

He predicts a “domino effect’ that will greatly impact the U.S. economy

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