Santa Barbara Bowl Outreach & Children’s Creative Project Welcomes 2,200 Students for Kids At The Bowl Cultural Performance and Art of Remembering Workshop

By the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation’s Outreach

The Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation’s Outreach program, in partnership with  Children’s Creative Project, a non-profit of the Santa Barbara County Education  Office, proudly presents the annual Kids At The Bowl event. Over 2,200 middle and  high school students from across Santa Barbara County are welcomed for a vibrant  cultural performance and workshop. 

This year’s featured performance, Vivan Los Muertos by acclaimed East L.A. band Las  Cafeteras, brings the traditions of Día de los Muertos to life through a dynamic blend of  music, dance, poetry, and visual storytelling. Adapted from their full-stage production  Hasta La Muerte: A Day of the Dead Show, the presentation offers students a powerful  and immersive experience of Indigenous heritage and community celebration. 

Beginning in the early 1990s, Children’s Creative Project (CCP) and the Santa  Barbara Bowl Foundation have partnered to bring thousands of students to the Bowl  for culturally responsive and engaging arts experiences. From music and dance to  physical theatre and inclusive programming, this collaboration continues to provide  equitable access to the arts across the region.  

“Las Cafeteras bring an incredible energy to the stage, blending Afro-Mexican rhythms,  electronic beats, and socially conscious lyrics,” said Rick Boller, CEO at the Santa  Barbara Bowl Foundation. “Their performance is not only entertaining—it’s a  meaningful invitation for students to explore identity, tradition, and the connective  power of art.” 

Following the performance, Santa Barbara High School students will participate in  a post-show workshop on stage titled The Art of Remembering with Las Cafeteras. In  the spirit of Día de los Muertos, the workshop invites students to engage in the sacred practice of remembering. Through storytelling, poetry prompts, and collective sharing,  participants will explore how honoring the past can help shape their future. The  experience encourages reflection, connection, and cultural appreciation. 

Karen Kerns, Board Chair of the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation, shared: “Kids At The Bowl is one of the most joyful and impactful days of our year. We’re  honored to host students from every corner of the county and present performances  celebrating culture, inclusion, and creativity. The Bowl is committed to being a place  where all young people feel welcome and inspired.” 

The Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation’s Outreach program has supported youth arts  education for over 30 years, investing millions in grants, instruments, artist residencies,  and subsidized tickets. Kids At The Bowl is a cornerstone of this work, offering  students a rare opportunity to experience live performance in one of the region’s most  iconic venues. 

Now celebrating 50 years of arts education impact, Children’s Creative Project (CCP) has brought students to professional cultural performances through its annual student  event since 1981. Events like Kids at the Bowl reflect CCP’s mission to spark curiosity and cultivate creativity through inclusive, high-quality arts education for all students— from preschool through high school. 

Susan Salcido, Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools, added: “The arts are essential to a child’s development. We’re proud to support Kids At The  Bowl, which gives thousands of students access to a world-class performance and a  chance to experience the magic of the Santa Barbara Bowl—many for the first time.  This opportunity goes beyond entertainment; it cultivates cultural appreciation, sparks  curiosity, and connects young people to traditions that enrich our entire community.” 

About Children’s Creative Project 

Children’s Creative Project (CCP) brings high-quality visual and performing arts  experiences to more than 70,000 students each year through school-based residencies  and professional performances. For 50 years, CCP has supported creativity, cultural  connection, and equitable arts access across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo  counties. CCP is also known for producing the beloved I Madonnari Street Painting  Festival, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026. Learn more at ccp.sbceo.org 

About Santa Barbara Bowl 

Built in 1936 as a WPA project, the Santa Barbara Bowl is one of the world’s most  scenic and intimate outdoor amphitheaters. The Bowl hosts top-tier artists and serves  as a hub for community arts engagement. Learn more at sbbowl.com.