Students from across Santa Barbara County experienced a vibrant cultural showcase at the iconic Santa Barbara Bowl on Saturday, as part of the annual “Kids at the Bowl” outreach program. The performance, presented by the acclaimed group Step Afrika!, featured rhythmic foot‑stomping, hand‑clapping and vocal chants that turned the historic amphitheater into a living classroom.
Program partnership brings arts to youth
The event was a collaborative effort between the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation’s Outreach Program and the Children’s Creative Project, a nonprofit supported by the Santa Barbara County Education Office. Executive Director Kai Tepper Jahnke explained that the program aims to foster inclusivity by allowing any child—regardless of school or background—to create music with their own bodies, saying, “Anyone who can stomp their feet and clap their hands can make sound and spark joy.”
Students react to the performance
Arden Kim, a student at Santa Barbara Middle School, described the experience as “pretty awesome” and noted it was her first time seeing a step show. “Honestly I never have seen anything like that before,” she said. Another participant, Mack Flanigan, added, “It was very inspiring, it showed a lot of culture, the dancing. It was new, it was fun. I liked it a lot.”
Step Afrika! blends tradition and movement
Step Afrika! combines the percussive traditions of historically African‑American fraternities and sororities with traditional African dance and contemporary movement. Their performances incorporate storytelling, humor and audience participation, inviting students to join in the rhythm. The troupe has toured more than 60 countries and performed at the White House Juneteenth celebration.
Outreach program’s lasting impact
For more than three decades, the Santa Barbara Bowl Outreach has invested in youth performing arts through grants, artist residencies, subsidized tickets and special events. Staff members describe “Kids at the Bowl” as a cornerstone of their mission, introducing young audiences to live performance in one of the region’s most iconic venues.
Approximately 2,000 children attended, traveling from Santa Maria, Guadalupe, Orcutt, Santa Ynez, Santa Barbara, Carpinteria and even Kern County. Many participants reported that this was their first visit to an outdoor amphitheater, making the experience both educational and memorable.
Looking ahead
The Santa Barbara Bowl will continue its tradition of pairing world‑class touring acts—such as Bob Dylan, Diana Ross, Trevor Noah, David Byrne and James Taylor—with community‑focused programs that enrich local youth. Organizers hope the success of this year’s show will inspire more schools to join future performances, reinforcing the Bowl’s role as a cultural hub for families across the county.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
