Potlucks and Performances: The Holidays at Turner
Throughout December, our residents and the Turner team have come together to embrace the holiday season in ways that celebrate the warmth and richness of our community, through music, community gatherings, and neighborly generosity.
TMFI’s Jazzy Christmas
The Turner Foundation Music and Imagination (TFMI) Program brought the smooth sounds of jazz and R&B to Sazon Latino and Catering (located in Santa Barbara’s Westside Community), where 13 young musicians performed for an enthusiastic crowd of around 45 guests. The evening featured two ensembles, the A Combo and B Combo, each bringing their own energy to a setlist that spanned classic and contemporary artists.
“This is a space where students can take pride in their progress while strengthening bonds within their community.”
The A Combo featured guitar, bass, vocals, drums, and saxophone, while the B Combo added a piano player to round out their sound. Together, they worked through songs by SZA, Daniel Caesar, B.B. King, and Amy Winehouse, blending these selections with Christmas tunes by similar jazz artists that gave the evening a seasonal warmth.
The audience was fully engaged throughout the performance, responding to the musicians with cheers and applause during standout vocal runs and instrumental solos. The enthusiastic response from parents and friends reflected the students' growth as musicians and performers.
Our Christmas Potlucks
Meanwhile, at the Village and Lighthouse, each space came alive with Christmas decorations that created a festive atmosphere for around 60 people, all gathered to celebrate the season.
The event showcased the rich cultural traditions of our families through an impressive potluck spread. Staff members brought dishes, with Matt and Justin making nachos and Kyle preparing a mushroom casserole. Guests also arrived with dishes including homemade pozole, chicken chili verde, and stew, alongside macaroni salad, rice, conchas, jello pudding and more. All these culinary contributions created a feast that honored the diverse backgrounds within our community.
That being said, the highlight of the night came during the present opening, with excited students shaking their wrapped gifts in anticipation. This is made possible by the congregation at OceanHills Church through their Christmas tree ornament tradition carried out over the last several years. We are appreciative of church members who selected an ornament representing a child, as well as a QR code listing a gift requested by them.
With an unmatched eagerness, kids opened their presents to reveal lego sets, stuffed animals and even a digital camera. One child, Joshua, received a fishing rod and tackle box and couldn't wait to go fishing with his dad.
The atmosphere throughout the evening was warm and inviting, creating a safe space where residents felt comfortable celebrating together. Students happily serenaded their peers with ukuleles, filling the air with the melodies of “Jingle Bell Rock”.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
These celebrations capture what makes the holiday season special here at Turner: the commitment of our students, the efforts of our team, and the enthusiasm of our residents and their families all coming together to honor traditions and create memories that will last well beyond the festivities.
As we celebrate with our residents and their families, we wish you and yours a wonderful Christmas filled with holiday spirit, laughter, and the company of those you hold dear. May your season be bright and your new year full of promise.