Shakey Quakey

Santa Barbara, CA –  This year, Santa Barbara is commemorating the 100th anniversary of the earthquake that changed the course of the city’s history. Early in the morning of June 29, 1925, a powerful earthquake shook the area, toppling chimneys, damaging or destroying 74 downtown buildings, and claiming eleven lives. Read more information at in the Independent.

Shakey Quakey Ensemble rests in the Park after the Parade

In tandem with the events around this anniversary, Jon Smith of the Environment Makers created a Solstice Parade Ensemble featuring Santa Barbara buildings, including the Granada, the Californian and the Mission.  This motley collection of edifices independently rolled up Santa Barbara Street, surrounded by a cast of  people dressed in 1920s style - Go Flappers! They all bop to the sounds of the roaring 20s hit parade. Here's a description:

"Suddenly, there’s an ominous screech in the music, and all the buildings and cast begin to shake. 'Shaking' music takes over, and the cast encourages the Solstice spectators to also shake it up.   A noise of devastation takes over, and four of the buildings partially collapse. Suddenly, everything goes quiet.  In unison, the cast yells out, 'Let’s rebuild!' And, with their help, all the buildings go back up again to the tune of 'Happy Days are Here Again, and Shakey-Quakey ’25 continues up the street toward Alameda Park." 

Shakey Quakey Ensemble on State Street as part of June 28 Street Fair