With long nights and temps continuing to dip down, what better way to pass the time than with a good film… or band, or exhibit. This winter, the artistic powers that be bring us more lively concerts (Interpol, Jackson Browne), historic performances (Santa Barbara Dance Theatre’s 20th Anniversary, the Vienna Philharmonic’s stop at the Granada), and celebrity-filled celebrations (the 26th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Fest) than most communities our size see all year. In the following pages, you’ll find our go-to guide for this season’s must-catch arts events. So bundle up and get ready to take it all in, because winter 2011 is shaping up to be the best “off-season” we’ve had yet. For a full listing of Santa Barbara events, visit independent.com/events.