A goal of the Centennial year was to use The Granada in new and unique ways. One thought was to create a “venue within a venue” to enable special performances of a smaller scale. The result was Centennial On Stage, where the audience sat right on the stage with the musicians for an intimate, cabaret-style experience, with room to dance if the music moved you. For many members of our audience, it did just that.

Our Centennial On Stage series featured three vibrant nights of music covering a spectrum of musical styles.

 ANTONIO ARTESE WEST COAST TRIO

An Italian pianist and composer, Antonio Artese has performed across Europe and the U.S. in both classical and jazz genres. His is a modern jazz style deeply influenced by the legendary Bill Evans and the evocative soundscapes of Northern Europe, showcasing an innovative fusion of genres and his exceptional musicality.

The result was an evening where original compositions and classic bebop converged in the refined style of a piano trio setting and featured the beautiful voice of special guest, Brazilian song stylist, Téka. 

Musicians: Antonio Artese – Piano, Jim Connolly – Double Bass, Matt Perko – Drums, Téka – Vocalist and Guitar

NIK WEST

Nik West has been recognized as “the bass icon of this generation” by Rolling Stone and has collaborated with Quincy Jones Productions, Prince, John Mayer, and more. She has been dubbed “The Queen of the Bassists” by Rolling Stone France. And on this night, Nik West was Queen of the Granada!

Nik performed new songs from her latest album, MOODY, seamlessly blending funk, soul, and rock. MOODY has been earning praise as “Genre-Bending Brilliance.” 

Musicians: David Collum – Drums, Lorenzo Campese – Keyboards, Joey Ziegelbauer – Guitar, Kelsie Johnson – Back Vocal

THE GRANADA CENTENNIAL ALL-STAR HOUSE BAND

World-class guitarist, producer, composer and Granada Board member Tariqh Akoni, together with beloved bassist and 7th generation Santa Barbara native, Randy Tico, brought together an extraordinary gathering of musicians and singers of exceptional talent, who share deep roots in Santa Barbara and close ties to the community – its heritage, its culture, and most of all, its music.

It was an exciting evening of music, featuring an array of styles from rock ‘n’ roll to folk/pop, and from a pop/gospel vibe all the way to the blues. 

Vocalists: Tina Schlieske, Hunter Hawkins, Jackson Gillies, Morganfield Burnette, Lois Mahalia, Miriam Dance, Leigh Vance, Angela Michael

Musicians: Randy Tico, Tariqh Akoni, David Delhomme, George Friedenthal, Herman Matthews, Jim Mooy, Tom Buckner, Miguelito Leon