Centennial Legends
The 8th Annual Granada Theatre Legends Gala centered on celebrating The Granada’s Centennial by honoring The Granada Theatre itself, together with the two women who were the driving force behind the theater’s restoration in 2008: Susan Gulbranson and Joan Rutkowski. It was a legendary evening of memories, music, and dreams.
The festive night included a catered dinner, the awards presentation, videos highlighting The Granada’s storied history, and live entertainment by State Street Ballet, The One Night Stand Band on the One Night Bandstand, and Euphony, Santa Barbara’s high school show choir.
Enjoy Video Highlights of the Evening’s Events
Welcome by Master of Ceremonies Andrew Firestone
Andrew Firestone set the tone for the evening, welcoming the attendees and reminding them of the Granada’s storied past, its rich history, and the role it has played in Santa Barbara’s cultural life for 100 years.
Celebrating The Granada’s history and The Movie palace Years
From the moment it opened in 1924, The Granada played a vital role as a showcase for the popular new form of entertainment – Movies! In 1930, Warner Brothers acquired The Granada, and for the next three decades, The Granada was host to multiple star-studded film premieres, dozens of Hollywood “sneak previews,” and a showcase for first-run features.
Ross Melnick, noted film historian and Professor of Film and Media Studies at UCSB, highlights the Movie Palace Years and the important role the Granada played in the development of the film industry.
State street ballet: A Tribute to The Granada’s Silent Film Roots
Many of Charlie Chaplin’s silent films were screened at The Granada and several premiered here. State Street Ballet created a touching, nostalgic look back at his most famous character, the “Little Tramp”.
Former Granada Theatre Owner Rob Rossi and the Meeting That Never Happened
Architect and developer Rob Rossi always loved historic theaters and when he had the opportunity to purchase the Granada in 2000, he did so eagerly. Rob had big plans for the theater in collaboration with a group of New York theatrical producers, but a key 2001 meeting was unexpectedly cancelled due to the events of 9-11, which led to a meeting with Michael Towbes that set the path for The Granada’s restoration. Centennial Producer Scott Seltzer introduced Rob to tell the story of the Meeting That Never Happened..
The One-Night-Stand Band on the One Night Bandstand
To showcase the world-class musicians who call Santa Barbara their home, guitarist, composer, producer, and Granada Board member Tariqh Akoni, together with beloved bassist and 7th generation Santa Barbaran Randy Tico, put together an all-local All-Star band for a very special one-night-only Granada Legends performance.
The 2024 Legends: Joan rutkowski and Susan Gulbranson
One night in the mid-90s, Susan Gulbranson and Joan Rutkowski found themselves deep in conversation with Santa Barbara Mayor Harriet Miller at a dinner party. They were focused on the need for a new performing arts center for Santa Barbara. But the conversation didn’t end that night. That conversation led to what became a ten-year effort to generate civic support and ultimately raise the funds needed to renovate The Granada for its grand reopening in 2008 as the home to eight Santa Barbara performing arts organizations, the venue of choice for national production companies, and a performance space for all types of entertainment.
Susan and Joan shared that dream with many other people in Santa Barbara, including Michael Towbes, Sarah and Roger Chrisman, and Sara Miller McCune. Michael Towbes said, “The Granada should be a venue for everyone. Let’s make it a hall for the next hundred years.” And that’s exactly what The Granada continues to be, because of the tireless efforts of Joan and Susan, and all their collaborators.
100 Years: From the Ground Up (in 2 minutes)
Rising from an empty lot on State Street in 1924, The Granada has been our community’s Center for the Arts. In 2005, the Granada undertook a 3-year complete restoration, from the ground up, with a gala reopening in 2008. Santa Barbara videographer Dana Morrow chronicled the entire reconstruction project. Here, he highlights the entire process: 3 years in 2 minutes.
Looking, With Excitement, to the Future: Santa Barbara’s Youth
Euphony is a city-wide competition show choir comprised of performers from all high schools in Santa Barbara – triple threat performers who sing, dance and act their way through a mini musical performed as an ensemble. The vision of Euphony is to encourage excellence and growth in performers who wish to pursue the arts as a passion or career and who wish to support each other in their respective school programs while coming together to create something beautiful.
A Toast to the Granada’s Next 100 Years
Andrew Firestone concludes the 2024 Granada Legends Gala with congratulations to our 2024 Legends, heartfelt thanks to The Granada’s friends and supporters, and a special toast to The Granada’s next 100 years.