From classical to pop and every style in between, The Granada Theatre has been the place for musical legends to showcase their talent on the Central Coast over the last century.
Early Years
When The Granada opened in 1924, it hosted many variety and vaudeville shows featuring the day’s top performers. Musical acts also accompanied the silent film screenings.
In 1949, Doris Day took the stage to perform the big band tunes for which she was known before embarking on her acting career. That same year, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers brought their dancing and singing prowess to the stage. While Astaire is remembered for his legendary dancing, he also popularized many Irving Berlin and Cole Porter songs through his movie performances.
1950s and 1960s Legends
In 1954, Harry Belafonte took to The Granada stage to share his trademark calypso music with Santa Barbara. The musician was a three-time Grammy Award winner, National Medal of Art winner and Kennedy Center Honoree. In addition to his music, Belafonte was known for his work with the civil rights movement and was a close confidant of Martin Luther King Jr.
Dave Brubeck, considered one of the foremost talents in “cool jazz,” performed at The Granada in 1956. He earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys and was inducted into the California Hall of Fame in 2008.
In the 1960s, the biggest names of the day, including Leonard Bernstein with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, Pearl Bailey, Louis Armstrong and Van Cliburn, performed at The Granada.
A New Era at The Granada
When The Granada reopened in 2008 after a multi-year, multi-million-dollar renovation, it was easy to see why today’s top talent clamored to play on its stage.
The Granada’s new sound system ensures that every seat in the theater receives rich, consistent sound, making it a dream venue for musicians.
In its first season after the renovation, nine-time Grammy award winner Natalie Cole delighted audiences with her blend of R&B and pop. Country legend Wynonna Judd brought a bit of Nashville to town, while Gladys Knight stirred the soul of Santa Barbara and Bobby McFerrin urged the audience to “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.”
Broadway singers Josh Groban and Patti LuPone kicked off a new decade at The Granada and Bryan Adams rocked the crowd, playing many of his number-one hits.
The lineup of musicians who performed during the 2010s reads like a list from a Music Hall of Fame. In 2011, legendary blues musician B.B. King, called the most influential electric guitarist of the last half of the 20th century, delighted audiences with his unique sound. Dave Koz and Roberta Flack shared the wonders of jazz and soul with Santa Barbara.
In 2014, the incomparable Tony Bennett graced the stage and in 2015, Patti Smith and Chicago packed the house. Six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald brought Broadway tunes to The Granada in 2014 and 2018. California’s own Kenny Loggins took to the stage in 2017 and in 2018, The Beach Boys brought Good Vibrations to town.
In the 2020s, The Granada has featured many tribute concerts to musical greats and presented outstanding classical music performances. In addition to broadening the range of musical performances and artists, we’ve presented classic movies on the big screen at affordable prices to emphasize the message to all of Santa Barbara during The Granada’s Centennial Year: This is Your Granada.
Check out the latest music legends performing at the Granada here.